Kate's Notes: The newspaper from which I composed the initial report was in poor condition; hence, some portions of the text of which I was unsure are indicated by brackets. Additions or corrections or always welcome.

From the Portsmouth Daily Times
July 5, 1923

TRIES TO BOARD MOVING TRAIN; KILLED

  While attempting to board a B&O freight train from Oak Hill about 6:30 this morning, Charles Friend, 42, unmarried, of Jackson, fell under the wheels of a car, which cut off both his legs. He died half an hour later, before a doctor arrived.
   One leg was severed just below the hip, the other, between the knee and the ankle.
   Friend had been spending the Fourth with his sister, Mrs. Roy Gilliland of Oak Hill and was endeavoring to return to Jackson on the freight, which he boarded a short distance from his sister’s home.
   The accident occurred close to the Aetna Brick plant, just above the crossing in front of the Frank [Wasmer] home. The body was dragged ten or twelve feet before it was finally thrown from underneath the wheels.
   Section men passing along the road immediately after the tragedy found the body. They called a physician, but Friend died before his arrival.
   He was conscious to the last. He realized he was dying, but prayed that he might see his mother before his death.
   Besides Mrs. Roy Gilliland, five sisters, Mrs. William Moore, of Oak Hill, Mrs. Lydia Gilliland, of Litwar, W. Va., Mrs. Jessie Kiser of Wellston, Mrs. [Rachel] Gilliland of Jackson and Mrs. Evelyn [Cupt] of Columbus, his mother, Mrs. Josephine Ferris, of Coalton, and two brothers, William of Columbus and Stewart of West Virginia survive.
   Relatives have been notified of the death. No arrangements for burial will be made until their arrival.

Also from the Portsmouth Daily Times, on July 6, 1923:

OAK HILL

    Mrs. Josephine Ferris of Coalton was called here Thursday by the tragic death of her oldest son, Charles Friend. The accident occurred when Friend attempted to board a moving train. Both legs were cut off and death followed in about half an hour. The deceased was 46 years of age and had spent the Fourth with his sister, Mrs. Roy Gilliland. The accident took place a short distance from and in sight of the Gilliland home.

-- transcribed by Kate Maynard, 2009.