N&W in 1911--Conductor death

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Bluefield Daily Telegraph
May 4, 1911

CONDUCTOR OWENS MEETS WITH TRAGIC DEATH
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Thrown From Cab in Railroad Yards and Dies From Injuries Two Hours Later
    George L. Owens, well known locally as a railroad freight conductor, was so badly injured yesterday morning about 3:30 o'clock that he died two hours later at the Bluefield Sanitarium, never having regained consciousness.  Mr. Owens' fatal accident was a most peculiar one and occurred after his cab had been attached to the rear of two engine, the lead one being driven by his brother-in-law, George Floyd.  In some way the cab became uncoupled from the engine, the air pipes not having been connected, and just as the cab was passing the west yard office where the conductor was about to reach for his way bills the cab crashed into the rear of the second engine, throwing Owens from the cab to the track.  It is believed that his head struck on the edge of a tie, which crushed in his skull.  He was at once picked up and taken in the cab to the depot where an ambulance carried him to the hospital.
    The impact of the cab striking the engine was so great that three colored brakemen, L. D. Bowles, R. L. Williams and George Johnson were slightly injured and had to be relieved from duty.
    At the hospital it was discovered at once that there was little hope for recovery and he lingered until about 5:30 when the end came.
    His remains were taken to the residence of his wife's mother, Mrs. M. S. Floyd.  The funeral will be held on Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Christian church, of which the deceased had been a member for fourteen years.  The services will be conducted by Rev. W. S. Bullard, the pastor, and at their close the remains will be taken to Walnut Grove cemetery where the burial will be made.
    Mr. Owens was a native of Montgomery county, Va., and is survived by his widow, who was Miss Floyd of this city.
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Gordon Hamilton
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