From the Chenango Union of Norwich, NY
Wednesday, August 23, 1871

Horrible Accident at DeRuyter

 The (DeRuyter) New Era gives the following particulars of the tragic death of Paul Weed, by being run over by the cars, at DeRuyter, on Wednesday last :

   "As the Sabbath School Excursion train of Wednesday morning was leaving DeRuyter for Norwich, Mr. Paul Weed of this place attempted to jump on the cars at the crossing on Utica Street, while the train was under full headway. He was thrown under the wheels, and six cars passed over him, killing him instantly. Both legs, and one arm were cut into fragments and mangled in the most shocking manner. Deceased had bought his ticket and secured his passage at the place of starting, then sold his seat before the train left, and afterwards endeavored, as before stated, to jump on the train, against the earnest warning of several bystanders, and the fireman, who strove to prevent the inconsiderate act.

   "Mr. Weed was a young man nineteen years of age, a native of Germany, and had but recently taken up his residence in DeRuyter, where he was beginning to to be favorably known and respected.

   "A.V. Bentley, esq., Justice of the Peace, acting as Coroner in the absence of the coroner, immediately caused a jury to be summoned and held an inquest thereupon, on the body of the deceased in due form of law, and all the proofs and allegations touching the manner of his death were placed before the jury, by the assistance of H.C. Miner, Esq., who aided in bringing out the testimony of the examination of Witnesses before the Inquisition.

   " The verdict of the jury was very explicit and unanimous that the deceased, Paul Theodore Weed, came to his death by the cars of the excursion train from DeRuyter to Norwich, passing over him at the crossing at DeRuyter village, on the morning of the 15th of August, 1871, as the deceased attempted to jump on the train while in full motion, after being warned by the fireman on the train and by bystanders, not to attempt to get on. Also that no person connected with the railroad, or any other person or persons whatsoever were in any manner responsible therefore or to blame."