On This Date in Minnesota History: December 28

December 28, 1909 – F. W. Smith, his wife and 10-year-old daughter Mary miraculously escaped instant death today when they were run down by a Great Western engine on the bridge near the clay pits. All three were hurled off the bridge with great force, but suffered only slight bruises. The engineer reported the accident at headquarters and a physician was sent out to care for the injured.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith and daughter reside at Appleton, Minn. They got off the train at Claybank this morning and started to walk the tracks to the home of Gust Prahl, where they planned to spend the next few days.

The Minneapolis Morning Tribune; “3 Hurled Off Bridge; Live. Family Struck by Engine at Red Wing and Escape With Slight Bruises.”; Dec. 29, 1909; p. 1.

http://townmapsusa.com/images/maps/map_of_claybank_mn.jpg

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