Ligonier Valley Rail Road Newspaper Articles
We have compiled over 1,400 newspaper articles that mention the Ligonier Valley Railroad, or related subjects. The articles were originally published starting in 1873 and our collection runs through 1995. Enjoy!
Indiana Gazette
Wednesday, August 4, 1894
Death Came Quickly
Albert Crissman Mangled on the Ligonier Railroad While at a Picnic. Both Legs and An Arm Cut Off.
In View of Helpless Companions the Young Man Was Ground to Pieces Beneath the Wheels.
Funeral On Sunday A Large One.
The merry picnickers at Idlewild last Thursday came home heavy hearted. After a day frought with mirth and pleasure the sun set on a tragedy, and the victim was Albert Crissman, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Crissman of While township.
Albert went to Idlewild that morning, light-hearted in the presence of his companions and with no though of the awful fate which awaited him before nightfall. He spent the great part of the day on the picnic grounds, and in the afternoon, with a number of other young men of this community took a train for Ligonier, a few miles up the valley.
At 4:15 the train started on the return trip. Young Crissman was walking along the railway platform, towards the train which was approaching him very slowly. He had his coat thrown across his shoulder, and as the cars were passing him he reached forward to grasp the railing, at the same time stepping towards the steps.
But, unfortunately, his hand missed the railing and he lost his balance. Before he was able to recover himself his limbs were across the rails beneath the wheels. Those standing nearest describe the sight as a horrible one. With every revolution of the wheels the body was drawn farther under the car until finally the wheels passed completely over him, and he was lost to the view of those who witness the accident.
The train was a long one, and the engine was around a curve when the accident happened, so that three cars passed over him before the train was stopped. He was taken from under the wheels by the train crew, and his horribly mutilated limbs exposed to view. The left limb was taken off almost at the body, and the right one shortly above the knee, while above the injury to the right limb the flesh was crushed and mangled in a terrible manner to the trunk. His right arm was crushed.
The trainmen secured a stretcher and carried the almost lifeless boy to a hotel. A physician gave him what attention he could, but he died at 6, not being rational at any time after he was injured. The body was left in charge of Harry Boucher, an Indiana friend, until the arrival of his father the next day, when it was brought home for burial.
The Ligonier Valley Railroad Company expressed deep regret over the occurrence. They say it is about the third accident which ever happened on the road, and the assumed all responsibility for expenses incurred.
The funeral was held from the home of the dead boys parents, White township, last Saturday afternoon. Rev. Brownlee, of the U. P. church, had charge of the service and spoke feelingly on the life and death of the deceased. The interment was in Oakland cemetery and the funeral was the largest that has passed through town in years, there being almost 100 vehicles in the cortege. Albert was 24 years old and exceedingly popular with his associates.