Andrew Benson’s Luck – 1900
Andrew Benson’s Luck
Tossed in the Air by a Train He Escapes Injury
Four Horses Were Killed and His Wagon Smashed to Flinders by the Copper City Limited
Andrew Benson, a Scandinavian wood – hauler, who lives at Dead Man’s canyon, passed through an experience last night that he probably will not care to repeat. Benson came from Miller creek early in the afternoon with two loads of wood, to the brickyard in Gibson’s field about four miles south of town. He disposed of his wood and started for his home in Dead Man’s canyon.
Just as he reached the railroad crossing Copper City Limited came bowling along at a merry clip. Benson’s first wagon, which was in charge of a small boy, crossed safely; Benson’s outfit would have been all right had he waited another moment, and allowed the Limited to pass. Instead, he gave the horses the whip and attempted to clear the track. He evidently miscalculated the distance and the speed of the train for it struck squarely between the leaders and the wheelers. The horses were thrown high into the air, and dropped almost 60 feet from where they were struck. One was completely disemboweled, and the others were fearfully mutilated. All were instantly killed. The wagon was smashed to kindling wood, and sent spinning fully 50 feet, straight through the cattle guard fence by the track.
Benson, who was driving, was tossed into the air and fell directly in front of the wagon, which passed completely over him, without touching him. He was uninjured, though he received a fearful shaking up. His loss will be about $600.
There is a deep cut in the N. P. track just before the crossing is reached; it is a very dangerous place for teamsters cannot see approaching trains. The engineer of the Limited whistled and rang his bell some time before the crossing was reached. He reversed his engine and did all in human power to avert the accident, therefore no blame can be attached to him.
The above article appeared in Edward’s Fruit Grower and Farmer – April 27, 1900.
The cut referred to here must have been near the junction of today’s Miller Creek Road & Hwy 93.