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Struck by fast passenger train No. 6 at Blue Mound about 10 o'clock yesterday
morning, James A. Peabody, a wealthy farmer, living five miles west of that
place was hurled from his buggy, which was
totally demolished, and almost instantly killed. Several
onlookers ran to where the man lay. He was dead when they
arrived. The neck and jaw had been broken. In the meantime the
train had been brought to a stop.
The body was removed to the undertaking establishment of Bradley & Bauer in Blue Mound. Mr. Peabody had come to town to purchase some castings. On account of the cold he had the side curtains to the buggy fastened. Approaching the track he evidently did not see or hear the oncoming train. it is supposed that he was also confused by a local freight train which was approaching from the north.
Sturck Squarely in Center.The buggy was struck squarely in the center. The animal was not injured and was found later a short distance from the track. The passenger train was pulled by engine No. 422 in charge of Engineer Judge of this city. Everything possible was done it is stated to avert the accident but to no avail. Coroner Buxton was notified and arrived in Blue Mound at 12 o'clock. The inquest was held at 1 o'clock. The jury was composed of John E. Matthew, C. L. Montgomery, W. D. Syers, F. W. Huxley, Lewis E. Griswold and James A. McClure. The witnesses examined were Engineer Judge and Fireman Crabtree of Decatur, H. H. Graham, Grant Clements and S. A. Gleason of Blue Mound, who witnessed hte accident from the depot where they were waiting for a train. The coroner's jury returned a verdict of accidental death by being hit by Wabash train No. 6, and did not place the blame. The engineer testified that at the time of the accident the train was going twenty-five miles an hour, having slowed down for the station. He said that he did not see Mr. Peabody until the train was almost upon him. He applied the emergency brake ans stopped the train within 300 feet after striking the buggy.
Victim Widely KnownThe unfortunate man was 64 years old. He was born and reared near Stonington and was considered one of the best farmers in that section of the country. He was widely known by farmers of Christian and Macon counties. He leaves a wife, Mrs. Sarah Peabody, and two children, John R. Peabody, living at home, and Mrs. R. C. Venters of this city. The funeral will be held from the Baptist church in Stonington Sunday morning at 10 o'clock. The burial will be at the Old Stonington cemetery. Mrs. Venters left for Blue Mound at 11:25 a. m. on train No. 9. |