Evening Republican, Volume 16, Number 308, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 December 1912 — ANOTHER SMASH UP, ON THE C. & W. V. [ARTICLE]

ANOTHER SMASH UP, ON THE C. & W. V.

Bales of Hay on Track at Laura Almost Caused Fatal Wreck Just Alter Dark Friday. ~ Harrison Armstrong and Frank Zick were seriously and Charles Stevenson slightly injured at Laura just after dark Friday evening when the motor car on the Chicago and Wabash Valley railroad (the Gifford road) collided with two or three bales of hay on the track in front of Orlando Wallace’s store in that town. In the morning Charles Stephenson and the other men motored to McCoysburg, where they were met by Frank- E. LOwis, general superintendent of the road, and Thos. Callahan, who went there in Mr. Callahan’s auto. They were inspecting ties and after Messrs. Lewis and * Callahan returned to Rensselaer the others started back to Kersey on the motor car. They were running at a quite rapid speed and had not lighted the lamps on the car. Considerable baled hay that was stacked up in front of the Wallace store had either fallen across the track or had been pushed over by some boys. The car struck the hay full tilt- and the three men were thrown to the ground and the car left the track and turned over. Mr. Stephenson was not seriously hurt and h« called to Mr. Wallace and 1 the other men were carried into the store. Both were badly cut about the head and face and were bleeding profusely. Zink was unconscious for about four hours. He had a long and deep eut on thq back of his head. Armstrong had a big gash over his right eye and his face seemed literally peeled all over and the dirt was embedded in the raw places. His injuries are even worse than Zink’s. Mr. Stephenson was able to continue to Kersey, the car not having received any serious injuries. The other men are at the home of Mr. Wallace. Tom Callahan went to Laura today to see the injured men and found Zink able to be up but Armstrong still in bed and suffering a great deal. A few months ago Mr. Stephenson had ah accident with 1 the motor car at Randle station and suffered a number of injuries. ( He was driving the car both times. J. W. Groom and wife, who came from Kingman, Kans., several days ago, are not going to be able to remain very long, owing to the many things that need their attention Back home. They left very hurriedly upon receiving a telegram about his father’s accident. Jack has been in the west .most of the time since 1876, but he has never lost interest in his old home and he has been a constant reader of The Republican during the entire time. He was back here for the home-coming four years ago and this is his first trip since then. His father is probably growing a little weaker each day and the chances of his getting any better are remote. Stephen Kohley was fifty years of age Thursday and a surprise was given him that evening, about twenty-five couples, neighbors and friends, being present. The evening was spent playing cards and enjoying music. Henry Hohloff secured the first prize and Eddie Flynn the booby prize. Of the ladies Miss Elizabeth Luers carried off first prize and Mrs. Al. Kanne the booby prize. Mr. Kohley was presented with a handsome rocking chair and several other presents. A three-course luncheon was served. The 18-year-old girl of Thomas Johnson, of near Fair Oaks, is reported to be very near death with an attack of appendicitis and gallstones. An operation earlier would have saved her life but when a Rensselaer physician first saw her the case was so far developed that an operation was not advisable. The family is said to be in distressful circumstances. Melvin Wishard came down from Chicago last night, or rather this morning, for a visit with his mother. He left Chicago on No. 3, due here at/ 11:05. When Lowell was reached the train was held up by a freight car being off the track and the train did not reach here until 4 o’clock this morning. W. J. Wright came home on the same train. Attorney Honan is-to speak at the Jackson Club banquet and jubilee over the Peterson victory at Lafayette Monday night. Governorelect Ralston and Senator Kern were asked to be present but were unable to accept the invitations: It is understood that there will be a big gathering of postoffice pie hunters at the banquet. Special New Year’s matinee next Wednesday at the Ellis Theatre by the Comeli-Price Players. Ladies tree on Monday night