http://www.cooganresearchgroup.com/crg/index.htm

28 March 2010

COOGAN story appearing in "Pottsville Republican" [PA], 05 SEP 1892, 
PAGE 4, COLUMN 2:


HIS LEGS TAKEN OFF - James Coogan, of New Street, is Run Over by an 
Engine - James Coogan, of New Street, Norwegian township, was in 
town late Saturday night, and unfortunately for himself, fell asleep 
on the track of the railroad quite close to the Fishbach rolling 
mill.  About 1 o'clock engine No. 7, the yard shifter of the P. & R. 
Co. run up and down to the mill and it was on one of these trips 
that Coogan was run over and had both legs cut off above the knees.  
The engineer of the shifter was Thomas Parker; fireman, Samuel 
Williams, and conductor Wm. Brown.  Dr. J. H. Swaving was 
immediately called and the injured man was made as comfortable as 
possible, and taken to his home in New street, where he resided with 
his widowed mother.  Rev. M. F. Rooney, of St. Patrick's church, was 
also sent for shortly after the accident and administered to him at 
his home. Drs. J. H. and J. C. Swaving, with Dr. John T. Carpenter, 
went out about 10 o'clock and made an examination of Coogan.  They 
gave it as their opinion that an operation would have to be 
performed by cutting the legs off further up, but it was understood 
objections were raised.  Coogan has been employed by the Fishbach 
mill as a second piler, and is reported as a very steady employee 
and a very peaceable man.  His brother died about a year ago, while 
another lives in the West.  Many regrets have been expressed by his 
friends for the sad accident that befell him.  James Coogan died 
last night from the effects of his injuries about 10 o'clock. As we 
have said, it was the opinion of the surgeons that the unfortunate 
man could not survive.