The 1888 Tragedy at Semaphore.
In 1888, the newspapers of the day were scathing of
20-year-old Susan Schmidt, who on February 8th, had ridden on the footboard of
a train carriage travelling to Semaphore. As the train crossed the points, it
shook, dislodging Susan and throwing her under the train where she was crushed
to death.[1]
It came to light that Susan and a friend, Emma Fitts, had
left Susan's parents’ house in the evening, and walked to Port Adelaide. They
saw a friend off at Alberton station, then walked back to Exeter station, when
the Semaphore bound train arrived. Rather than walk, they hopped onto the
steps of the train from the opposite side of the platform. William Uden,
travelling in the train, told the girls they had better get off the train, but
they ignored him. As the train entered Semaphore station and crossed the
points, it made a slight jump, dislodging Susan, who was flung under the train.
Porter, Charles White, who was on his way to the points, saw
the train give a little jump and heard someone yell out from under the train.
He was first to see Susan on the rails and went immediately for a doctor. When
the train stopped at Semaphore, the guard William Swann, saw the danger lights
lit up at the points by White and could see Susan lying around 100 yards from
the train.
There was little compassion in South Australia’s media of
the day. The South Australian Register wrote, ‘Susan Schmidt was run over and
killed by the Semaphore train on February 8, owing to her recklessness in
unlawfully riding on the footboard of the carriage.’[2]
The Evening Journal stated, ‘A Sad Death from Recklessness –
It must be a painful reflection for the parents of the poor girl, Susan
Schmidt, who was run over and killed by the Semaphore train…’[3]
The Port Augusta Dispatch wrote, ‘Susan Schmidt tried to
ride on the step of a Semaphore railway carriage last Wednesday. Verdict –
nobody but herself to blame.’[4]
Susan's body was transported to the Port Hospital where Dr
Toil examined her, before placing her dead body in the morgue.[5]
Susan's lower body had been ‘completely crushed.’[6]
An inquest into the death occurred at the Port Admiral Hotel
on February 9, 1888, overseen by Coroner T. Ward. J.P. Susan’s father Bennett Schmidt gave evidence
at the inquest, stating,
She was 20 years of age last September. Last saw her alive
about half-past 7 on Wednesday evening in company, with., two friends. They
left his place and went in the direction of the Semaphore-road. Was awakened
about a quarter past 10 by Mr. Warn, who told him of the accident. Directly saw
it was his daughter that had been run over. She asked him to lift her up, and
repeated the question in the train. She never told him how the accident
occurred. Never knew deceased to be reckless.[7]
The jury returned a verdict that ‘the deceased met her death
by being run over by the Semaphore train, the accident is caused by her
attempting to ride on the step of the carriage and added a rider that no blame
was attached to anybody. [8]
Researched and written by Allen Tiller © 2024
[1] 'Latest News.', Evening Journal, (9 February 1888), p. 2. (SECOND EDITION).
[2] 'ABSTRACT OF NEWS.', South Australian Register, (13 February 1888), p. 7.
[3] 'S.A. SWIMMING CLUB.', Evening Journal, (10 February 1888), p. 3. (SECOND EDITION).
[4] 'Grape Shot.', The Port Augusta Dispatch, Newcastle and Flinders Chronicle, (14 February 1888), p. 2.
[5] 'Latest News.', Evening Journal, (9 February 1888), p. 2. (SECOND EDITION).
[6] Ibid.
[7] 'CORONERS' INQUESTS.', South Australian Register, (10 February 1888), p. 7.
[8] Ibid.
