Gilpin observer., 1913-12-04
ENGINE ovERrURNs AND PINS
MAN UNDERNEATH. scALoIho
HIM TO DEATH-FlREMAN IN
JUREo-No PASSENGERS HURT


that ever took place on the noun
tain division of the Colorado and
Southern railway, occurred last Sun.
day morning, on what is known as
the switchback, between Central CITY
and Black Hawk, and in which En-.
gineer James T. Duffy lost his life,
and Fireman Albert Russell was sew.
erely injured.
The morning train that leaves the
Central City depot at 6:55, with Con-
'ductor Charles Sandstrom and Engin-
eer James Duffy in charge, was round.
ing tie curve near the Sleepy Hol-
low mins, when the tender, which
was preceding the engine, jumped
the track and ran into the bank and
huckled against the engine, throwing
II hon The track. over the bank,
curhing complete snmersault and
plnning Engineer Duffy beneath the
front end Of the Loiler, where he re-
Eained for over two hours before he
was extrscatej, aI.d when finally ta-
Ken out was SO scalded that he died
soon aftcrward. Iirensn Albert Rus
sell was hurled through his cab win
dow. over the engine and landed so
feet below the wreck, where he was
picked up unconscious and found to
be badly bruised about the head.
and after regaining consciousness,
was taken to Central City, where
DIR. Asquith examined him and at
once made preparations to take him
to a Denver hospital. Father Naugh-
ton was sent for and anointed and
gave the last rites to Mr.. Duffy,
while pinned to earth beneath tons
Of steel and iron.
1t was a scene, once witnessed.
was never to be forgotten; to see
that humble and pious man of God
upon his bended knees under that
massive boiler, surrounded by steam
pipes. with steam everywhere en-
veloping his manly form, and, at the
risk of his own life. supplicating In
prayer the salvation Of a spirit that
was about to take its flight to that
haven OF perpetual rest. 1t was also
a pathetic scene, and brought home
the fact to every living witness, the
need of all to lead pure, just and up
right lives, and ever be prepared at
a moments call. He was tenderly
taken by loving hands and placed up
on an engine in waiting and start
ed for Black Hawk, but died before
arriving there. Coroner Hamllik was
notified and removed the body to
the undertaking parlors at Central
City, where 1t was prepared for ship
ment to Denver. Mr.. Duffy's home
was in Denver, where he leaves
wife and nine children to mourn a
dutiful husband and fathers loss.
Coroner Hamllik impaneled jury
Monday morning. consisting OF. J. C..
Freshhutz, foreman. A. E. Henley, ].
]. Hamllik, Geo. Launder, w. Fl.
Johns and Bennett E. Seymour.
Francis Noonan was the first wit
ness called and stated that he was
in the Adams Express Co.'S. employ,
as messenger, also actihB aS ooeeoee
man for the C. & s. railroad. Said
he thought train was running at nor
NAL speed when accident happened.
The engine was running backward as
has been the custom for years. and
he did not examine track after being
released from the baggage car. felt
the Jar when engine turned over,
which also turned over the baggage
car where he was pinned in one cor
ner until relieved. Saw Fireman
Russell Tying on side Of mountain
helped carry him % passenger coach
Could no. get near engine on &C
count Of escaping steam for some
time. Saw Duffy lying under cab