George Henry Pearson
Paris Post, Friday, 26 March 1909, page 1
A heart rending accident took place on the Short Line railroad last Tuesday evening when Peter Lang and George Pearson, both of Montpelier, lost their lives. Lang was the engineer and Pearson was the head brakeman. There was a fearful storm in progress at the time, and it is thought this was the cause of the accident as the engineer mistook the switch signal.
The freight train on which the ill fated railroad men went to their death left Montpelier at 5 pm Tuesday afternoon. Arriving at a switch near Granger, the signal was set instructing them to stop, but it is presumed that Engineer Lang mistook it in the storm for a signal to continue on his way. The train was derailed and went full speed into the ditch. The engine fell on its side and the cars piled pell mell on top of it.
Lang and Pearson were caught under a mountain of debris and it is supposed, were killed instantly, as they were bruised and maimed as well as being scalded beyond recognition by steam escaping from the engine. Rasmussen, the fireman, saved his life by jumping from the engine.
Wrecking crews were sent to the scene and the debris was cleared away as soon as possible, but it was not until Wednesday noon that the bodies of Lang and Pearson were found. They were brought to Montpelier that afternoon arriving at 5 pm. The death of each is unusally sad. Lang leaves a wife and seven children. He had lived in Montpelier for many years past. He was aged about 50 years.
Pearson was unmarried but leaves a widowed mother and other relatives. He was aged about 23 years. Both had many friends in this valley who are greatly shocked by their untimely death. May the God of the fatherless comfort the bereaved families.