N&W in 1909--Editor injured

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Bluefield Daily Telegraph
May 12, 1909

NEWSPAPER MAN HURT
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H. M. Smythe Thrown Under Wheels of Train and Narrowly Escapes Death
    Henry M. Smythe, editor and publisher of the Pocahontas Field Headlight at Bramwell, while attempting to board the Clinch Valley train yesterday afternoon as it was pulling out of the station here, was thrown and severly bruised about the head and shoulders, receiving a severe shaking up.  Mr. Smythe was on his way to Tazewell to spend a few days with his family when the accident occurred and the fact that he was not more seriously injured was due to the quick work of clear minded bystanders, who snatched him from beneath the train before the wheels had caught him.  An Italian who was attempting to board the train at the same time ws thrown but not badly injured, being able to rise without assistance.  Mr. Smythe was taken to the Altamont Hotel, where his injuries were dressed by Dr.Fox, and was resting well last night.
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[Accidents to people attempting to board departing trains were frequently reported in the newspapers of that time, probably because the cars had open vestibules and there was nothing to stop someone from trying to mount the steps as they came by.  Closed vestibule cars were a safety improvement in this respect it would seem to me.]

Gordon Hamilton
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