JOSEPH BEAUDIN KILLED BY TRAIN

Joseph Beaudin, Pike Lake farmer, drove onto the crossing east of the Soo Depot in Boyd, Chippewa, Wisconsin, at about one o'clock Monday afternoon just in time to be struck by westbound passenger train No. 1, which was approaching the station. Mr. Beaudin was thrown 25 feet along the track, landing between the rail and the platform on the south side and suffered injuries from which he died Tuesday night. The horses catapulted to the other side, one being killed outright and the other being so badly hurt that it had to be destroyed.

Mr. Beaudin, in care of Dr. Myre, who was hastily summoned, was placed on the train and rushed to the hospital at Chippewa Falls. He was found to have a serious spine injury, a deep cut on the back of his head, a compound fracture of the right arm, a crushed collar bone and abdominal injuries. The shock from the accident was so profound that it was feared he would die during Monday night, but he revived somewhat Tuesday morning and lingered until night, although from the beginning physicians held out no hope of his recovery.

At the time of the accident Mr. Beaudin had just driven from the Boyd Produce Co. mill with his brother-in-law, Albert Mercier. Both men knew the train was coming, although the sight of it was obscured by the buildings on their right as they drove west from the mill. As they turned onto the north and south street just a few feet from the tracks, Albert Mercier suggested that they wait. Joseph Beaudin, however, said that his team was fast and that they could make it. Mr. Mercier, refusing to take the chance, jumped. The train, a long one with two engines, crashed into the rig before the horses had a chance to cross the tracks.

Joseph Beaudin was born April 1, 1882, on the family farm in the Pike Lake region where he lived up to the time of his death. It was the home farm of his parents. His brothers, Ludger and William, and a sister, Mrs. Agnes Mercier live on neighboring places. Mr. Beaudin grew to manhood on the farm and eventually took it over. Joseph never married. But he was a man who liked the company of people, was himself a good companion and was welcomed among all who knew him. Those with whom he had business dealings respected him for his honesty and his good judgment.

Funeral serviced were held Saturday morning at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, in Boyd, Chippewa, Wisconsin.

The surviving relatives are three brothers; Ludger and William of Pike Lake and Peter of St. Paul, and two sisters, Mrs. Albert Mercier of Pike Lake and Mrs. Edward Richard Sugars of Duluth.

Joseph Beaudin

The remains of the late Joseph Beaudin, who was struck by a west bound passenger train last Monday and suffered injuries from which he died last Tuesday night, were taken to the home of his sister, Mrs Albert Mercier at Pike Lake Friday and funeral services were held Saturday morning at ten o'clock from St. Joseph's Church at Boyd, Rev. Father Colling officiating.

Joseph Beaudin was born April 1, 1882, on the farm at Pike Lake, where he lived up to the time of his death. It was the home farm of his parents. Mr. Beaudin grew to manhood on the farm and eventually took it over, he never married. The surviving relatives are three brothers, Ludvig (Ludger) and William of Pike Lake and Peter of St. Paul, and two sisters, Mrs. Albert Mercier of Pike Lake and Mrs. Edward R. Sugars of Duluth, interment beign made in St. Joseph's Cemetery.

The accident happened when Beaudin drove his team and bob sleigh in front of the west bound train being pulled by two engines as it was approaching the station west of the crossing. Another man riding with him saw the train bearing down upon them and jumped from the sleigh in time to avoid being struck. One horse was killed outright, the other injured so badly it had to be shot, and the sleigh was demolished.

Mr. Beaudin resided about five miles north of Boyd, in the Yellow river country. He was preceded in death by his father, Caesar Beaudin, who was a pioneer of that section of the country.

George Gonyea, mortician, today prepared the body to be shipped to Boyd for interment.

Contributed by Clair Mercier Talyai