Off The Road Stage driver Clark Foss courted disaster…and got it.

Clark Foss started a stage line in Napa Valley, CA during the Civil War.  It was a route with sharp turns and huge drop-offs, and “Old Foss” gained a reputation as a skilled driver—albeit one who liked to go as fast as possible, giving the riders a thrill (or fright).

But there was always a chance of disaster, and that occurred in the late 1870s when Foss was around 60.  Foss was driving as usual when he lost control and the coach went into a ravine.  One passenger was killed; seven others, including Foss, were badly hurt.