Evening Republican, Volume 18, Number 67, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 March 1914 — “FARMER” HOPKINS HAS A CLOSE CALL [ARTICLE]

“FARMER” HOPKINS HAS A CLOSE CALL

Former Resident of Jasper County Escapes Unhurt When Buggy Is Struck By Train. North Manchester Journal. Samuel Hopkins, a well known farmer residing northwest of the city, had a narrow escape from death Monday evening when, the buggy in which he was riding was struck by the evening southbound passenger train at the Big Pour crossing on Fourth street. That he escaped with his life is considered little short of a miracle but examination failed to disclose any injuries of consequence. Mr. Hopkins had spent the afternoon in the city and it said to have been considerably under the Influence of liquor some -time before starting on the homeward trip. He was seen several times on the streets before the accident, allowing the horse to wander at will while the reins were lying loosely across the dashboard. At the Fourth street crossing the tracks are crossed at: an angle and to those who witnessed the accident say the horse was turning toward the south on Beckley street when the rig was struck. It is believed that this notion of the animal in turning south instead of proceeding toward hoipe saved the life of the master. The force of the collision hurled the man from the buggy, which was demolished. A crowd qpickly gathered and a physician was summoned. However, when the doctor arrived he found that hie servicer were mot needed as Hopkins was apparently unhurt by the accident. He was taken home and seems to be none the worse physically for the experience.