History Blog: Runaway Horse

Growing up in early Alvarado was not easy nor safe. Besides communicable diseases like Diptheria, bilious, scarlet, and typhoid fever, dangers in every day life could cause injury or death. Horses and buggies, common modes of transportation, were to be respected and watched out for. In the case of Agnes Barron, just riding her horse became a life threatening adventure. This article from the December 15, 1871 edition of the Daily Alta California has the details:

“A frightful accident occurred last Tuesday to Miss Agnes Barron, daughter of Captain James Barron, of Union City. It appears that the young lady, who is about fifteen years of age, after returning from school, went riding on horseback, using a man’s saddle. The horse became frightened at Alvarado, and ran to Union City, a distance of half a mile. The unfortunate young girl was thrown from the saddle, but her leg having caught in the stirrup she was dragged the full distance, her head striking against the road. When rescued, she found to have several severe cuts and bruises about the head and face. Physicians were at once called upon, who attended to her closely and did everything in their power for her, but she remained unconscious for two days. Although dangerously injured her physicians entertain hopes of her recovery.”