Interesting story, Jim. My father told me that in the early days of automobiles, there were lots of accidents caused by cars frightening horses, and the horses running with the wagon or buggy. My great-great grandfather was killed by a "runaway team" long before autos were invented. Jane Soder -----Original Message----- From: ksjeffer-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:ksjeffer-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of Jim Laird Sent: Friday, March 02, 2007 4:18 PM To: Jim Laird Subject: [KSJEFFER] Tom McCRACKEN Hurt: November 10, 1910 The Valley Falls New Era Thursday November 10, 1910 Tom McCracken Hurt. In a runaway Saturday afternoon, Tom McCracken was severely injured. He was coming to town, accompanied by Geo.CURTIS, in a lumber wagon, driving a pair of young horses, when at Piazzek's mill the team frightened at a passing automobile and runnng across the street struck a telephone pole near BASS' upsetting the wagon and throwing the occupants violently to the ground. McCracken struck on his head and face and was carried unconscious into Bass's house, by neighbors who feared he was killed. Curtis was pinned under the upturned wagon box, but with slight injuries on his shoulders. Coming hurriedly in his auto, Dr. M. F. MARKS took McCracken to his office for treatment. No bones were broken but bandages and many stitches were required on the several wounds and gashes on Tom's face and head. He was taken home in a buggy by his son-in-law, Earl JACKSON, before sundown. The auto ownded by Dr. GROFF of Nortonville, occupied by himself, and son Ralph, driving and A.N. CONROY, and son Harry, had overtaken McCracken just after crossing the Piazzek bridge and noticing that the colts were frightened Ralph slowed up, then passed as the team was turned aside and supposed the danger was over when they heard the rattle of runaway following. They halted again by the roadside, the runaways passing the auto this time, and witnessed the frightful smash up only a few steps away. In coming to McCracken asked in what strange place he was, what he was doing there, what he came to town for etc. In his memory there was a long blank. In the sudden stopping or starting the Groff machine it was broken, and hauled to the Williamson garage for repairs. Dr. Groff and his friends were very sorry for the unfortunate and unavoidable accident. ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to KSJEFFER-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message