RAYBOLT, Oscar - Putnam

When the fast west-bound Vandalia passenger train due here at 9 p.m. arrived in this city Monday night the mangled body of Oscar Raybolt, age 33 of Clayton was found wedged in the pilot and the top of the buggy in which Raybolt was riding when struck was also fastened to the engine pilot.  The engine had struck Raybolt’s buggy at the crossing in Clayton but both the engineer and fireman were unaware of it until told by the employees at the local station when the train arrived here. The train does not stop at Clayton.  Raybold had attended at Odd Fellows’ Lodge meeting in Clayton and had started to his home about one and one-half miles west of Clayton when he was struck.  He had a storm front on his buggy and this probably prevented him from seeing or hearing the approaching train.  The horse had just cross the track when the engine crashed into the buggy.  The jerk tore the harness loose from the horse and the animal was left standing by the track wholly uninjured.  The force of the impact crushed the buggy bed into splinters but the top became fastened on the engine pilot.  Raybolt’s body was jammed into the parts of the pilot and death more than likely was instantaneous.  Lee Wessner of Clayton saw the accident and word was telegraphed here.  When the train arrived here the engineer and firemen were notified of the accident and the body was removed from the engine pilot.   It was sent back to Clayton on the midnight east-bound train.  The Hendricks county corner was called and the body sent to the McCormick’s undertaking establishment.  Raybolt is survived by a widow and two children.  His parents also survive him.  The funeral services will be held at the Baptist Church in Clayton at 10 o’clock Thursday morning.   ---transcribed by kbz