Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-06-27

walking very fast, as was his wont, and
was evidently very much intent upon his
business. As deceased neared the nrst
entrance to the ship-yards an engine rat
tied over the Chesapeake and Ohio trestle,
at the same time the local shifter OF the
Southern railway came down the line
along which Mr. Nelson was walking,
from the Virginia-Street yards. The
engine was travelling. lender first. and
was pulling nine cars, heavily loaded
down the grade, which at this point Is
about / per cent.
DID NOT SEE THE ENGINE.
Accounts differ as to the rate Of speed
at which the train was running The
engineer says he was not travelling more
than four miles an hour while others
fix the rate of speed at different figures,
between four and thirty.
Every witness examined at the inquest
Yesterday afternoon testified That the
whistle of the engine was blown and the
bell was rung. but deceased appeared TO
be perfectly oblivious OF the danger that
threatened him. He was seen TO glance
up at the Chesapeake and OHIO trestle.
and u moment later he turned into the
track by which he had been walking in
DANGEROUS proximity. AT the time the
engine was only 81 few yards behind him,
and he was struck in the back by the
corner of the tender. Two men who stood
upon the platform of the tender attempted
to grasp the unfortunate man, but they
were unable to hold him, and he fell be-
meath the wheels.
1t is believed that the blow received
from the tender must have broken Dr.
Nelson's back, for he uttered no cry and
made no attempt 10 save himself
DRAGGED A GOOD DISTANCE.
The train had travelled sixty-hve yards
and one foot, by actual measurement,
from the place where Or. Nelson was
struck to the point where the train was
brought to a standstll. The track be-
tween these points was covered with blood
and strewn with pieces OF flesh ana
clothing. The body was taken from
under the wheels between the engine and
the tender. 1t was terribly mangled; the
trunk from the chest down was mashed 10
a pulp. and one of the legs, which had
evidently been caught in the switch, was
broken and twisted.
The remains were gathered together and
covered with "a cloth, while the Cor
oner was summoned. They were suisse
quently removed to the undertaking es-
tablishment Of Mr. L. T. Christian, where
they were prepared for burial.
SKETCH OF HIS LIFE.
DIR. Nelson was in the 5sth year of his
age. He was born in New York city. and
was for many years practicing physi-
clan in Bridgeport, Conn. He came TO
Richmond last November and accepted
the position of stOrekeeper with the TrigS
Company. at tho earnest solicitation ot
his san. Mr.. j. A. Nelson, who is superin-
tendent of the works.
DR.. Nelson was man Of splendid
capabilities. He was genial and good
natured and much liked by all with whom
he came in contact. Though his resi-
deuce i'm Richmond had been brief, he
had many friends here and his sudden
death was a great shock to many who
had learned TO respect and admire his
many sterling qualities.
Dr. Nelson was a Widower, and lived
with his son. at No. 9l2 Park avenue.
FUNERAL AT NOON TO-DAY.
The funeral will take place at noon to-
day from the late residence OF the de-
ceased. No. si2 Park avenue. Rev. j. }.
Grayatt. rector of Holy Trinity church.
will ofiiciate, and the ceremonies at the
grave will be conducted by Joppa Lodge,
No. %, Ancient. Free, ana Accepted
Masons Deceased will be laid 10 rest
with full Masonic honors, and he VIII
be buried in tn. Masonic lot.
The pall-bearers will be Messrs. w.
III. Goode. from the government depart
ment; W. II. Woody. r. NJ. Wood f.
Pratt. Thomas Jardine. ali heads OF de-
partments Of the Trigg Company, and Mr..
George Newell.
Evidence Taken at the Inquest.
Coroner Taylor held an inquest over the
remains at the City Hall yesterday after
noon at 8 o'clock. Only the jury and
witnesses were present besides the rep
resentatiyes of the railroads. SupeTin-