Williams'
Crossing in Woodhouse was on Tuesday the scene of a fatality, when
Sidney Jackman, an Englishman, met his death by being struck by the
Grand Trunk train from Stratford.
Mr. Jackman, who has for some months been in the employ of Mr. Fred
Doan, had gone that morning to the wood-lot to get some wood. He was
returning about 1 o'clock, but with no wood, when the train struck the
sleigh, hurling the unfortunate man a distance of 50 or 60 feet
against a fence. Death was instantaneous.
The vehicle was thrown to the side of the track, but the horses
escaped all injury. It was discovered later that Jackman had loaded
his wood, but on leaving the woods, the sleigh had upset. It was
conjectured [that he] had been hurt somewhat then, and being half
dazed, did not notice the approach of the train, and so was killed.
Mr. Jackman was a man in his early thirties and has been out
from the Old Country only since last March. He is survived by a widow
and two children who are living in Woodhouse.
Before coming out to Canada Jackman was an omnibus driver in London
and also had some experience as a motorman on an electric railway.
Coroner McIntosh called an inquest on Wednesday morning, and after
the jury was empanelled, an adjournment was made until next Tuesday,
when the jury will meet at 1 o'clock at Port Dover, for the taking of
evidence.
The crossing in question is near Pleasant Valley school house, and
while not especially dangerous as level crossings go, the approach of
a train would be hidden from anyone going in the direction that
Jackman was.
