Theodore Mann

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-137802
• Residence: 1871, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; W. Methodist
• Occupation: 1881, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Teamster

Notes:

Terrible Death at the G.T.R. Station

John Reinhardt Instantly Killed

Just after the arrival of the 1;15 p.m. train from Berlin on Friday last a terrible accident occurred at the station in this town, whereby John Reinhardt, well known as baggage-man and brakeman on the train, suffered instant death. As is generally the custom, after the passengers had alighted, the employees proceeded to make up the train for the afternoon trip to Waterloo, and it was while thus engaged that poor Reinhardt met his terrible fate.

It appears that the passenger and baggage-car on this train are fitted with what is known as the "Miller" coupling, which works to a charm so far as the cars fitted with it are concerned; but when it becomes necessary to couple freight cars to the "Miller" considerable difficulty is frequently experienced. On this occasion some freight cars were to be attached to the train, and they were brought down from the freight-shed by the engine. When the cars were coming down the line, Reinhardt and Theodore Mann, brakeman, were on top of them at the brakes; but when approaching the passenger portion of the train Reinhardt got off his car and ran ahead to make preparations for the coupling. He failed, however, in guiding the link into the "slot" in the drawhead of the freight car, and it glanced off to the left-hand side forcing the "Miler" coupling past the side of the drawhead, and allowing the cars to come together. When they struck, the momentum carried the passenger and baggage-cars a few feet, holding Reinhardt in the terrible vice. Then they separated; and with the last effort of his life the poor fellow stepped up on the station platform, walked a few steps toward the fence, and fell on the boards in a heap - dead. It was afterward found that his ribs had been crushed in upon his heart, although outwardly the flesh over the spot was scarcely bruised.

John Reinhardt had been connected with the train running on the Galt branch for many years in fact, ever since the opening of the road, if we are not mistaken. He was a remarkably quiet and inoffensive man, ever ready to oblige a friend, and was universally liked. He was aged 37 years, and leaves a widow and 5 children to mourn his fearfully sudden death. It is satisfactory to know, however, that he leaves them above want, having saved over $3000 out of his earning, besides holding a policy in the G.T. employees insurance company. He was widely known to travelers on the Grand Trunk, as well on the main line as on the branch, having been baggage man on the "Dutch mail" when it ran between Galt and Toronto some years ago. The remains were conveyed from his residence in Galt to his father's residence, Shantz Station, on Saturday, and form thence were taken for interment to the R.C. cemetery at Little Germany on Sunday.

Galt Reporter Mar 19 1886 pg 1

Theodore — Sarah. Sarah was born 1854, , Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]