Thomas Mitchell

MITCHELL, LYNCH

Posted By: Michael Kearney (email)
Date: 1/12/2002 at 12:48:30

Clinton Morning Age Wednesday January 4, 1899 p. 1 Thomas Mitchell was run down by a switch engine at the Thrid street crossing of the North-Western shortly after 5:30 Tuesday evening and instantly killed. Mr. Mitchell had been hauling ice for Thomas Purcell, who is filling the North-Western ice house. He had unloaded his wagon and was driving across the tracks at Tenth avenue and Third street, going west, having nearly reached the east track when he discovered switch engine No. 428 with three cars backing into the freight yards at a fair speed. The train was nearly upon him when he discovered it when, Switchman John Chatterton noticing Mr. Mitchell's danger, shouted at him to stop. The latter, however, evidently thought safety lay in getting across in front of the cars and started up his team at a rapid gait, but failed to get out of the car's way. The first car struck Mitchell's wagon, completely demolishing it and carrying the unfortunate man fully a car length before the engine could be stopped. The engineer and fireman immediately went to his rescue, finding him kpinned beneath the car trucks. A piece of the wagon tongue had pierced the bottom of the car, which was loaded with barley, and the grain covered the man's body. When it was removed he was quite dead, his skull fractured above the right eye, body fearfully bruised and collar bone broken. Before the body could be removed, a force of the yard men had to raise the car with jackscrews. Acting Coroner Kellogg was summoned and ordered the body removed to Clark's undertaking establishment. He impanneled a jury consisting of Joe Williams, E.W. Clark and Ed Sheppard. The adjourned till 10 this morning when an inquest will be held. Mr. Mitchell is an old resident of Clinton and leaves a wife and family. His death will be deplored by hundreds of friends in the city. No blame is attached to the crew of the switch engine, as it was not going a a high rate of speed and it was impossible to stop it after Mr. Mitchell drove on the track. William Mitchell, son of the dead man, now with the American Express Co. at Marshalltown, has been telegraphed for and will be here today.