Jasper County Democrat, Volume 20, Number 9, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 April 1917 — TRACTOR RUNS OVER FARMER [ARTICLE]

TRACTOR RUNS OVER FARMER

George Bowman of Near Newland Seriously Injured Wednesday. » - George Bowman, a farmer residing near Newland, was run over by a big Moline tractor shortly after noon Wednesday and experienced what can be truthfully called a, miraculous escape from death. As it is he is suffering from several broken ribs and numerous bruises, but is making good progress toward recovery. Mr. Bowman, who is about 42 years old and weighs 250 pounds, was plowing with the tractor and had stopped the outfit to talk to some -passersby. In stopping he threw the tractor out of gear but left the engine running. He had stepped down from the operating platform and was standing on the ground leaning against the large drive wheel. Without any warning whatever the machine suddenly flew into gear and started, Mr. Bowman was thrown t 6 the ground directly in front of the large wheel and before he could make a move the machine was upon him, the large wheel passing diagonally across his chest. The ground was rather soft and the lugs on the wheel had become nearly filled with dirt, which greatly lessened the force of the machine passing over the man. lHe was also partially crushed into the ground and the fact that he was not killed outright is indeed a miracle. Mr. Bownan was taken to the house and Dr. Johnson of Rensselaer called to attend him. Beyond several broken ribs and numerous bruises there seems to have been no other injuries. Yesterday he was reported as getting alpng as well as could be expected, in fact, was doing very nicely indeed.