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Thomas and Frank were in a horse-drawn wagon that was hit by train west of town. Tom was killed and Frank had a damaged arm that never mended properly. The story was in the May 18 Judith Basin STAR, Hobson, Montana. Thomas's parents, John Rooney and Sarah Tracy, were double first cousins: Both their parents were siblings. Judith Basin Star, Hobson, Fergus County, Montana, Thursday, May 18, 1916. At about 6:50 o'clock this evening at the railroad crossing west of this city occurred an accident which
resulted in the instant death of Thomas Rooney while Frank Rooney was seriously injured. The two men had been doing some fencing on some land north of this city. The were returning to the Rooney ranch, when the wagon in which they were riding was struck by Great Northern engine No. 1412 which was running light and which was in charge of engineer Lewney and fireman Fritter.
W.B. McFerrin and Fred Lochnet, who were returning to the former's grading camp near the river, were eye witnesses to the accident and stated that neither one of the men noticed the engine until a moment before the collision, when they were both seen to stand up in the wagon. Thomas who was driving slapped the horses with the reins, but the engine which was running about 20 to 25 miles per hour struck the wagon about in the center and the men were thrown for several feet into the air and about 75 feet from where the accident occurred. They ran to where the two men laid and found Thomas to be dead, while Frank was alive but badly injured, having his right arm broken and crushed and a big gash cut in his head as well as injuries to his back and body. Thomas Rooney's back was broken, his right leg broken a horrible gash in his head and several other bruises about the body.
The body of Thomas Rooney was brought to the city and taken to the Shea building, while Frank Rooney was taken to the office of Dr. Lewers, where he was given medical attention. And then taken to the hospital at Lewistown, and late reports from there state that he is doing fine and that his recovery is almost fully assured.
While having his injuries dressed at the doctor's office Frank made the statement that neither of them saw the engine until it was right on them, that he saw it first and warned Tom but it was too late as a moment later the engine crashed into the wagon.
Both victims of the accident are well known throughout the west side, having practically spent their entire lives here.
Coroner Creel was notified and held an inquest in the Murray hall this evening. The following jury being impaneled: John Shea, C. L. Anderson, C. Swanz, Sr., J.A. Raitt, J.S. Matteer and F. Montgomery, who after hearing the testimony offered by the various witnesses returned a verdict that Thomas Rooney came to his death by being struck by Great Northern engine, No. 1412 at crossing west of Hobson on May 18th, at about the hour of 6:50 p.m., and that his death was accidental. |