Hello from another new member-Great great granddaughter of a rail accident in 1890

Discussion in 'New Member Introductions' started by MarieandJim08, Jan 4, 2009.

  1. MarieandJim08

    MarieandJim08 Member

    Hello,
    My name is Marie Smith. I had a great great grandfather named James Newton Ragsdale. He was killed on April 1, 1890 in Ravenden Arkansas by a K.C.S.F. and M. rail car while walking drunk on the tracks with his cousin Silas Ragsdale. The coroner report said that James was hit in the FOREHEAD and causing instant death. But his cousin Silas said James knew the train was coming and wouldn't get off the track because he wanted to see if the train wouldn't whistle at him. Silas then told his family members that they got seperated and that he wanted to go look for James. So there is something fishy about the story, and I'm looking for any information that the company may still have from that night. Can anyone help me? On the coroner's inquest, the story Silas gave was in Silas's own words, and the handwriting is different on the back of the page from the front. My cousin finally found Grandpa James grave after exhaustive searching, three years ago, in the Dail family cemetery in Ravenden, AR. It was a dream come true for us to find out whatever happened to his body. I would appreciate any information anyone would have on this subject.
    Sincerely,

    Marie Smith.
     

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