The Ringgold Record, 1898

John D. WILFONG, of Shenandoah, rear brakeman on the westbound freight on the Humeston & Shenandoah railroad, was instantly killed at Tingley, Friday noon by falling under the cars. It is thought that he climbed down the brakerod, between the cars to uncouple them and fell. He was about 23 years of age and unmarried, residing with his parents in Shenandoah.

The train on which young WILFONG was brakeman, was a westbound extra due in Tingley at noon. As the train pulled into town the brakemen were out on the cars setting the brakes, and when it pulled up to the depot Conductor MOREDICK alighted. On the platform were Station Agent Geo. P. HALE, J. B. McNEIL, J. B. LONG and others. Agent HALE saw WILFONG at work with the brakes and then suddenly disappear between two cars. A few seconds later he saw him again under the wheels. He called to Conductor MOREDICK and the train was stopped as soon as possible. Before young WILFONG fell he was two cars ahead of the caboose, and when the train stopped both cars and the caboose had passed over him. Dr. L. R. HINDSDILL was summoned, but hardly a glance was necessary to show that the man was dead. His right foot had been cut off just above the ankle, and the right leg itself badly crushed about the middle of the thigh. The left leg was severed close to the body. His left shoulder was also broken and his face badly bruised and scratched. Those who saw the accident say that the body appeared to be rolling over and over in front of the wheels, as a result of the motion of the train.

The accident occurred at 12:20 and Coroner A. B. OGDEN was at once notified by telephone. He left immediately for Tingley and upon his arrival empanelled a jury consisting of Messrs. W. W. STEWART and W. A. ELDER, of Tingley, and W. W. ASKREN, of Mt. Ayr. All the witnesses of the affair were brought before the coroner and testified as to the circumstances connected with young Wilfong's death. All the witnesses practically agreed that it was purely accidental and that no blame should be charged to the railroad employees. A verdict to this effect was returned by the jury. Reports have it that WILFONG had been in the habit of descending from cars by the brakerod and had been warned of the danger, likewise threatened with discharge from the employ of the company if he continued the practice. His violation of the rules cost him his life.

The remains were placed in charge of Undertaker BARKHUFF and were taken to Shenandoah Saturday by a special train.

NOTE: John D. WILFONG was born in 1875. He was interred near Shenandoah, Page County, Iowa.

Transcription and note by Sharon R. Becker, September, 2008

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