Rensselaer Republican, Volume 20, Number 38, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 May 1888 — A Brakeman Killed. [ARTICLE]

A Brakeman Killed.

A distressing accident occurred, at Monon last Saturday, by which James Stevenson, a switchman, employed in the L., N. A. & C. yards, lost his life. He was coupling cars, and while so engaged came across a flat car loaded with timber, which projected over the end of the car about three feet. The drawbar being too short, in order to make the necessary coupling, a piece of rail, or a shackle bar rather, had been put in, and hung loose from the drawbar. Stevenson attempted to make the coupling and instead of stooping stood erect between the two car’s. He missed, and the ■ car came on the bray timbers, catching him in the breast and pinning him to the other car. The car was pulled away and the unfortunate man dropped to the ground. He died within fifteen minutes after being caught. It was found upon examination that his breast had been crushed in, the timbers penetrating to the vital organs. Stevenson was barely 21 years of age, arid leaves but one relative, an aunt, Airs. Grattner, who resides at Monon. He had been on the road but a short time and had been cautioned repeatedly about taking chances in his work. Only an hour before his death he had been reprimanded for his recklessness.