The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1902-12-27
SERIOUS ACCIDENT.
Charles McFadden and Wife Severely In
jured In Trolley Accident.

Mr.. Charles McFadden, who was once a
resident of Trevanion, and his wife, who was
daughter of the late Judge William N. Hay
den, and is = sister of Mrs. DIR. George d.
Fouke, of Westminster, were seriously In
jured by trolley car striking their carriage
at an early hour Christmas morning as they
were on their.way to church. The news of
the accident was telegraphed to Mrs. Fouke,
and she left on the 400 p. m. train for An
dalusia
The Philadelphia Ledger of yesterday Fri
day., gives the following account of the ac-
cident:
Charles McFadden, of Andalusia, wealthy
mine owner, and his wife and three children
narrowly escaped death early yesterday morn
ing, when they were hurled from their car
rage by trolley car of the Holmesburg line,
on Bristol pike, above Pennypack street. Mr..
McFadden was thrown beneath the car and
crushed, while his wife was pitched headlong
from the vehicle, sustaining concussion OF
the brain. Her injuries may prove mortal
The children-all boys-escaped with few
bruises.
The family we're on their way to Mass at
St. Domnick's Catholic Church, Holmesburg.
The services were called for at 5 clock, and
as the hour was approaching the horses were
allowed to maintain fast trot When near
Pennypack street the wreck of a milk wagon,
the result OF a collision with car several
days ago, partly blocked the road. Covered
as it was with snow, it frightened the spirited
animals, and in twinkling they made an
abrupt turn in the direction Of the tracks.
CAR STRIKES CARRIAGE.
Not fifty feet away was seen the trolley car,
its headlight casting 6tful CLEANS on the snow
covered roadway. The motorman saw that a
collision was inevitable and quickly threw off
the power The horses had cleared the tracks,
as did the front wheels of the carriage. Be-
fore the rear wheels were free of the rails, how
ever, the car was upon them, and the crash
that followed almost turned the vehicle over.
Mr.. McFadden was lifted from his seat so that
he fell directly in front of the moving car.
Helpless, he lay stretched on the tracks as the
fender passed over his body. The guard in
front of the wheels alone saved his life, as it
pushed him several feet ahead before the car
came to standstill Crushed and bruised
and bleeding from several cuts in the head he
was dragged frsm his dangerous position and
taken inside the car.
While this was being done others went to
the assistance of Mrs. McFadden. She was
lying in the road, unconscious, and bleeding
from deep cash in her head. At first glance
it was thought she was dead, but when it was
found she still breathed she was carried to the
car and placed beside her injured husband.
The boys, Charles, William and Frederick,
aged respectfully 10. II and 9 years, with the
luck of youth, were found practically unhurt
As quickly as possible the pole of the car
was reversed, and Mr. and Mrs. McFadden
were carried to Holmesburg to the home OF
DIR. W. Ell. Morrison, at 1921 Frankford ave.
As the car started on its return journey the
horses bolted, and, freeing themselves from
the traces, dashed up Bristol pike. For more
than mile they fed at breakneck speed, and
it was with difficulty they we're captured.
At the house of DR.. Morrison it was found
sirat Mr.. MeFadaen's jeff ear vas almost torn
off. Besides general eontusions, he suffered
from cash in the temple, his shoulder and
sides were crushed and bone i'll his right
hand was fractured.
THE WIFE UNCONSCIOUS.
Mrs McFadden' injuries were so grave that
it was impossible to remove her from the
house. She failed to regain consciousness,
and at a late hour last night her condition was
reported as critical.
Several hours later Mr.. McFadden was re-
moved to his home in a carriage. His condi-
ton is not serious.
THE LATEST.
At 1120 yesterday morning dispatch to
DIR. Fouke stated that Mr.. and Mrs. McFad-
den were better.