Lon Stapleton
1886-1927

Lon Stapleton, age 37 years was ground to death
beneath the wheels of a C & O freight train near
Buffalo Tunnel about one mile est of Paintsville
last Thursday morning about 2 a. m. The mans body
was horribly cut and mangled. Both legs were cut
off, his head crushed to a pulp, one eye protruding
from its socket and lying on his cheek, his body
otherwise cut and bruised beyond recognition.

Stapleton, in the company of Max Conley, was enroute
home from Greasy Creek to his home in Bridgeford
Addition, when the accident occurred. As the freight
train approached the train crew noticed him on the
track but thought he made a safe crossing. Later,
an investigation proved the train had struck and
killed him. It is the consensus of opinion that he
attempted to cross the track directly in front of
the passing train, but a curve prevented the train
crew from seeing the man in time to stop and prevent
the accident.

Both Stapleton and Conley were drinking, it is
reported, and this no doubt, was responsible for
Stapleton's death.

Stapleton had been employed by the C&O as a
brakeman for a number of years and at times acted
as a special conductor.

Funeral services were held Friday afternoon and
the remains interred at the Huff Cemetery near
his home in Bridgeford. He is survived by his
widow, Rosa Welch Stapleton and five children,
all girls, and much sympathy is felt for his
wife and children.

The Paintsville Herald Oct. 6, 1927