Railroad Accidents - Family History & Genealogy Message Board

Train Accident in Greene Co Tennessee

mymei44 — 2013-05-18 19:52:49Z

I am looking for information about a railroad accident that might have taken place near Chuckey, Greene Co, Tenn. William Newton Collett, born 1843 and died August 9, 1890, died in that accident. Thank you for your help

Re: Great Chatsworth Train Wreck - casualty list on new website: changed to http://sites.google.com/site/chatsworthillinoismemories

jamysteid — 2013-02-10 22:06:04Z

I live close by and do a lot of local research, so if anyone needs lookups done connected to the Chatsworth Train Wreck, I'd be happy to help

Re: 1961 Bowie, MD Race Course Train Wreck

garzimm — 2012-04-21 15:21:46Z

please e-mail me any pics you may have of this wreck or wreck site.......garzimm@aol.com. thanx

Re: Ohio train crash, Martins Ferry, Ohio, January 1916

eskees11 — 2012-02-10 18:49:33Z

There is a Daniel Booth listed in Belmont Cemetery Jan 1916 in Martins Ferry. There is another cemetery in the area. We were there and it was really hard to find. That cemetery is Linwood Cemetery, the Catholic part of the cemetery is St. Anthony's. It is located in Lansing, not far from Martins Ferry.

Re: The Ashtabula, Ohio Railroad Disaster 1876

talbotrail — 2011-08-11 23:52:09Z

Hi, sorry I don't know any info about the railroad records, but this article published Jan 3, 1877, states he was 35 years old, leaves a wife and 2 children, and is the only brother of Cal Wagner.

http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=F60E10F938...

The Ashtabula, Ohio Railroad Disaster 1876

bunnie2007 — 2011-08-02 02:33:41Z

I am looking for information on the Harry Wagner, who was a smoking car conductor on the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railroad, and who was killed in the Ashtabula Train disaster in 1876. Are there railway employment records out there anywhere? If so, where would I find those for the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern (LS & MS) railroad? I do know that this Harry is buried in Ashtabula, but I don't know where his home base was. This "Harry" may have been my grandfather Hiram Wagner, who worked for the same company and died about 1876. Did railways pay widows in those days? Would there have been any kind of a paper trail to follow?

Ohio train crash, Martins Ferry, Ohio, January 1916

magherb — 2011-06-11 17:18:38Z

Trying to find out about a train crash that happened in martins ferry Ohio in January 1916. One of my g grandfathers sons, Samuel Booth, who was a theological student, was killed and buried I think in a cemetery in martins ferry

Thaxton's Switch Train Wreck on July 2, 1889 in Thaxton, VA

beachlvr0810 — 2011-06-10 17:47:42Z

Hi, I am doing research on the train wreck that happened right below my house on July 2, 1889 in Thaxton, Virginia. If any of you have any information or pictures of this wreck, could you please contact me here on Ancestry, or at this email address: blkpearl12@yahoo.com

Thanks so very much!
Cindy Neely

Holmquist Mill train wreck 1904

k8ren — 2011-01-22 17:33:32Z

My husband's great grandfather was the fireman on this train, Thomas Downie (1871-1904)

From: http://www.historylink.org/index.cfm?DisplayPage=pf_output.c...
Monroe, Snohomish County Washington:
Tragic Mischief

An appalling tragedy for Monroe residents occurred in mid-May 1904, when two youngsters tampered with the main Great Northern Railway switch from the main line to the Holmquist spur. The train went through the switch at 30 miles per hour. The heavy engine crashed into two box cars being loaded with shingles. The loading crew had left just minutes before the impact, which saved their lives. The boxcars were splintered completely, and two railroad men died at the scene. The two young boys were arrested.

On Washington state archives at: http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/ViewRecord.aspx?RID=EFD327...
Thomas Downey died 16 May 1904 in Seattle, King County, age 32, married, birthplace Kansas, cause of death Extreme violence, railroad accident, occupation locomotive fireman, father Robert Downie, born Ireland, mother Sarah Henley, born Ireland. returned by C. E. Hoyt

From: http://www.monroehistoricalsociety.org/holmquist.html
1904 Holmquist Mill Train Wreck

The mid-May 1904 train wreck at the east end of Monroe at Holmquist Mill was caused by two boys—11 and eight years of age—tampering with the main track switch. It was before block signals were installed. The train went through the switch at 30 mph even though the engineer had seen the open switch, applied the breaks and reversed the engine. The engineer jumped from the engine and was badly bruised when he fell on a barrel. The train crashed into two box cars being loaded with shingles at the mill. The engine splintered the box cars and pushed them off the end of the spur before it buried its nose in the dirt. Brakeman Marshall died in the crash. Fireman Downey was pinned in the wreck and died four hours later still pinned in.

Colorado Midland railroad accident 14 Sept 1887

tsmick1 — 2010-07-07 02:18:38Z

I am looking for information on this accident that happened between Colorado Springs and Leadville, CO. I have seem the newspaper clippings that talk about the train giving way over marshy ground and people being crushed and scalded but would like to know more on the people killed and where they might have been taken and buried. In particular, I am looking for my GGrandfather, Theodore Norton Penney who was a construction worker riding on this train and was killed during the accident. Please any help would be appreciated.
Thanks, Teresa

Great Chatsworth Train Wreck - casualty list on new website: changed to http://sites.google.com/site/chatsworthillinoismemories

MaryRunyonH — 2010-04-05 17:16:08Z

Susan-I will soon have a list for you on the deceased and injured in the Great Chatsworth Train Wreck. I have started a sight on MSN Groups call "Chatsworth Illinois Memories". I just haven't had a lot of time to work on it yet. Check out this site in about a week. The list may not be complete by then , but I will have it started. My info will come from the original publication of the "Chatsworth Plaindealer" published the day after the wreck. So it is a "hearsay" list but I imagine pretty accurate.
The url is: www.groups.msn/ChatsworthIllinoisMemories
Let me know what you think by leaving a message on the message board there. Good Luck. Mary

Re: 1961 Bowie, MD Race Course Train Wreck

hlwyattjr — 2010-01-29 17:09:37Z

Thank you.

My email is: hlwyattjr@gmail.com. I will appreciate any pictures you may be able to send.

Harry

Re: 1961 Bowie, MD Race Course Train Wreck

cemcrawler — 2010-01-29 16:30:41Z

The Evening Standard
Uniontown, Pennsylvania
February 3, 1961
Page 34

6 Killed, 150 Hurt
In Train Accident

BOWIE, Md. (AP)—A train derailment which
turned a day at the races into a nightmare of death and
suffering in snow-covered countryside is being investi-
gated by Pennsylvania Railroad officials.
Six persons were killed and about 150 were injured
Thursday when seven cars—
of a special 11-car train from
Philadelphia left the rails while
making a left turn from the
main line onto a spur leading to
Bowie race course.
About 300 passengers were on
the train, three miles from the
race track, when the quietness of
the mid-winter afternoon was
shattered in a mass of twisted
steel, broken glass and uprooted
seats.
The double-unit diesel engine
tumbled over on its right side.
The seven derailed cars bounced
along over cross ties or open
ground, but did not topple over.
Police said two of the victims,
who included five passengers and
a dining car waiter, died when the
bottom of a car was ripped off
and the men dropped under the
train.
The engineer, Howard W. Homer,
62, of Camden, N.J. told police
the train was traveling at
about 30 miles an hour when the
brakes failed as he turned off the
main line.
Playing cards, evidence of how
the passengers whiled away the
time, were scattered along the
tracks.
"All we felt were two sharp
jerks," said a dining car steward
Eugene B. Webster. "One big sud-
den jerk, and then a small one.
One of the passengers, who es-
caped injury, Edward F. Janus,
48, of Philadelphia, said he
thought at first the train was just
making a sudden stop.
"There was one jolt after an-
other and the car was rocking
like a ship at sea," he said after
climbing from the last derailed
car.

The following papers have a picture of the wreck (not all are good pictures). If you send me your email address I can email them to you.

Palladium-Times
Sheboygan Press
Delaware County Daily Times
The Valley Independent

1961 Bowie, MD Race Course Train Wreck

hlwyattjr — 2009-12-10 20:37:28Z

Looking for anyone with information on the PRR train derailment/wreck of Feb 2, 1961 at Bowie, MD. A special gamblers train from Philadelphia jumped the tracks when the brakes failed. Six people were killed and 130 injured. My brother, William Wyatt, was the "fireman" on this train. Also looking for photos of the wreck.

Harry Wyatt,
Perkasie, PA

51 Die In The Shepherdsville Train Wreck of December 1917

@@theresagriffiths@iwon.com — 2009-08-02 21:18:19Z

http://www.aths.com/page195.htm

Bullitt - Nelson County: Kentucky USA

A Christmas Tragedy
51 Die In The Shepherdsville Train Wreck of December 1917

Submitted by: Gertrude V. Morris
ATHS MEMBER 1077
EMAIL ADDRESS: GMORRISV@aol.com

The headlines shouted, 47 Die in Fatal Crash When Fast Mail Train Crashes Into Springfield Accomodation! Supplimental headlines stated, Local Train Heavily Laden With Bardstown People Who Were Returning From Louisville â€“ All Killed Or Seriously Injured.

These were the tragic headlines of the Kentucky Standard of December 24, 1917. No issue of The Standard in its 60 years has been filled with news of so much tragedy.

Recently, another chapter was written.

The "woman with the brilliant red hair" died at the age of 92 â€“ her heroic role in the tragic train wreck at Shepherdsville all but forgotten.

Miss Margaret Woods of Lexington, a trained nurse, was aboard a Louisville & Nashville Railroadâ€™s Cincinnati â€“ to â€“ New Orleans flyer December 20, 1917.

A second passenger train was parked in the heart of Shepherdsville, preparing to switch off the main track to allow the flyer to pass.

At 5 p.m. the flyer whistled toward town. Its engineer spotted the local, but he was going too fast to stop.

The woman who worked all night aiding the injured and dying was described in newspaper accounts only as "the woman with the brilliant red hair." She was not identified as Margaret Woods until several days later.

"Smiles were changed to tears, and laughter gave way to sobs when the news was received here that the Springfield Accomodation train had been wrecked at Shepherdsville and that every Bardstown person on the train had either been killed or dangerously injured." That was the way the lead story in the Standard of December 24, 1917 read.

The accommodation was loaded with Bardstown people who had spent the day in Louisville doing their Christmas shopping.

19 Bodies Brought Home

Family after family was struck with tragedy â€“ county office holders, business and professional men and their wives. Fathers, mothers and children were tragic victims.

Private sorrow turned into public grief when a special train arrived at Bardstown the night after the wreck bringing "our dead." The bodies of 19 persons were unloaded.

It was nearly midnight the night before when the last of the mangled bodies was taken from the two coaches, some beyond recognition. The injured were moved either to Louisville hospitals or to homes in Shepherdsville, where some of them died.

Fortunately, all Shepherdsville passengers had already gotten off the train. Otherwise the wreckâ€™s toll would have been much greater.

The Baptist Church at Shepherdsville was turned into a morgue where relatives came in their distress seeking to identify bodies.

The Bardstown accommodation No. 41 was due at Shepherdsville at 5:19 p.m. Thursday December 17. It was six minutes late arriving. The order to take the siding so the fast train could pass was being carried out. The accommodation pulled up to the head of the switch, 200 feet beyond the depot, and was preparing to back in when No. 7, two hours late (due at Shepherdsville at 3:30 oâ€™clock) plowed into it and split it wide open.

The two rear coaches of the accommodation were crumbled like cheese leaving a twisted mass of twisted steel and wooden splinters.

The Dead:

1 - Nat W. Muir, 65 years old; Bardstown banker, president of Wilson & Muir bankers.

2 - Mrs. Nat W. Muir, 50 years old.

3 - George S. Muir, 16 years old, their son.

