John Smallin Accident (1876)
The accident to Mr. John SMALLIN, section boss on the Chatata, July the fourth was a serious one to him indeed. Mr. SMALLIN was knocked from the train by the coal box that stands between the two tracks just as the train was pulling out from the depot. In his fall his left foot and hand was so badly mashed that the foot and two of his fingers had to be amputated – Drs. DAY and LONG, doing the work as we understand. The coal box where first erected was pronounced a dangerous concern, and ever since it has been the subject of remarks. This is not the first time persons have been hurt at this place, and we do think that the railroad authorities should move it before someone else is ruined for life. Mr. SMALLIN at this writing is doing as well as can be expected under the circumstances.
Source: Weekly Herald (Cleveland, TN); 14 July 1876. Available online at Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers.