52 Ancesters #18 John Micheal Youngers #52 Ancesters

While doing research on the elusive Dickes side of my husband's family tree I found a newspaper article on the tragic death of John Micheal Youngers. 

John Michael Youngers was riding a train back and forth from Batavia, NY to Buffalo, NY due to an enlarged gland in his neck.  The newspaper writes that John M. Youngers, a known compositor in the News Office and well-known Batavian, met a horrible death at the New York Central station at about 12:45 O'Clock this morning.  He was ran over by one and perhaps both set of trucks of the rear car on the eastbound fast mail due here at 12:40 d. m. and so terribly injured that he died within fifteen minutes.

On Dec 17th Mr. Youngers had an operation performed by Dr. Parameter at the Buffalo City Hospital (Present day Erie County Medical Center) for an enlarged gland in his neck. It was at first
thought that the operation was a complete success and that no further trouble would be experienced. Such did not prove to be the case, however, and since that time Mr. Youngers had frequently been obliged to go to Buffalo to receive treatment. It was for that purpose that he went to the city yesterday, departing at 1:05 a. m. on the Central.A number of Batavians returned from Buffalo
on the 12:40 train aside from Mr. Youngers,- who, "however, was not in company with any of the others.
This newspaper article goes on to say that he fell asleep and was awoken when they go to the station in Batavia. He had said "Alright."  It is stated that it was not certain whether or not he slipped off the platform due to the rain or if he tried jumping off onto the platform. When the end of the rear car reached a point just east of the east end of the depot,where the planking between the rails ends, Central Officer Ostrander, who was standing only a few feet distant, 'saw the south wheels of the rear truck raise from the rail and in
an instant saw that there was a body lying between the rails. That fact was also noticed by Ernest Hiller, a Rochester young man, who was standing on the depot platform.
Both men hastened to the spot and found that the unfortunate man, who was Mr.Youngers, was still alive and was moaning faintly, although he was practically unconscious.He lay with his bead against the south rail and his body doubled up. Officer Ostrander shouted for assistance and waved
his lantern. A brakeman who was standing on the rear platform of the train brought the
train to a standstill, but it proceeded after a few minutes' delay.  

They sent for the doctor and a pastor of which the doctor arrived first a little after 1 AM, but Mr. Youngers had died about 15 minutes prior.

John Micheal Youngers is survived by his widowed mother: Mrs. Emily Youngers, a brother Peter Youngers, and a sister Emma Youngers and another sister Mrs. B.G. Reger/Seger? of Rochester.  His father died 23 years ago.