4 - Redford C. Cherry, Sr. 38 years old, practicing attorney at Bardstown former County Attorney of Nelson County.

5 - Mrs. Redford C. Cherry, 38 years old.

6 - Redford C. Cherry, Jr. 5 years old, their son, all of Bardstown.

7 - Mrs. Joseph Hurst, 20 years old, of Bardstown.

8 - Joseph Raoul Losson Hurst, 7 months old, son of Mrs. Hurst above.

9 - Mrs. Hurst had taken her baby to Louisville to be examined by a specialist.

10 - W. Mack Miller, 33 years old, prominent farmer of Bardstown.

11 - Mrs. Mack Miller, 33 years old. (newspaper accounts of the day do not list Mrs. Miller, she may have died later as a result of injuries)

12 - John Philips, 65 listed as Town Marshal of Bardstown (in original accounts, 1960 article states he was Chief of Police).

13 - Mrs. John Philips, 55 years old.

14 - Mrs R.H. Miller, 38 years old, wife of Dr. R.H. Miller of Bardstown.

15 - Mrs. Tom Moore, Sr, wife of former president of the Mattingly & Moore distillery.

16 - James Thompson, 50 years old, deputy revenue agent of Bardstown, nephew of T Scott Mayes of Louisville.

17 - Ben Talbott, 60 years old, deputy revenue agent, Bardstown.

18 - Miss Josie Bridges, 20 years old of Samuels, Ky.

19 - Hollis Bridges, 18 years old, her brother.

20 - W.C. Johnson, farmer of Samuels, Ky.

21 - Emory Samuels, of Deatsville, Ky.

22 - Miss Maggie Mae Overall,30 years of age, of Coxâ€™s Creek, Ky.

23 - Forrest Overall, 19 years old of High Grove, Ky. (original newspaper account torn, looks like Forrest was the son of DA Overall.)

24 - N.H. Thompson, of New Hope, Ky. (donâ€™t see him listed on original accounts, may have died later as a result of injuries)

25 - Lawrence Greenwell, 40 years of age, of New Haven, flagman on Local No. 41.

26 - Mrs. Althea Simms, of Springfield, Ky.( original newspaper accounts state Miss Simms was 18 years old and a resident of South Bend Indiana)

27 - Rev. E.A. Bertello, Catholic priest of Chapeze, Ky. (listed in original newspaper accounts as Father Eugene A. Bertillo)

Others from Bardstown Junction and Springfield.

Among the injured:

Frank E. Daughtery, practicing attorney from Bardstown, Ky.

J.E. Bowles, prominent farmer from Bardstown, Ky. (later died see below)

Lee Roby of Bardstown, Ky.

Miss Natalie Halstead of Bardstown

Miss Ella Philips, daughter of Mr. And Mrs. John Phillips (deceased, see above)

J.E. Smith of Bardstown, Ky.

Harry Samuels of Samuels, Ky.

ATHS Note: The newspaper article above appears to be from a Bardstown newspaper published about 1960. It focuses on the Nelson County deaths. The only Margaret Woods, aged 92 listed in the Kentucky Death Index was:

Margaret Woods, 92, who died on February 29, 1960 in Fayette, County, Kentucky.

The article was not credited as to author. According to the last item in the article Lee Roby, one of the injured, was then employed at Flaget Hospital at the time of its publication.

Additional Ancestral News Information:

As our headline states, 51 was the actual death count according to contemporary accounts. In an effort to make this report as complete as possible the following additional deaths were gathered from original newspaper accounts published in January 1918.

28 â€“ David Maraman, 38, son of Charles Maraman, farmer Shepherdsville, Ky.

29 â€“ M.H. Campbell, of Louisville, Ky., conductor on train No. 41, the Bardstown Local.

30 â€“ Raymond Thomas Cravens, 2, son of Mr and Mrs Thomas Cravens of Taylor Blvd., Louisville, Ky. Died at St Mary and Elizabeth Hospital.

31 â€“ George C. Duke, railroad agent, Bardstown Junction.

32 â€“ Virginia Duke, 12, daughter of George C. Duke.

33 â€“ Mrs Mattie C. Harmon, 65, residing near Shepherdsville, died at St Mary and Elizabeth Hospital.

34 â€“ Kate Ice, 35, of Bardstown Junction.

35 â€“ Lucas Moore, 60, field agent of the United States Bureau of Crop Statistics, Louisville, Ky.

36 â€“ Tom Spaulding, 22, Notre Dame University, Springfield.

37 â€“ Miss Elizabeth McElroy, 16, student , Bardstown.

38 â€“ James Morrison,12, son of Jackson Morrison.

39 - Mrs. Carrie Mae Simmons, 45, widow of William Simmons, former president of Peopleâ€™s Bank, Shepherdsville.

40 â€“ Frank Nunn, 28, L & N ticket agent.

41 â€“ Mrs. Daniel Nutt, 38, Leaches, Ky.

42 â€“ Mrs. Arch Pullman, Bardstown.

43 â€“ Thomas Schaffer, 18, Chapeze.

44 â€“ J.W. Stansberry, Jr., 40, farmer Bardstown Junction.

45 â€“ J. W. Thompson, New Hope, Ky.

46 â€“ David Phillips, 50, farmer, New Haven, Ky.

47 - Henry Hardaway, Shepherdsville, Ky.

48 â€“ Sid Lawrence, stock dealer, Springfield, Ky.

49 â€“ Mrs. Thomas Miller, 30, New Hope, Ky.

#50 J.E. Bowles, 53 years old, prominent farmer from Bardstown, Ky.- Article in January 1918 Shepherdsville newspaper states, J.E. Bowles, horseman, of Bardstown, the fiftieth victim of the disastrous wreck at Shepherdsville, died of blood poisoning early Friday morning at St Mary and Elizabeth Hospital. Mr. Bowles suffered internal injuries and a severe injury to one of his ankles. The latter injury became infected and blood poison resulted. According to the article on file at the Ancestral Trails Research Library in Vine Grove, Ky., Mr. Bowles was born in Paris France and several years ago he was noted as a breeder of fine race horses, but in recent years devoted his land to raising Holstein cattle.

