The Corvallis Gazette

TERRIBLE DEATH An Accident Which Causes the Death of Mr. B. P. Smith.

On Sunday last, Aug. 27, 1882, a large portion of the people of our county were put in mourning by the news of an accident which caused the death of Mr. B. P. Smith who lived about twelve miles south of Roseburg, says the Plaindealer. Sunday morning Mr. Smith, accompanied by his wife and Miss Bland had started on a visit to the Tunnel. They met the construction train at the rock point about one-half mile north of Oak Grove station. At this place the wagon road runs parallel with the R. R. and about twelve feet above it for some distance before reaching the crossing and is only wide enough for a wagon to pass. Mr. Smith's team having reached this stretch in the road, it was impossible for him to turn back or go on and his only alternative was to keep the team quiet until the train passed. This he was not able to do and when it became evident that the team was going over, the ladies jumped out and begged Mr. Smith to do so likewise. He still hoping that he could keep them on the road, remained in the wagon too long, and went over the embankment with it. He fell out upon the track stunned, and immediately one of his large horses fell upon him and almost completely crushed every bone in his body. The horse rolled off, and the train stopped within a few feet of where he lay and Mrs. Smith and parties from the train crowded to his assistance, but no assistance could be rendered, and with a couple of words he breathed his last - in fact it is believed he never drew a single breath after the accident.