Motorman who stays aboard dies as streetcars collide head-on

 On Aug. 17, 1903, at 2:03 in the afternoon, a collision between two Southwest Missouri Electric Railway streetcars resulted in the death of motorman Joshua Baker. The wreck occurred at the Curtis Crossing, 3 1/2 miles west of Carthage. The collision happened at one of the worst curves on the rail line and neither motorman could see an oncoming car more than 30 feet in the distance.

Car No. 29 was bound toward Carthage and as motorman Baker rounded the curve he perceived car No. 30 coming toward him with great speed. He reversed his car and put on the brake, heroically remaining with his car.

Motorman Edge on car No. 30 evidently perceived No. 29 about the same time but sought safety by jumping from his car. From the wreck and damage that was done to both cars it was evident that motorman Baker had brought No. 29 almost to a standstill as the wreck occurred and that No. 30 was coming at full speed.

Car No. 30 was torn to pieces, every seat was torn loose and every pane of glass was broken out. Motorman Edge was struck on the head when he jumped from the car, crushing his head.

Passengers aboard the cars received many injuries including cuts, abrasions, broken bones and various internal traumas.

The accident was investigated and testimony was taken from railway employees and passengers.

A coroner’s jury determined that Motorman W.A. Edge and Conductor B. Moad of car No. 30 were responsible for the collision due to Edge’s inefficiency and to Moad’s disobeying of orders from the dispatcher. It was later reported that Edge had recovered from his head injury.

Motorman Joshua “Josh” Baker was born Sept. 18, 1869, the son of William and Sarah Baker. He was 33 years old at the time of his death. His funeral was held at the Christian Church in Carthage, and he was buried at Park Cemetery in Carthage. Motorman Baker had worked for the Southwest Missouri Electric Railway Company for over seven years.