The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-11-09
BEARD is
KILLED BY TRAIN
Popular Amherst Official Has
Both Legs Cit Off at Danville
and Dies from Shock.
HAD TOLD DAUGHTER GooD-BY
fingered for Last Parting Word.
and Failing to Board His Train,
Is Crushed Under Wheels.
[speelal 70 rhe Tlmes- plspateh.l ]


DANN1LLE. VA. November S.
Sherin John Beard. of Amherst coun-
;y, was run over in front of the
Southern Railway station here short
Is after O'Clock this afternoon by
passenger train. which severtd both
of his legs just below the knee, caus-
ing Injuries from which he died at
1915 tonight while undergoing an
operation at the hospital.
Sheriff Beard. With his daughter
Mrs. Plrkins, OF Sanford. Fla, and her
afternoon on train No. 90 from Lynch,
burg. Mrs. Perkns had been on "a
Visit to her parents and was return,
ing home. 1t was the intention OF
tho sheriff to accompany his daugh-
ter as far as Danville and return to
Amherst. Her husband was to meet
her In Jacksonville, Fla. Just as 20
pulled in the city No. 80, north
bound passenger train. arrived, and
Sheriff Beard, atter kissing his daugh-
ter and grandchild good-by, started
to got on the train. which was stand
ing on the opposite track.
fingered Too Long.
ts fingered for a few parting words
and waited until No. 80 began to pull
out Of the station. He grabbed the
railing on the front of the rear car,
which was Pullman. but was unable
to crawl up. He was dragged for
about 100 yards. wien his feet struck
the car. The wheels passed over his
legs.
Several railway employees, who wit
messed the frightful accident. ran to
the assistance of Sheriff Beard, who
displayed a remarkably cool nerve. tle
gave his name and address, and re-
quested that his relatives in the train
still In the yards be notified
Mrs. Perkins was looking out of the
window of her train, expecting to wavs
her hand to her father but when She
tion that some accident had befallen
him. When she saw the railway men
running out with stretchers she gave
way to her emotions before being In
formed of the injury to her father.
Sheriff Beard was taken 10 the Gem
eral Hospital here. and his wife and
relatives notified. The attending ply
sicians held out little hope for his re-
covery on account OF his advanced age.
The amputation Of the popular officers
crushed legs was begun about 10
o'clock. and he did not survive the
operation.
For many years Lthe victim Of the
accident has been Sheriff Of Amherst
county, and enjoys a large acquaint-
ance throughout the State. The wife
of Sheriff Beard and his son, who is
employed as a clerk at the Carroll
Hotel. in Lynchburg, are expected to
arrive here to-night.
,lt Well lI<noWninntlt Popular.
John p. Beard was about fifty years
of age. and was one OF the most wide-
|ly known men in that portion of Pied
mont Virginia which embraces Ans
herst, Nelson and Lynchburg. He was
a man OF exceptional popularity, and
Ehad been sheriff for many years. Mt.
Beard frequently encountered opposi-
ton. but was nyncible before the !, peos :, :
Democratic leader and always figured
the bitter fshts tha II rs
cent Years. Mr.. Beard trained with
the ant!-campbS, ,sn Wng Of tas party
Of Senator Aubrey q. TStrode He was
a man OF widespread popularity and
being Of a jovial,. whole-souled d1spo-
sttton "a rpade friendS eaSily,