Barnhart - Florence
Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal, 24 November 1899
Darlington Nov 17—One of the most distressing accidents that has ever happened in our town occurred here Thursday evening between 4 and 5 o'clock, on the railroad crossing on west Main street. A freight train was doing some switching and was in the act of coupling a couple of cars on the crossing, just as little Florence Barnhart came along from school, going to her home on the west side of the track. The one car was in motion and yet she rushed right on and was caught between the couplings, crushing her right side and arm. She was carried with the cars some thirty feet before the conductor, who was close by, could signal the engineer to stop. The section men, a couple of train men, and several bystanders witnessed the accident, and rushed to her assistance, and by the use of pinch-bars soon had the little sufferer released. The sight was one that made stout men shudder. Men were there accustomed to seeing men crushed and ground to pieces, yet the sight of a little girl crushed and bleeding completely unnerved them. Florence was carried to her home, a short distance away. Doctors were called, but soon decided she was past medical aid, except to allay the suffering. Kind friends and neighbors did all that could be done for the little one and while all expected her to die before morning, yet at this time, (9 a. m., Friday), she still lives, and when out from the influences of opiates seems rational and talks to her attendants. Florence is the child of Charley and Martha Barnhart, aged some twelve years, and has always lived near the railroad, and was accustomed to cross and recross the track among the cars, which in part accounts for her seeming recklessness on the fatal evening. As those near her called to her to stop and not attempt to cross, yet she rushed gaily to her death. Blame can be attached to now one as it was one of those peculiar accidents that will and do happen. -s
Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal, 24 November 1899
Florence Barnhart, the child Injured by the cars at Darlington last Thursday evening, died last Friday after twenty-seven hours of suffering. The funeral occurred at the M. E. church in Darlington Sunday at 2 p. m., conducted by Rev. Crowder, after which the remains were interred in the I. O. O. F. cemetery. - Kim H
Source: Indianapolis Journal Sat 18 Nov 1899 p 2
Darlington, Ind Nov 17 - Florence Barnhart, the 11-year-old daughter of Charles Barnhart while returning home from school Thursday evening was caught between a "cut" of cars on the Vandalia Railroad and severely mangled about the shoulders and rigs. She lingered until last night when she died. - z