Hubert F. Purdham attempted to save John G. Evans from being killed by a train, Luray, Virginia, November 20, 1920. Evans, 62, restaurant proprietor, started walking over a crossing as a freight train was approaching at a speed of 20 m.p.h. Purdham, 43, crossing watchman, who was on the opposite side of the track on which the train was running, shouted several times to Evans and signalled to him, but Evans continued onto the track. When the train was about 40 feet south of them, Purdham stepped to the track, braced himself with one foot at the outside rail, and reached forward to grasp Evans. Purdham gripped his clothing as Evans reached the middle of the track and pulled him over the rail. The locomotive struck Evans and tossed him 20 feet, injuring him fatally. Purdham was struck and was thrown 15 feet. He was badly bruised and was disabled 11 days. 20981-1771
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