51 â€“ Mrs. H.H. Mashburn, 40, wife of the Rev. H.H. Mashburn, pastor of the Bardstown Baptist Church.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

14 Damage Suits Filed Amounting To $370,000

(REPUBLISHED FROM 1918 BULLITT COUNTY NEWSPAPER ARTICLE)

Several suits have been filed in the Circuit Court here in the last few days, by administrators or victims of the wreck here, December 20, 1917 against the L.N.R.R. which will be called at the March term of court.

Following are a list which have been brought and the amount sued for.

Henry Bowman, $10,000

John Bowman, $50,000

C.L. Croan, adm of Katie Ice $40,000

Elizabeth Campbell, adm. $50,000

Jeunie Greenwell, adm, $4500

J.D. Gregory, $35,000

Chas. Jessie, $15,000

John McClure, $20,000

Susie Sireckels, $10,000

Will Shelton, $25,000

John Showalters, $25,000

Ethel Thornton, $10,000

Mary Stansberry adm, $50,000

Several suits have been filed in nelson county for damage in the same wreck, the largest one was of the three Muirs, which was $170,000.

We have been informed that the R.R. Co has settled with most all who have sued.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Many Valuables Still Missing:

While many valuables have been located and returned to the owner, friends or relatives, everyday inquiries have been coming in to the News office in regard to money, watches and all kinds of jewelry, overcoats, etc., lost on the night of the wreck.

Anyone in this vicinity locating or finding valuables will please report or leave same at this office, and they will be returned to the rightful owner.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Excerpt: Bullitt Circuit Court.

Honorable D.A. McCandless,

Judge Tenth, Judicial District.

The Grand Jury of Bullitt county, Kentucky, after being in session five days for the special purpose of investigating and inquiring into the cause of the collision of two passenger trains on the Louisville & Nashville railroad inside the corporate limits of Shepherdsville, Dec 20, 1917, where by forty-eight passengers were killed and as many seriously injured, desire to make the following report:

We have examined about thirty-five witnesses and according to their testimony find that the wreck was caused and brought about by a failure on the part of many of the officers, agents and employees of the Louisville & Nashville Railroad Company, to promulgate such rules and perform such service in the operation of the trains of said company as would make them safe to the traveling public.

ATHS Note: the railroad was also cited for using, "old styled wooden passenger coaches and pulled by an engine of the old type." And declared them unsafe when used on a trunk line where many modern trains of steel coaches pulled by the largest and heaviest type passenger engines are operated at a rapid and dangerous speed. "Therefore use of such old wooden passenger coaches and old type engines should not be tolerated by the public."

Re: Collision near Goshen, Indiana, April or May 1874

csnfinder — 2009-07-06 05:28:52Z

By 1928 it was New York Central, but I don't have any way of knowing if it started out with them or was assimilated later.

Collision near Goshen, Indiana, April or May 1874

CarlHaskins27 — 2009-07-04 20:24:15Z

Hello fellow RootsWebbers!

I am searching for information on the railroad lines of Elkhart County during the period up to and including 1874, more specifically the line or lines that ran from Elkhart through Goshen and on to Toledo, Ohio.
My Great Granduncle, Clark Haskins, was injured in a wreck on that line in the last week of April or the first few days of May 1874, and I am trying to get information about this accident.
Please, anyone with information or possible sources of information regarding train lines and/or accidents in the Goshen area contact me.
A small,unspecified newspaper clipping stated,"Clark died at precisely Six P.M. on Thursday night, May 7th. He had been involved in a train wreck just east of Goshen, Indiana. The train he was brakeman on was hit in the middle by another train. He was thrown backwards against the car behind and sustained injuries to his (left?) side, legs, and back."

Thanks soooooooooo much in advance,

Carl

Re: 1853 Grand Crossing, Ill. Wreck

kinfinder66 — 2009-06-04 04:34:40Z

I wish I could say I had found something, but so far...nothing! Let's keep looking. There HAS to be a passenger list SOMEWHERE!!!

1853 Grand Crossing, Ill. Wreck

kinfinder66 — 2009-04-13 23:36:11Z

Does anyone know where I can find a list of the people killed & injured in the 1853 wreck at Grand Crossing, Illinois? My g-g-g-grandmother, Louisa Stanton Haynes, was killed along with one of her children. I would like to learn the name of that child and any other details about the accident. Thank you.
Gail McTamaney

1902 Park Avenue Tunnel Collision, New York City

chorn50 — 2009-02-27 20:50:42Z

On January 8, 1902,there was a train collision in the tunnels beneath Park Avenue between two steam engine trains traveling into NYC. The following 17 people from New Rochelle, NY, died: H. Franklin Crosby, Henry G. Dimon, Theodore Fajardo, Walter Forbes, Byron D. C. Foskett, Edward C Hinsdale, Amanda (Cox Hungerford) Howard, William Howard, William Leys, Charles B. Mars, Oscar W. Meyrowitz, Albert E. H. Mills, Alfred M. Perrin, Winfield A. Slutz, Ernest F. Walton, George D. Winter, Frank Washburn and some 30-40 people were injured.

As a result of this crash, laws were passed in New York state barring steam engines in NYC., forcing the NY Central RR to convert to electrical rails. Additionally the old Grand Central Deport was pulled down and the Beaux-Arts-style Grand Central Station was built which still stands today.

For information about the 17 who died and the accident, visit: http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~nywestch/NewRoc1902/

Pando, Colorado Train Wreck Sept 1915

Not_A_Relative — 2007-01-21 05:12:31Z

Pando, Colorado Train Wreck Sept 1915

http://www.gendisasters.com/data1/co/trains/pando-trainwreck...

