Many people especially those living in the northwest potion of Defiance were in the habit of crossing the Wabash (old N.W. Railroad) railroad bridge, in coming and going to town on business, thus saving about a mile walk. This is done in direct violation to the orders of the railroad company, as at the end of the bridge are posted signs warning people against trespassing on the bridge.
Not long ago some one in crossing the bridge met "old Jerry" and soon entered into conversation, with him regarding his duties as watchman, which place he has filled for nearly twenty years, when he told the following story:
Old Jerry said he never had any trouble in saving anyone life on the bridge but once; It was his duty to cross the bridge each time, after the passage of trains, but on the occasion referred to just before the evening train from the east was due. Old Jerry for some reason concluded to go over before the train came.
Old Jerry started out and when in the middle of the bridge he found a man in a almost insensible state of intoxication, sitting on the track. Jerry attempted to arouse the man to a realizing sense of his danger, but only succeeded in getting grunts in reply. Jerry then attempted after he found talking was of no avail, to raise the man up, but was to limber, too drunk.
What should Jerry do? Ten minutes of precious time had been wasted. The train was almost due. Jerry finally though he would roll the man off into the Maumee River below, and then concluded that he would not do it, as that was certain as to remain where he was.
All the time Jerry kept urging the man to get up, and kept trying to pull him up. Finally, after the great drops of sweat began pouring down Jerry's face in his anxiety, the man said he wanted to go to a saloon. Quick as a flash old Jerry said, come on then; I'll go with you.This had the effect to arouse the man. He made an effort to get up with old Jerry's help he got on his feet, and as he did so the train was heard in the distance on the down grade. Throwing all his strength into the effort Jerry steered the man along the single plank, and just as the express came whirling around the curve, at speed of a cannon ball, Jerry landed the fellow down the bank at the east end of the bridge.
What should Jerry do? Ten minutes of precious time had been wasted. The train was almost due. Jerry finally though he would roll the man off into the Maumee River below, and then concluded that he would not do it, as that was certain as to remain where he was.
All the time Jerry kept urging the man to get up, and kept trying to pull him up. Finally, after the great drops of sweat began pouring down Jerry's face in his anxiety, the man said he wanted to go to a saloon. Quick as a flash old Jerry said, come on then; I'll go with you.This had the effect to arouse the man. He made an effort to get up with old Jerry's help he got on his feet, and as he did so the train was heard in the distance on the down grade. Throwing all his strength into the effort Jerry steered the man along the single plank, and just as the express came whirling around the curve, at speed of a cannon ball, Jerry landed the fellow down the bank at the east end of the bridge.
No comments:
Post a Comment