Madison County History and Genealogy

History and Genealogy



AN ILL FATED CROSSING

A Pan Handle Train Strikes Another Lady at Water Street.

From the London Enterprise, May 15, 1891

In a little more than a year two ladies have been struck at the Water street crossing of the Pan Handle railroad, both of whom died „ one instantly and theother lingering but a few hours. It was on April salesday of last year that Mrs. Scott Chenoweth met her death in a sad manner, the particulars of which our readers are familiar. This time the victim is Mrs. Hill, the esteemed wife of 'Squire Theodore Hill, who was struck at the same crossing Wednesday morning by the 10:45 east-bound train, inflicting such injuries as to result in her death a few hours later. It seems that the unfortunate lady, who resided in the Welsh property on Water street near the railroad, had started from her home to the Jones elevator with a coal bucket to get some cobs. She came up to the track, apparently unaware of the approaching train, for she had not crossed the track when the engine struck her, throwing her some distance. She was carried home where her wounds were examined by Dr. Kirkpatrick, the company's surgeon. A bad cut was found on the back of her head, caused by striking a tie, and whe was otherwise bruised. She lingered until 11 o'clock Wednesday night, when death ensued. Mrs. Hill was in her 77th year and her age was, of course, against her recovery.

Considerable gossip is afloat as to the responsibility of the accident. Learning that Thomas Fraher, bar-tender at Welsh's saloon, who resides on Oak street near the railroad, was an eyewitness to the affair, the ENTERPRISE sought an interview with him.

He stated that he was in his back yard at the time and commanded a good view of the surroundings. He saw Mrs. Hill go out of her gate with a coal bucket but supposed she intended to empty ashes. He next saw her coming up Water street toward the track and just as she stepped over the first rail she threw up one arm and screamed, the supposition being that the woman just then realized her danger. Before she could cross the train struck her and carried her some distance. Mr. Fraher said that not until the engine came up to his yard, when he motioned to the fireman, who jumped down from his seat and ran to the opposite side of the cab, did he notice any slack in the speed of the train, and he feels positive that the engineer did not know of the circumstances until notified by the fireman. mr. Fraher was the first one to reach the woman after being struck and found her lying on the coal bucket with one arm under her. When asked if any signal had been given Mr. Frhaer stated that one whistle was blown between Kemp's crossing and the bridge, none being sounded after that. He also said the train was running at its usual fast rate of speed.

Now if these are the facts in the case, and we have no cause in the least to doubt Mr. Fraher's statements, it is another case of negligence on the part of the company and the blame should be placed where it belongs. One thing sure, the speed of incoming trains from the west must be reduced or else flagmen should be placed at all the street crossings.

Short services were held at the residence this morning, after which the remains were taken to Mt. Sterling where the funeral proper will be conducted at the Christian Church, of which the deceased was a member. Interment will be made at Palestine.

Submitted by June Byrne








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