Killed: ELMER JOHN

Seriously injured: WILLIAM KING

Injured: JAMES R. DONALDSON, IRENE B. DONALDSON, L. E. ARMSTRONG, J. RAYSVILLE, O. A. EVERS, B. F. BENSON, BERTHA C. NORRIS, MARY R. NORRIS

http://www.gendisasters.com
Events That Touched Our Ancestors' Lives

Re: Names of victims from RR crash in Danville, VA, 1906?

HazelLeMaire26 — 2007-11-11 03:12:02Z

There was a Broady either James Or John. He was the enginer and is buried in Washingdon Co. Virginia up on a very steap hill, The same little cemetary my great grandfather is buried in.I just found it and it is in a shambels. The fence fell down and cows grazed in there and destroyed the headstones on most of the graves. I managed to get pictures of the ones left. The train was called 97 and there is a song about it. Hazel

C&E railroad - trains collided nr Arthur, IL - March 1959

sherrihilmes77 — 2007-11-08 20:47:51Z

Interesting info. My grandfather Joe Phillips had a collision with another train while driving his train near Arthur, Illinois, C & E I railroad, March 1959. He also was found guilty of going through a red light and colliding into the side of another train. I'd like to learn more on the accident. I understood this was a cause of his major depression and suicide attempt. Any suggestions.
Thanks!!!

Northern Pacific 1904 N. Dakota Crash Killed Conductor Mongoven

janealogy50 — 2007-03-07 03:03:20Z

Hi,

My great-grandfather, Michael Stephen (Steve) Mongoven, was a Northern Pacific conductor who was killed when his train - stalled on the tracks during a winter blizzard in the earliest hours of Sunday, 7 Feb 1904 - was demolished by the train sent to his rescue. The accident happened about three miles northeast of Grafton, Walsh County, North Dakota. Steve had requested rescue and told authorities that his stalled train's location was about one mile north of Grafton...in actuality it was about three miles north. The rescue train from Pembina came down from the north at about 25 miles per hour. It approached Grafton at around 2 a.m., believing the disabled train was one mile north of the town. The rescue engine smashed into the caboose where my great-grandfather and his brother sat waiting. He was killed and his brother was burned and suffered injuries that later healed.

My great-grandfather's body was taken the next morning to his home in East Grand Forks, MN, where his wife was informed of his death. Elizabeth Mongoven was already very ill, recovering from her final pregnancy. In a cruel twist, her newborn baby had died only hours before her husband was killed. The news left her grief-stricken, but she survived and lived to raise her five young children. A coroner's jury was convened on the Monday after the crash outside Grafton. They pinned blame on Conductor Mongoven for an error in judgement...that he had incorrectly informed the rescue authorities that his train was one mile north of Grafton instead of the actual three. Later that year, his wife (with the aid of a family friend who was a Catholic priest) received a $7000.00 payment from Northern Pacific in Minneapolis, and the case never went to court. According to newspaper accounts from the time, there were many who believed my ancestor could not have been to blame, that he was a meticulous individual who knew what he was doing and was not prone to misjudgement. Perhaps the truth lies somewhere in the middle. But I need to know it.

My questions:
1. Since NP no longer exists (it eventually became a part of Burlington-Northern-SantaFe), it there a way that I could access the railroad records regarding the crash?

2. I have contacted authorities in Walsh county for a death record, but there is none (apparently). Where would I look? East Grand Forks, Polk County, MN?

3. Would it be wise of me to travel to Walsh County to investigate further?

Thanks for reading...

Jan Patrick Mongoven

Jackson, Utah Train Wreck & Explosion Feb 1904

Not_A_Relative — 2007-06-14 02:53:23Z

Jackson, Utah Train Wreck & Explosion Feb 1904

http://www.gendisasters.com/data1/ut/trains/jackson-trainwre...

Killed: Owen Dermody, Joseph Taylor his wife and three children, Thomas Burke,W. J. Burke, William Haller, and others

http://www.gendisasters.com
Events That Touched Our Ancestors' Lives

Shale, Utah Train Wreck Nov 1896

Not_A_Relative — 2007-06-14 02:51:05Z

Shale, Utah Train Wreck Nov 1896

http://www.gendisasters.com/data1/ut/trains/shale-trainwreck...

Injured: Engineer Goode

Seriously injured: Fireman Brundy or Grundy

http://www.gendisasters.com
Events That Touched Our Ancestors' Lives

Chadsworth, Illinois Train Wreck Aug 1887

Not_A_Relative — 2007-06-13 23:20:03Z

Chadsworth, Illinois Train Wreck Aug 1887

http://www.gendisasters.com/data1/il/trains/chatsworth-train...

Mentioned: Dave Sutherland, Dr. Hasen, Mr. E. D. Stoddard, M. W. White, Jennie O'Shaughnessy, Emma and Ida Stevens, L. Dobbs, Morris Kenloya, Abner Applegreen, Coroner Bennett, P. H. Van Lew, Master Mechanic Warren, Frank Leonard, J. M. Kelly, Timothy Coughlin, Christopher Ennis

Wounded: Adam Schamberger, Miss Alter, Mrs. Hasen, Mrs. C. E. Allen, Mrs. Peter Valentine, C. P. Nanlien (Vanlien or Van Low), Ida and Bertie Blanden and others

Killed: Miss Pearl Adams, E. F. Adams, E. T. Adams, Miss Minnie Alter, Miss Eva Alter, Mrs. Nancy Alter, Mrs. W. H. Allen, J. Bady, Miss Susie Ball, Mrs. William Bell, Isaac Barley, S. C. Breese, S. G. Brees, Mrs. Josie Blaudin, Mrs. Josie Blanden, Phil. Brown, Ed Brown, Mrs. Thomas Cooper, Mattie Cassell, John Ceidler, Mrs. C. H. Clark, Mrs. R. H. Clark, Mrs. J. M. Clay, William Craig, Mrs. Evaline Carruthers, Mrs. Archie Crosswell, Rev. William M. Collins, Mrs. P. M. Cress,

