Kate’s Notes: I did my best to transcribe this article but the original piece was in rather poor condition. Therefore, should a reader spot any mistakes I may have made, I would appreciate any corrections.

From the Lima Times Democrat (Lima, Ohio)
March 7, 1902 

FATALLY
________

Injuries of L. Gilliland
May Result.
________

Former Lima Man Struck by
Engine at Van Wert
________

He was Running to Catch a Mail
Train When He was Run
Down by Freight Train
on Another Track.
________

   Lewis G. Gilliland, a former Lima-ite, who was several years ago connected with the business of the Gilliland grain elevator on north Main street, this city, and who is now a resident of Van Wert, was perhaps fatally injured in an accident that befell him Wednesday afternoon in the P. Ft. W. & C. yards at Van Wert. Concerning the accident the Van Wert Bulletin contains the following:
   “A mail and passenger train from the west was due and Mr. Gilliland attempted to cross the net work of tracks, at Market street, to place some important mail matter on the train. The Gilliland Grain company’s office is located on Market street, north of the main tracks and switches. Mr. Gilliland ran from the office and passed safely over the switches, but was struck by a west bound freight train on the north main track. He was traveling in a southwesterly direction, which, possibly, saved him from being hurled to instant death. The flagman at the crossing waived to him but he failed to see the signal of warning or the freight train and continued to run. When about twenty feet west of the crossing the locomotive struck him. He was knocked to the ground, his body lying between the rails and the raised stone pathway between the tracks. Fortunately his body rested in  a position out of reach of the wheel. He was quickly carried into the office, which he had left only a moment before and surgical aid summoned. Later he was taken on a stretcher to the office of Dr. R. J. Morgan. The doctor made a hurried examination and gave expressions of hope. The doctor’s first examination was not thorough enough to glean the extent of the wounds, but he seemed hopeful. His head is so badly cut, bruised and swollen that his features are distorted and he could hardly be recognized by his closest friends. Mr. Gilliland recovered consciousness, just before being removed to the physician’s office and spoke to several friends. His injuries, except a few bruises, are on the head.
   The accident cast a pall over business and social circles. The victim has, by gracious acts and a life full of sunshine, endeared himself to the people of Van Wert and the news of the mishap, which placed his fate in balance, called forth hundreds of expressions of deep regret. Everybody was anxious for the details, business men and clerks left the stores and others joined a great crowd that hurried to the scene to lend a helping hand or in any way possible relieve his sufferings. The latest from the attending physician is that Mr. Gilliland is resting well and has good chances of recovery, judging from present sympoms.”

-- transcription by Kate Maynard, 2010