The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1907-11-10
DEAD BROTHERS
CARRIED HOME
ON SAME TRAIN
A. D. Beard Falls While
Discussing Tragic End
of Sheriff Beard.
Man Jolted From Con-
ductor' SCRIP DropSUn-
der Wheels of Train.

DANVILLE, Va. Nov. 9-A train
bearing the dead bodies Of two brothers,
both Of whom met tragic deaths within
the day. the one dropping dead while
telling the story OF the horrible death
beneath a train Of the other, left Dan
vile for Amherst, Va tonight.
One Of the dead men is Sheriff John
p. Beard, OF Amherst county. whom
Pullman Car Conductor Reeves, of
Southern Railway train No. 30, tried so
desperately TO snatch from beneath the
wheels Of his train as he left Danvllle
last night. The other is A. D. Beard.
revenue commissioner of the same coun-
ty. who fell dead upon the streets. here
this afternoon while discussing the pre-
vious tragedy.
Both bodies were placed upon the
same. train and sent home tonight
A coroner's inquest viii be held at Am
herst Monday.
Conductors Graphic Story.
The death of John P. Beard comes as
a tragic sequel to the pathetic story
told yesterday by Conductor Reeves
when he reached washington, of how he
struggled to lift Sheriff Beard upon his
train, only to finally feel his hand slip
from his grasp and see the unfortunate
man ground beneath the wheels of his
train.
Conductor Reeves. his voice shaken
by emotion and his appearance indI-
eating plainly the effects CT the terrible
ordeal through which he had passed.
was obliged to tell over aud over again
after his run yesterday Of his efforts to
save his passengers life and the death
he met in spite Of every effort. Sheriff
Beard had come TO Danvlle to place
his daughter, Mrs. Perkins, and his
granddaughter upon a tram Cor Texas.
The good-bys were lingering and Con-
Guctor Reeves train was pulling out
OF the station when Sheriff Beard at
tempted TO board Il for the return Jour
ney.
The mans feet missed the steps.
said Mr.. Reeve. "but he caught the
railing and hung on, frantically en-
deavoring to gain a fOothold. I grasped
his hand to help aim. finally grabbing
his coat with my other hand. He was
large man. and the terrific strain began
10 tell on me. Just then we struck a
switch, and there was the usual jostIs
as the cars passed rapidly over the
rough places. ! felt my grip upon
Beard lOosening. there came a final Jolt.
he lost his hold upon the railing. and
fell. In a second his legs were under
the car wheels. and both his feet we're
cut of.
Death in Failing Grip.
I'VE stopped the train and did all we
could for him. but understand that
he died within an hour or so. 1 shall
never forget the sight of the mangIed
body and the suspense through which
I passed in those few seconds during
which time / chung to him for life or
death. The experience was an awful
one, and something which I trust
shall never have to 90 through with
again. The affair is one of the most
tragic and pathetic in the history OF
the railroads and their tragedies"
Both Sheriff Beard and his brother
were well known throughout Amherst
county and the surrounding section.
Sheriff Beard had held office for
number of years, and was noted for his
courage and ability as an officer.