Captain Dahlke, Mrs. James Dale, Mrs. James Deal, Mrs. Dr. Ducket, F. Estrobaum, Chawder Farmer, Millard Fillmbre, Pearl French, J. A. Green, Mrs. W. Garretson, E. Godell, Mrs. E. Hill, Noah Havermill, G. F. Hartley, Mr. Haverhill, F. R. Hill his wife and baby, Mrs. Hicks, Miss Kelly, Rev. Joseph P. Kelly, Job P. Kelly, John B. Kelly, Harry B. Lawrence,

Miss McDonald, Miss May McEvor, Mrs. H. A. McClure and infant, Mrs. Lizzie McClure and child, Mrs. Miller, A. Martin, Ed. McClintock, J. C. McFadden, Jesse Meck, N. A. Moore, Mrs. Hiram J. Mars, Edward McClintock, Jesse Meek, Mrs. John Murphy, Agnes Murphy, Rose Murphy,

infant of Mrs. Neal, Miss Neal, Miss Hennie O'Shaughnessy, Mrs. Maggie Powers, W. H. Potter, Milliard Petterson, Mrs. E. F. Putney, Geo. Press, James D. Richards, William Reagan, Michael Regan, Paul Sackenrenter, Mrs. G. D. Snedecker, Miss Emma Stephens, Miss Ella Stephens, Mrs. M. Smith, Mrs. E. D. Stoddard, Jesse Sherman, Henry Swegelson, O. Spoits, George A. Smith, Melville Smith, R. E. Strachan, Miss Emma Stephens, son of Willis Smith, William Stephens, Frank Snodecker, W. V. Trovilla, Miss Mary Valdejo, Miss. Josie Valedjo, Mrs. Valejo, Mrs. Ida Webster, R. R. Wright, F. D. Wynett, County Treasurer Weinnette, W. H. Lottada Webster, Mrs. Zimmerman, John Zeidler, a girl named Lottie, and others.

http://www.gendisasters.com
Events That Touched Our Ancestors' Lives

Bonnette's Mill, Missouri Train Wreck Mar 1897

Not_A_Relative — 2007-03-02 06:25:53Z

Bonnette's Mill, Missouri Train Wreck Mar 1897

http://www.gendisasters.com/data1/mo/trains/bonnettesmill-tr...

Killed: W. W. Rosenberger

Fatally Injured: Edward Lusman

Injured: Frank Lauber

http://www.gendisasters.com
Events That Touched Our Ancestors' Lives

Birmingham, Alabama Cahaba River Bridge Train Wreck Dec 1896

Not_A_Relative — 2007-03-02 05:50:56Z

Birmingham, Alabama Cahaba River Bridge Train Wreck Dec 1896

http://www.gendisasters.com/data1/al/trains/birmingham-cahab...

Killed: James Bolling, Frank White, A. P. Connell, George Carney, R. Webb, Will Webb, Bruce Phillips, Mrs. Henry Handburry and two children, L.W. Martin, R. H. Blount, Miss Ina Powers, D. J. Powers, Mrs. Emma Powers and two children, Mrs. R. Little, Mr. Gardner, Miss Gardner, Mrs. Gardner, Tom Streator, Jim Estimes, George Williams, unknown woman, three children

Injured: Henry Handburry, E. Eckels, Will Gardner, Sam Stewart, Andrew Bryson, Miss Booth, child of Mrs. Powell, Mrs. Walker and three children.

Mentioned: Jim Rowling, Andrew Bryson, J. W. Hoffer, Will Dusten, M. E. Clark, John McGinnis, Peter Thurston, John Gallagher, Superintendent Fraser, Dr. Ray, Sam Spencer

http://www.gendisasters.com
Events That Touched Our Ancestor's Lives

Thompson Station, Minnesota Train Wreck Oct 1891

Not_A_Relative — 2007-02-27 06:23:54Z

Thompson Station, Minnesota Train Wreck Oct 1891

http://www.gendisasters.com/data1/mn/trains/thompson-trainwr...

Killed: O. E. Helmes, Fred Renn, Prince Brasil (?) Lyle and John Coffin

Train crew: Conductor Woodson and Engineer Smith

http://www.gendisasters.com
Events that Touched Our Ancestors' Lives

Popes Ferry, Georgia Train Wreck Aug 1895

Not_A_Relative — 2007-02-27 05:57:53Z

Popes Ferry, Georgia Train Wreck Aug 1895

http://www.gendisasters.com/data1/ga/trains/popesferry-train...

Dead:
James. A. Kennedy, Mrs. C. W. Hancock

Injured:
Frank Herrington, Mrs. J. T. (or G. T.) Clancy, Fred Van Brixon, John Gantt, Mrs. Castellow, Miss Mallan T. Hightower, Miss Lillian Dumas, Mrs. J. S. Drake, Mrs. Julia Critenden, Miss Webb, Mrs. Cherry, William Montgomery, Giles Atkins, Miss Marie Lowrey, Mrs. Fred Abel, Mrs. Frank Tharp, Mrs. Brannon, C. W. Fawcett, D. M. Carson, Mrs. E. E. L. Cronin, Dr. S. M. Subers, Misses Edith and Susie Schatzman, J. W. Hightower, Mrs. R. E. Sheridan, Billy Guma, Miss L. Doyles

http://www.gendisasters.com
Events that Touched Our Ancestors' Lives

Hot Springs Junction, Arizona Train Wreck Sept 1929

Not_A_Relative — 2007-02-27 05:13:29Z

Hot Springs Junction, Arizona Train Wreck Sept 1929

http://www.gendisasters.com/data1/az/trains/hotspringsjuncti...

Killed: J. J. Timm, K. M. Tuttle, Coleman, C. Elliott

http://www.gendisasters.com
Events That Touched Our Ancestors' Lives

Wymark, Oklahoma Train Wreck July 1901

Not_A_Relative — 2007-02-25 04:27:59Z

Wymark, Oklahoma Train Wreck July 1901

http://www.gendisasters.com/data1/ok/trains/wymark-trainwrec...

