John H. McDaniel
On Friday night, July 3, Mr. John H. McDaniel, son of Mr. J. S. McDaniel of this county, was crushed to death between two freight cars at Lumber City, seventy five miles below Macon.
For about two years young McDaniel had been at work on the road and for some time had been running on a local freight between Macon and Lumber City, and it was by this train he received the death blow. As we understand it he was standing between two cars arranging a coupling when, suddenly, the heavy train rolled backwards catching him between the bumpers. He was terrible mangled about the hips but lived five hours and was conscious to the last. His father was telegraphed the sad news but didn't reach him till several hours after he had died. The body was brought to Jackson on Sunday morning and laid to rest in the Watkins graveyard at three o'clock in the afternoon, Rev. E. M. Hooten conducting the funeral ceremonies.
This is another victim of a sad railroad accident and death for Butts County. Young McDaniel was twenty three years of age and was an upright noble young man.
Middle Ga. Argus - Week of July 14, 1891
----------------------------------------------------------John H. McDaniel - In Memorial
"There is no flock, however watched and tender,
But one dead lamb is there!
There is no Flriside (?), how soe'er defender,
But has one vacant chair!"While the world is erecting monuments to the memory of its heroes, the writer would attempt to pay a slight token of respect to the memory of a departed friend and a hero whose memory will live in the hearts of his friends and relative without any marble monument to perpetuate it.
Did I say here? Yes! He had enlisted in that army of seven hundred thousand men, who night and day hold the lives of thousands of people in their hands, and with eagle eyes watch the commerce of a Nation.
On the night of July 3rd 1891, John H. McDaniel was crushed to death while at his post on duty on the E. T. V. & G., railroad.
Our young friend was born June 12, 1868 and raised in this county, the manly and noble son of Mr. And Mrs. James S. McDaniel.
For several years, he had been a member of Macedonia church, and judging from the letters written by those who were with him in the hour of death, his Christian fortitude sustained him to the last.
Only those who knew him well can realize the loss of such a noble young man.
It can truthfully be said of him that he was a young many of many noble traits of character.
All of his years of manhood had been given to the service in which he had enlisted and he died performing his duty.
Not the ball from an enemy's gun like the sentinel on the field or carnage, but by a fatal accident, while in the field of commerce, watching the interests of his employers, and the welfare of a nation.
Those who sacrifice their lives in the interests of the public, through the great highways of commerce, are as noble heroes as those who sacrifice their lives on the field of batter.
Yes they deserve to be so regarded and we dare say that our friend was as heroic as the noblest among them.
Oh! That we could relive the aching heart of the bereaved mother, but we can only ask her to bear her sorrow with the same Christian fortitude that he love his death and sufferings.
Our heavenly Father is wise and good and does nothing wrong, so let us say: Thy will be done Almightily and loving Heavenly Father.
On, what are all our sufferings here,
If, Lord, Thou count us meet
With that enraptured host to appear,
And worship at thy feet!A Friend
Middle Ga. Argus - Week of September 1, 1891
Submitted by Don Bankston