The Republican journal., 1912-03-28
MR.. BARKER DESCRIBES THRILLING
EXPERIENCE.

Was awakened from sleep in his berth when
big wreck occurred, but was rendered un-
conscious by plunge down embankment.
Did not know how he left wreckaee, and
considers escape almost miraculous.
(Elmira Advertiser, March 14th
Captain Frederick Barker, of the firm of
Barker, Rose & Clinton, who was injured in
the wreck of the Continental Limited train on
the wabash Railroad at Danville, ILL.,, week
ago. in letter to Mr.. Rose and Mr.. Clinton of
the firm, tells of the thrilling experience he
had. The letter received here yesterday gives
an excellent description of the scenes follow
ing the derailment of the through train bound
for Kansas City.
Captain Barker was on his way to Sulphur
Springs, Mo-, for his health. Four persons
were killed outright and fifty six injured. DR..
Clarence Barker of Chicago, brother of the
Elmiran, rushed to the injured mans assist
ance when he was notified by wire. Captain
Barker's WOUNDS had been dressed before his
brother from Chicago reached him at the hos
pltal at Danvile. Captain Barker's injuries
consisted of cut on his left cheek and tenn
pie. and severely bruised ankles and wrists.
There were so many injured to be cared for
that Captain Barker's wounds were not dress
ed at once, but he stood the ordeal 4mirably
He even encouraged the other wreck victims
In the small hospital room some of whom were
more seriously hurt.
The Elmiran after arriving at his brothers.
home in Chicago was unable to write letter,
but had it dictated. In this letter Mr.. Barker
describes the sensation of being awakened out
OF sleep to find ones life In danger, and then
the mad plunge down the embankment
Captain Barker had retired to his berth
shortly after o'clock in the afternoon (Thurs-
day. and the wreck occurred about one hour
later. Captain Barker says:
tko 7 i
awakened by the cars being off the track and
the wheels running on the ties. While was
quite stupid nevertheless / realized that we
were off the track and that there was nothing
that could save us from going over. The first
shock l felt was when the car turned down the
embankment, and from that time until recov-
cred partial consciousness knew nothing.
found myself on the side of the sleeper. lying
down, resting my head on my forearm, and
looking about, wondering where was and why
| was there. The only thought had was how
l was to get off the car, and up 10 this time
do not know how did. A gentleman who was
in the same ward with me in the hospital says
he saw them take me out through the car win
dow. Some one must have helped me from
the side of the car, and little later realized
that was being carried up the side of the en-
bankment on mattress was put on a mat
tress. and laid there very quietly for two
hours, but unfortunately the mattress laid on
OIL d
Later was asked if I could walk to the relief
car, and told them that could, but found,
after getting on my feet with man on each
side of me, that this was impossible, and went
down again. was then carried to the car and
placed in with the others on the floor Some
of them were in very bad condition. from the
means and groans heard all the while.
II had sense enough when we reached St.
GATHERINGS Hospital to epdeavor to get pri-
vate room, and told them that l was amply
able t: pay for it. This was p' omised me, but
did not get it. was placed in room with
four other people, and the air was bad and the
heat almost unbearable. The Sisters were ex-
ceedingly kind.
"My brother came for me on Friday. and on
Saturday we left for Chicago l felt that
when l reached the train would have some
reaction and that there would be some fear in
riding. but there was none whatsoever l attri-
butte this to the fact that l was rendered un-
conscious when the car went over st West Le-
banon. and did not know what I was going
through. am now thoroughly comfortable,
although each day develops some new pain,
out there a'- les broken. 1t seems al
mo atler impossibiiity for a person to
roll down enbankment fifty feet and turn
over, as they claim did, and come out with
a whole bone in your body"