Oliver Simmons - Killed

Oliver Simmons, a half-witted negro was killed by a train in Jackson, on Friday night last.  The coroner held an inquest in the depot.   The witnesses were generally truthful, but one little Negro who would have sworn anything, somewhat worried the jury, after sitting on a very hard box for two hours.  For we were all sitting on boxes and the fattest man had the softest seat, the leanest juror whose patience became threadbare and whose box grew harder and harder with each fleeting moment, virtually moved to adjourn.  The verdict exonerated the road from all blame, as the train was due along there about that time and the negro could have waited a few moments without serious injury to the church or state.  The poor Negro is as well of as when living.

Middle Ga. Argus - week of March 15, 1894

Submitted by Don Bankston