CLAMAN, J. T. - 1920 - Fountain County INGenWeb Project

J.T. Claman of HIllsboro was instantly killed and three other persons narrowly escaped death Sunday evening at 6 o'clock when the automobile in which they were riding was struck by a Big Four westbound freight train at the Grant Avenue crossing.  Mr. Claman, according to witnesses, attempted to jump from the machine When he saw the approaching train.  His head was practically severed from his body. Mrs. Claman, wife of the dead man and Mr. and Mrs. Byron Frazier were other occupants of the car when the auto was struck. Although badly shaken none of them suffered any serious injuries. Mrs. Claman and Mrs. Frazier were rushed to the home of AE Harris south Walnut street. According to Mr. Frazier, who was driving the machine, the party was returning home from Greencastle where they had spent the day. Witnesses of the accident stated that the car was driven around another machine standing south of the crossing waiting for the approaching train to pass. Frank Buffington who lies just south of the tracks walked from his home when he heard the train coming and signaled autoists to stop. Before anyone realized what was about to happen the train had crashed into the Frazier machine and was carrying it down the tracks. Mr. Claman's body was found lying on the west side of the crossing near the tracks when the engine crew brought the train to a stop. THe fireman stated that he saw the body fall toward the engine and under his side of the cab. - kbz