Killed: Joe Morris, James Levelle, Frank Fitzgerald, two unknown men

Injured: Jose Massey, --- Bean, --- Kilarney.

http://www.gendisasters.com
Events That Touched Our Ancestors' Lives

Talmojea, Kansas Train Accident June 1882

Not_A_Relative — 2007-02-25 04:27:17Z

Talmojea, Kansas Train Accident June 1882

http://www.gendisasters.com/data1/ks/trains/talmojea-trainac...

http://www.gendisasters.com
Events That Touched Our Ancestors' Lives

Re: RR accident kills train inspector, Aug. 1928, Jersey City, NJ

Patricia31348 — 2007-02-23 00:19:32Z

Thank you for your reply. I can't find anything on my Carl Stumpf train accident. Would just love to know the story behind the accident. I have no knowledge of your Barry Stumpf. The Stumps only had 1 adopted daughter Helen. Since you didn't mention a name in your original post I had my fingers crossed that we were talking about the same person. Carl was killed sometime between 1910 & 1920. Well anyway, thanks again, Pat Cannella

Re: RR accident kills train inspector, Aug. 1928, Jersey City, NJ

Liz_Shea1 — 2007-02-22 23:11:51Z

My grandfather was Heinrich (Henry)Walter. He was born in Prussia (as far as I can tell) and came to the US ca1866. I knew someone with that last name years ago. Believe his name was Barry Stumpf (Stumph)...from Monmouth County.

Re: RR accident kills train inspector, Aug. 1928, Jersey City, NJ

Patricia31348 — 2007-02-22 22:09:38Z

If you don't mind me asking, what was your grandfather's name? I have a relative I'm searching. His name was Carl Otto Julius Stumpf. He was killed in a train accident. I have no details but he lived in NJ, thats why I'm asking. Pat Cannella in NJ

Altoona, Pennsylvania Horseshoe Curve Train Wreck Feb 1947

Not_A_Relative — 2007-02-12 00:46:10Z

Altoona, Pennsylvania Horseshoe Curve Train Wreck Feb 1947

http://www.gendisasters.com/data1/pa/trains/altoona-trainwre...

Killed:
William H. Moore, Michael. E. McArdle, B. K. (or R. H.) Henry, J. L. (or J. M.) Parasock, John A. Drum (or Drumm), Pvt. George Stacy, Mrs. Sadie Taylor, Charles O. Steinhart, Mrs. Julia Busch, Homer E. Bohrier, P. J. Leiden, Holland L. Bowman, Byron Jackman, Mrs. Bertha Kazmark, Theodore Kitteridge, J. V. Lenese, Mrs. Lillian Pettegree, George C. Bowman, Mrs. Samuel Samaritana, Mrs. Rennet, Mrs. Laura De Jaiffe, Dorothy English, Mrs. Renetti, Mrs. Innocente Brunatti, Selicia Hamlik

Injured:
Michael Billig, Sovenia Riddle, Adella Nowalk, Lawrence English

Others mentioned in the article:
Tom Lynam, Rev. Leiberman, John Bair, Rev. P. J. Graney, Felix Mcardle, Miss Rose Mcardle, Mrs. Charles Reshenberg,

http://www.gendisasters.com
Events That Touched Our Ancestors' Lives

Torresdale, Pennsylvania Train Wreck Jan 1912

Not_A_Relative — 2007-02-12 00:35:16Z

Torresdale, Pennsylvania Train Wreck Jan 1912

http://www.gendisasters.com/data1/pa/trains/torresdale-train...

Killed:
Charles Davidson, Nellie O'Connor, Bridget Malloy, Agnes Garrity, Rose Gallagher, Mary Roddy

http://www.gendisasters.com
Events That Touched Our Ancestors' Lives

Johnstown, Pennsylvania Train Wreck Jan 1909

Not_A_Relative — 2007-02-12 00:23:55Z

Johnstown, Pennsylvania Train Wreck Jan 1909

http://www.gendisasters.com/data1/pa/trains/johnstown-trainw...

Killed:
S.I. Taylor, M.J. Kelly, Charles Coleman,

Injured:
Engineer J. McCartney, H.G. Kennedy, W. B. Kissell, J.R. Freeman, Anthony Cobango, C.C. Springel, William Rowland, E. C. Bultuit, Mrs. Helen Hamil, Mrs. Bessy Plitt, Joseph Bianchi and wife, Joseph and John Losanski, brothers W. S. Johnston, Charles Legu; J. J. Paylor [or Kaylor]; Mrs. S.
Scott; Mrs. M. J. McCue

http://www.gendisasters.com
Events That Touched Our Ancestors' Lives

Fairview, Erie County, Pennsylvania Train Wreck Jan 1907

Not_A_Relative — 2007-02-11 23:55:04Z

Fairview, Pennsylvania Train Wreck Jan 1907

http://www.gendisasters.com/data1/pa/trains/fairview-trainwr...

Injured:
Mrs. C.H. Leggett, E.J. Bender, Mrs. E.J. Bender, infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bender, Mr. Minsky, Mrs. Cousins

http://www.gendisasters.com
Events That Touched Our Ancestors' Lives

Eden, Colorado Train Wreck Aug 1904

Not_A_Relative — 2007-02-06 07:37:22Z

Eden, Colorado Train Wreck Aug 1904

http://www.gendisasters.com/data1/co/trains/eden-trainwreck1...

