McKeever, Mike died 1900

MCKEEVER

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - volunteer (email)
Date: 4/4/2012 at 19:36:59

Alton Democrat of March 24, 1900
A horrible accident occurred at Hull on Tuesday evening at nine o'clock when the west bound accommodation train on the Milwaukee railroad
collided with an engine switching in the yards. The accident resulted in the instant death of Conductor Mike McKeever and the loss of the right hand of Brakeman Chester French. A coupling had been made and French was trying to
connect the air brake when McKeever requested him to step aside and let him do it. He entered between the cars, stooping down to couple the air
tubes just as the collision occurred.
His head was caught between the bumpers and crushed off. His body was carried to the freight room to await the arrival of the undertaker.
He was unmarried. Brakeman French was also caught, and his right hand so badly mangled that it had to be amputated. He was assisted to
the office of Dr. Coad who amputated and dressed the mangled hand. He displayed more than ordinary nerve in having it amputated, calmly watching the operation without the assistance
of an anaesthetic. Both engines were injured so that traffic was delayed somewhat.