Columbia County, NY Circus Band Wagon Accident, Oct 1871

UP THE HUDSON.

FATAL ACCIDENT TO A CIRCUS BAND WAGON -- TWO MEN KILLED -- REMARKABLE ESCAPE OF OTHERS.

From Our Own Correspondent.
Poughkeepsie, Tuesday, Oct. 31, 1871.
A terrible accident occurred in Columbia County, yesterday morning, between Bain's Corners and Copake, by which two men lost their lives. The accident occurred on what is know as "William's Hill," a steep decline. Just before daylight the band wagon, or chariot, attached to HOWE'S European Circus, left Bain's Corners, for Millerton, drawn by eight horses, which were driven by an experienced driver, but who did not known the road. The morning being dark, he came upon the hill before he was aware of the fact. He attempted to gather up his reins and to put on his brake, but he was not quick enough. His eight-in-hand got the start of him, and dashed down the hill at frightful speed, when suddenly one of the wheel-horses fell. He, with the chariot, was dragged to the side of the road by his now frantic mates, where the chariot upset and tumbled down a precipice. On top were five musicians, the rest having gone to Millerton by rail. The chariot made two complete somersaults, the first throwing the musicians off, and in turning the second fell on two of them, killing them instantly. The other three and the driver escaped as if by a miracle. The names of the killed are J. A. EMIDY, JR., and WM. FETZER. They were both steady, reliable men. Their remains were taken to Millerton. The company were to give only one more exhibition before they went into Winter quarters.

The New York Times New York 1871-11-01
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Researched and Transcribed by Stu Beitler. Thank you, Stu!