Canastota Bee Journal 
September 7, 1907 
 
        LOUIS RATNOUR KILLED 
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  Canastota Man Struck by Twentieth 
    Century Limited Near Ossining 
 
  Louis A. Ratnour a well known and popular young man of this village was instantly 
killed by the Twentieth Century Limited at Scarborough on the Hudson River division 
of the New York Central railroad Thursday morning at 8:30. 
  Mr. Ratnour and Clinton Jackson were employed as carpenters on railroad work at 
this place. A concrete fill was being made on the river side of the tracks. Ratnour 
was walking along side of the tracks carrying in his arms two pieces of scantling 
about eight feet long. The engine struck the pieces of timber and swung Mr. Ratnour 
around so that he was struck by the tender or the first car of the train and knocked 
him about twenty feet. His neck was broken, his back was broken, one leg was 
broken in two places and the back of his skull was crushed. It is probable that death 
was instantaneous. The train was late and endeavoring to make up time so that its 
speed was probably more than a mile a minute. The victim left Canastota only a month 
ago to take the employment which was terminated so terribly. 
  J. H. McMahon of this village was notified of the accident and the remains of the 
unfortunate young man were shipped here in his care. 
  Mr, Ratnour was 39 years of age and was the son of the late Martin Ratnour and 
wife. All of his life had been passed in this town and he had made many friends, He 
was a member of the Masonic Lodge and had held the office of secretary. He is  
survived by one sister, Miss Ella Ratnour of this village. 
  Funeral services will be held at the M. E. church Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock and 
will be under the auspices of Canastota Lodge No. 231, F. & A. M. Rev. Horatio 
Yates will officiate and burial will be made in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.