Vermilion County News Stories

Danville Daily News

Obits are here

Clipping found dated October 11, 1885, (from Monday’s Daily)
(Contributed by Mary Paulius)

 A Narrow Escape from Death

     Mr. Martin J. Barger, well known in this city and county and for several years with Joe Goldsmith, of the Oak Hall clothing establishment of this city, met with a very painful accident this week, nearly resulting in his death.  He went to Bismarck last Saturday night to visit a brother, on intending to return Sunday night on the train due at that place at 11:30 p.m., as Mr. Goldsmith, his employer intended going to Cincinnati this morning on the early train, and his services were necessary at the store.   He flagged the train, and before stopping it ran a considerable distance beyond the station, and started to backup.  Mr. Barger, supposing that the train would remain where it stopped, started on a run to overtake it, and when about half the distance he was struck by the rear coach of the backing train and knocked down upon falling lengthwise and upon his face.  Four coaches backed over him, and the train coming to a standstill he either rolled or threw himself from under the train, as he was first discovered by the engineer lying alongside the engine.  The trucks in passing over him, tore his overcoat, undercoat and vest almost entirely off of him and his pantaloons in shreds, breaking three ribs, cutting an ugly gash over one eye and one shoulder, and badly bruising his body in many other places.  A watch which was in his vest pocket was uninjured keeping time right along as though nothing had happened.

He was picked up by the train men and brought to this city and taken to the residence of his brother-in-law, W. C. Tuttle, our worthy sheriff, where he was kindly cared for and Dr. C. D. Henton immediately called.  After a careful examination it is opinion of the doctor that Mr. Barger will survive his injuries, although it was a miraculous escape from death.

Mr. Barger is a man of sterling qualities, stands high in the estimation of the people of this city and county, is a member of the Masonic lodge and Kenesaw Post, G.A.R, and he has the warmest sympathy of all in his sufferings, and the earnest wish that he may survive his injuries and soon be able to resume his business.
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