Dassel Anchor’s First Published Traffic Accident

by Bill Ward

In late October 1893, just a couple weeks after the Dassel Anchor became the newest newspaper to be published in Dassel, it carried the story of a traffic accident. Like so many accidents today, it resulted from a strange combination of unforeseeable events leading to a quickly developing disaster.

John M. Johnson, his wife, Louis Clarquist, her daughter, and George Runquist boarded the Johnson two seat covered buggy and headed out on a trip into the country.

Just after passing the Lutheran Church Johnson touched one of the horses with his whip. The pony jumped and the tug became unhitched. As it disengaged, the end of the whiffletree hit the wheel and began rattling against the spokes, further spooking the horses.

Both horses ran, and going downhill the buggy flipped two or three times over. Mrs. Clarquist held on to her little girl and both were uninjured. Runquist went under the wheels and was rolled over several times but also came out unharmed.

Johnson, however, sustained two broken ribs and a broken collar bone, fainting as he realized his injuries. His wife was severely bruised but had no broken bones, though upon seeing the condition of her husband she too passed out.

Help arrived soon and medical assistance was obtained. The ponies were caught a short time later. All in all, a good bit of excitement was had on what had been a quiet afternoon. As we pass by the Lutheran Church today, little thought is given to the drama that took place on that road long ago. But if you listen carefully, just maybe you can still hear the sound of frightened horses and a cartwheeling buggy.

Story from Dassel Anchor, November 3, 1893