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Collision on the East Tennessee: Engineer George Gillon Killed

An urn topped tombstone placed for George H. Gillon stands tall in Cedar Hill Cemetery at Cochran, Bleckley County, Georgia. George was just 27 years of age at the time of his death. A few particulars from the 27 March 1889 Macon Telegraph (Georgia):
COLLISION ON THE EAST TENNESSEE.

Engineer George Gillon Instantly Killed – Several Passengers Hurt.


At Stockbridge on the East Tennessee road yesterday afternoon there was a collision between the southbound passenger and the northbound freight trains.

Engineer George Gillon of the passenger train was instantly killed and his fireman was seriously wounded…There were also a number of passengers wounded, but the names could not be ascertained. The officers of the road report that the wires were working badly, and that they could get no definite information as to how the collision occurred or how many were hurt. The passenger train was abandoned and no train came through until this morning.

Mr. George Gillon, whose home is in Atlanta, was a brother of Mr. E. S. Gillon of this city, who was seriously injured in an accident on the road several years ago. He leaves a wife and three children.

Comments

Debra Walter said…
I love your blog and have read your posts for years. This may be my first comment. We were traveling south North on I-75 towards ATLANTA when we had to veer off the highway due to traffic. We passed a small, very old cemetery and wondered if you have been there. Here are the particulars: High Falls Road just west of I-75 - small old cemetery MM198. There wasn’t a name that we could see, but I would love to know the stories about it.
I love your blog’s purpose to honor those gone by retelling their stories. Thank you for all you do.
S. Lincecum said…
Thanks so much, Debra! That particular cemetery isn't familiar to me, but I've certainly been to High Falls and know the area generally. Will definitely keep it in mind the next time I'm in the vicinity. Thanks, again, for being a follower of the blog.

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