In the 1800s, the Delaware State Fair was held in September, unlike current day when the event is held in July. In that era, the fair was held in Wilmington and visitors had to travel by stagecoach or horse and buggy, although train travel made it easier by 1898. Yet, a report in the Delaware Gazette and State Journal, published, September 22, 1898, announced “attendance at the State Fair yesterday (September 15) was larger than the preceding day” before reporting on a tragedy that occurred on the horse track.
“A chaotic scene disturbed the afternoon’s pleasure toward the close of the races,” the report read. “One man is dead and another injured, and five vehicles are total wrecks.”
On September 14, 1898, William T. Moore of Sudlersville, Maryland, was driving a sorrel mare, Topsy Russell, in the 2:30 race. There were two other starters in the race – W.P. Biggs riding his horse, Breeze, and Henry Dutton driving Sheely. Two heats had been won by Breeze and the third was on. They were just coming into the homestretch when Moore’s sulky appeared to strike something. Moore was seen to turn a complete somersault over the head of his horse, and she fell upon him. The other horses continued with Breeze winning the race…