James T. Huner died 1869

HUNTER, ALDRIDGE

Posted By: cheryl Locher Moonen (email)
Date: 8/4/2019 at 15:32:54

Dubuque Daily Times, Tuesday, Nov 09, 1869, Dubuque, IA, Page: 4

TERRIBLE ACCIDENT – Yesterday morning, freight train No.9, Mr. Aldridge the conductor, left the depot the west. It was a mixed train of freight, embracing a number of cars of lumber and iron, and as a snow of snow and sleet was prevailing , the surface of the cars were very slippery, rendering it dangerous for anyone to pass over. Employed upon this train as brakeman was James T. Hunter, formerly in service of the Express Company as messenger in this city and well-known to many of our citizens. When the train left the depot some of the boys warned Hunter to be careful as the cars were quite slippery, but he turned it off with some light reply, and the train went on. When about a mile west of Dyersville, Hunter started to go back from the engine to the caboose, but in some manner, which can never be known, missing his footing and fell down between the cars, across the track and the whole train of heavily loaded cars passed over him. One of his legs was cut nearly off below the hip, and the other below the knee. As soon as possible the unfortunate man was picked up and conveyed to Dyersville where medical aid was procured. When the passenger train came along he was placed on board and brought to this city, and conveyed to his residence, last evening, on Julien Avenue. He was still conscience and able to converse, but not the faintest hope are entertained by the physicians of his recovery. Both legs must be amputated, and it is thought he cannot survive the operation. Indeed poor Hunter will be in the spirit land before these lines meet the eyes of our readers.

Hunter was only married last spring, and had been in the employ of the company a short time, standing high in their estimation. When the news of the sad accident that had befallen reached the city many an eye unused to such things, moistened. The grief of the poor young wife must be terrible, beyond consolation. The sympathy of the entire community will be hers.

We may mention as a singular coincidence that Mr. Hunter’s father met his death from a previously similar accident, some years ago. He was employed as a freight conductor upon the Northwestern road – slipped off and had both legs broken. The same terrible fatality, it seems, has not met the son.