A Chapter of Accidents
A Series of Disasters which Have Happened During the Past Week
Chenango Union, August 26, 1897
The past week has been full of Accidents. Some have been fatal, others dangerous, and others would have escaped without attention if they did not form a part of an unusual series of disasters which clustered so closely together as to throw an awe over the superstitiously inclined.
Death of a Brakeman
William Schrum, a brakeman employed on the O.&W., was caught between the bumpers of a freight car and a caboose, in the Norwich yards, Saturday morning and crushed to death. He was a member of the crew which runs the freight and accommodation running between this place and Oswego. The accident happened while the train was being made up preparatory to going north. Schrum was ordered to make the coupling between the rear car and the caboose. Engineer Weeden, who was leaning out of the car window, saw Schrum's signal to stop and stepped back into the cab to reverse the throttle. When he looked out again Schrum was not in sight. When the train pulled out his body was seen lying between the tracks, the chest mangled and crushed. he was removed to the depot and Dr. Stuart summoned but medical attendance was no aid to the injured man. He lingered in an insensible and almost pulseless condition for half an hour when he died. the body was taken to Oswego on the afternoon train. he leaves a wife and one child. The Coroner's jury decided that death was accidental, and that no responsibility attached to the company or his co-employees.
Crushed by Turntable
Howard Slater, the eight-year-old son of William Slater, Lock street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] received very peculiar and at the same time very dangerous injuries, while playing about the turntable near the junction of the Canasawacta creek with the Chenango river, Saturday afternoon. The turntable is little used by the railroad and is a favorite play ground for the boys, who congregate there.
Saturday afternoon young Slater was one of a number of boys who were riding on the turntable. In some way he fell and was caught between the table and the wall within which it revolves. Just how the accident occurred is not known, but his injuries indicate that in falling he was partially impaled at the rectum and the movement of the table tore and lacerated the buttock, cleaving it from the bone. The bladder was also punctured in several places. The lad was removed to the nearest residence, where he was attended by Dr. Ormsby and Dr. Phelps. The patient is resting as comfortably as could be expected, and if peritonitis does not set in, is in a fair way for recovery.
Wreck at Smyrna
Tramps caused a collision between coal trains at the Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY] switch about 10:30 Sunday night. Trains 81 and 82 were special coal trains, the former moving north and the latter south. Conductor Button and Engineer Weeden were in charge of train 81. As they pulled out of the Norwich yard the train was boarded by a gang of tramps who ran things high handed until the train reached the Smyrna switch, where it had orders to meet 82. The switch is on a grade and just as 82 came in sight the tramps released the brakes and 81 moved out of the switch in front of 82. A head on collision was the result. The pilots of both engines were knocked off. The cab and tank of engine 82 smashed and three cars piled in the ditch. Engineer Collins, of train 82 received a gash on the head, but no other members of the crews were injured.
Jimmie Boyle was taken to the County House last Saturday morning by Superintendent of the Poor, Joseph Winsor, suffering from a broken rib. Boyle called at Dr. Fernald's office Saturday and complained of a pain in the side. An examination disclosed a broken rib. Boyle claims not to know just how the accident occurred or when.
The three year old son of Michael Foy, North Broad street, had the end of his middle finger on his right hand chopped off accidently, Saturday afternoon. With an older brother he was playing with an axe. In some way the younger lad got his finger under the axe which sliced off a piece of it. A physician was called and the wound dressed.
Willie, the young son of Milton W. Brown, was bitten in the calf of the leg, last Wednesday afternoon, by a dog with which he was playing. The wound was cauterized and the lad is experiencing but little trouble from it.
When the Alert hose cart was being drawn up Lock street, Friday afternoon, in response to the fire alarm, a stranger fell into line near Berwin's corner, and caught hold of the rope. A little farther up Broad street he slipped and fell, the cart passing over his right leg. No bones were broken, but the limb was badly bruised. The man did not disclose his identity.
Mrs. Frank Hull, who resides on Rexford street, broke both bones of her wrist Monday night. She stepped out upon the piazza after supper to sit in the hammock, and as she stooped to sit down fell forward, striking on her wrist. Dr. Stewart was called and reduced the fracture.
Broke a Rib
Jimmie Boyle was taken to the County House last Saturday morning by Superintendent of the Poor, Joseph Winsor, suffering from a broken rib. Boyle called at Dr. Fernald's office Saturday and complained of a pain in the side. An examination disclosed a broken rib. Boyle claims not to know just how the accident occurred or when.
Chopped Off a Finger
The three year old son of Michael Foy, North Broad street, had the end of his middle finger on his right hand chopped off accidently, Saturday afternoon. With an older brother he was playing with an axe. In some way the younger lad got his finger under the axe which sliced off a piece of it. A physician was called and the wound dressed.
Bitten By a Dog
Willie, the young son of Milton W. Brown, was bitten in the calf of the leg, last Wednesday afternoon, by a dog with which he was playing. The wound was cauterized and the lad is experiencing but little trouble from it.
Run Over by a Hose Cart
When the Alert hose cart was being drawn up Lock street, Friday afternoon, in response to the fire alarm, a stranger fell into line near Berwin's corner, and caught hold of the rope. A little farther up Broad street he slipped and fell, the cart passing over his right leg. No bones were broken, but the limb was badly bruised. The man did not disclose his identity.
Broke Her Wrist
Mrs. Frank Hull, who resides on Rexford street, broke both bones of her wrist Monday night. She stepped out upon the piazza after supper to sit in the hammock, and as she stooped to sit down fell forward, striking on her wrist. Dr. Stewart was called and reduced the fracture.
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