Smith, Harry Dies in Train Accident 1896

SMITH

Posted By: Ernie Braida
Date: 11/5/2011 at 16:40:36

Pleasantville, May 10 – A terrible accident occurred here Saturday afternoon that caused the sudden ending of a youthful career that a few moments before was full of hope and promise. As the 4 o’clock freight left the Pleasantville yards toward the west, young Harry Smith, son of Perry Smith, attempted to board it, it had got under full headway and was going at a greater rate of speed than he had estimated. No sooner had he caught hold on the iron railing than he was jerked forward, striking his head against the side of the car and twisting him in a sudden manner before he finally let go. He was noticed immediately and those who saw him knew that he was dangerously hurt. The train crew took him into the depot and sent up town with all possible haste for Dr. W. H. Merritt, who upon examining the injuries pronounced them fatal. One side of his face was bruise and mashed, a large portion of the scalp was torn from his head and the skull was fractured in three places, besides his spinal column had received a severe, wrench, fatal within itself.

He was removed to the residence of Mrs. Elizabeth Brown and his friends sent for. He expired at 4 o'clock Sunday morning. The remains were prepared for burial and were taken to the family home at Swan.

This another awful lesson of the recklessness of youth, and a number of Pleasantville youths will be wise to heed the warning. The unfortunate boy was about 17 years of age and has been living with his father at Swan; his mother being dead, but formerly with aged relatives at Knoxville.

Marion County Newspapers 1896