From the Chenango Union of Norwich, NY
Wednesday, September 21, 1871

Fatal Accident

---

   A frightful accident occurred on the DeRuyter Branch of the Midland, on Saturday morning last, resulting in the death of John Donnelly, a laborer employed in fencing the road. Donnelly, with others, started from this place early Saturday morning, on hand-car, which they attached by a rope to the engine of the construction train, which was being backed up, one end of the rope being held by Donnelly, who was cautioned by his companions that he was in danger of being jerked off, but who it appears disregarded their warnings.

   When about three miles from the village, a sudden lurch of the engine on a portion of the road not yet leveled, threw Donnelly off his balance, and precipitated him on to the track, in front of the hand-car, which ran over him. His companions picked him up insensible, placed him upon the hand-car and brought him back to the village, where an examination by Dr. Avery showed that his head and face were horribly cut, and his left leg nearly severed at the ankle joint.

   He lived but a few minutes after being brought to the village. He is said to have been a steady and industrious man, about thirty years of age, and single. He had two brothers employed in the same party, who were with him at the time of the accident.