Killed:
GEORGE BECK, ____ BETHEL, JOSEPH F. BISHOP,MISS CARRIE BISHOP, HUGH F. C. BOCHMANN, FRANK BODMAN, DON CAMPBELL, EDWARD CURTIS, MISS MINNIE DAVIS, MARGARET DONNELLY, MISS CARRIE DOWNEY, MRS. DOWNING, CARRIE DOWNING, L. B. DUNHAM, LOWELL DURMAN, GEORGE ELLINGTON, GEORGE ENGLAND, MRS. EDWARD P. GARLAND and four children, HERBERT GRAVES, JESSIE E. GRAY, J. G. GRAHAM, MISS HADENBURG, CHARLES HINMAN, HENRY HINMAN, A. E. HOES, MISS PEARL HOPPER,HARRY HOUGH, WILLIAM HUGHES, MISS DOROTHY JOHNSON, MRS. JAMES KEAHLEY, MRS. JAMES KEATING, MRS. J. M. KILLEN and boy, EDWARD KNIGHT, MISS EDNA KROTTER, Sister of JOHN K. KROTTER, W. H. LAMOON (or LAMON) and wife, B. T. LASHELL, MISS IDA LEONARD, ALEXANDER S. MAXWELL, FRED MAHONEY, HUGH M'CRACKITT (or McCRACKEN), MARK McDONALD, MRS. McKEE, DR. W. H. MOCK, MRS. JOHN MOLITOR, GENEVIEVE MOLITOR, MARY MOLITER, DR. W. H. MUNN,THOMAS O'BANNON, MISS PINE, MRS. MARY PRICE, CLYDE PRICE, T. S. (or J. S.) REESE, MISS ELSIE ROLAND, W. B. SALISBURY, A. M. SCHMITZ (or SCHMIDT), MISS MINNIE SEELEY, VINNIE SELBY, SEWARD, BUD SEWARD, MISS JEANNETTE SHERMAN, MISS ALICE SHOUP, JAMES H. SMITH and wife, MRS. STEARNS, MRS. STEPHENS, MRS. ELLA STEVENS, L. A. STEVENS, DR. E. C. STIMMEL, MISS STURGEON, THOMAS SULLIVAN, MRS. TILLIE, MR & MRS. J. Q. THOMAS, THOMPSON, JOSEPH TURNER, MISS FLORENCE WALTER, MISS TINA WALK, MRS. GEORGE WEST, MAJOR W. H. WILHAM,MISS ELLA WOOD, MISS EMMA WOOD, MRS. IRENE WRIGHT, J. W. WRIGHT

Survived:
Fireman MAYFIELD, FISHER, C. C. MERSON, E. C. WILSON, PETER R. BRAUN, H. H. DORN, MISS JESSIE DERSON, H. G. CRABBEE, MR. and MRS. DINNANZI and daughter, O. S. GALBREATH, MR. and MRS. ANDERSON, MR. and MRS. BELL

http://www.gendisasters.com
Events That Touched Our Ancestors' Lives

Husted, Colorado Train Wreck Aug 1909

Not_A_Relative — 2007-02-06 07:13:01Z

Husted, Colorado Train Wreck Aug 1909

http://www.gendisasters.com/data1/co/trains/husted-trainwrec...

Killed:
JAMES ROSEPORKA, C. M. LARKIN, C. S. BROWN, J. A. GOSSAGE, T. E. MURPHY, A. A. DAVIDSON, F. G. FREDERICK, F. W. BELESS, JAMES J. PARKER

Injured:
ANDREW JACOBSON, ELMER JOKICH, J I FRANK, F. J. SEDLACIK, MRS. T. M. RANDOLPH,FAY STECK, JOHN W. ROBERTS, E. C. WHITSIDE, HENRY C. SHIPMAN, J. W. LEAFGREN, O. C. SKINNER, E. C. TANNEHILL, JOHN REINHART, PETER NELSON, MRS. D. K. SEATON,G. H. MCCREARY, EUGENE H. HALTACHER, D. H. HOGAN, EMIL KAUHER, MRS. D. K. HETON, W. L. BALL

http://www.gendisasters.com
Events That Touched Our Ancestors' Lives

Byers, Colorado Train Wreck Aug 1897

Not_A_Relative — 2007-02-06 06:59:08Z

Byers, Colorado Train Wreck Aug 1897

http://www.gendisasters.com/data1/co/trains/byers-trainwreck...

Killed: JOHN A. WARD, W. B. HARRINGTON

Injured: OSCAR INGRAM, W. H. RANKIN, J E REID, MRS. FRED NASH, MRS. C. E. GRAVETT, MRS. C. L. HUBBARD, W. H. THORTON, L. E. ECKERT, MISS MINNIE EDELMON, DR. E. C. GODDARD, G. E. GODDARD, MRS. JOHN C. TRAIRS

http://www.gendisasters.com
Events That Touched Our Ancestors' Livestr

Shadeland, Indiana Train Wreck Sept 1910

Not_A_Relative — 2007-01-25 08:48:15Z

Shadeland, Indiana Train Wreck Sept 1910

http://www.gendisasters.com/data1/in/trains/shadeland-trainw...

Killed - Private William J. Hengen,

http://www.gendisasters.com
Events That Touched Our Ancestors' Lives

Fowler, Indiana Train Wreck January 1907

Not_A_Relative — 2007-01-25 08:40:59Z

Fowler, Indiana Train Wreck January 1907

http://www.gendisasters.com/data1/in/trains/fowler-trainwrec...

Killed: HENRY C. OUTGALT, P.J. HIGGENER, J. MAGEE, HENRY MINOR, W.B. HARRIS and others

Injured. W.B. HARRIS, ED. TRIPP, L.S. TAIF, H.W. TURK, M.A. PRESTON, W.P. HALL

http://www.gendisasters.com
Events That Touched Our Ancestors' Lives

Hazleton, Indiana Train Wreck March 1897

Not_A_Relative — 2007-01-18 02:32:29Z

Hazleton, Indiana Train Wreck March 1897

http://www.gendisasters.com/data1/in/trains/hazleton-trainwr...

Killed:
George A. Sears, Joseph Bowman, Herbert Allen, and others

Injured:
John B. Haines (Hausien or Bannis), John McCullough (or McCutchoon), W. H (or W. F.) Henderson

Escaped uninjured: Harry J. Hill

http://www.gendisasters.com
Events That Touched Our Ancestors' Lives

Locust Grove, Indiana Train Wreck July 1902

Not_A_Relative — 2007-01-18 02:30:49Z

Locust Grove, Indiana Train Wreck July 1902

http://www.gendisasters.com/data1/in/trains/locustgrove-trai...

Killed - AUGUST KAMP, JR

Injured - CHARLES WETHYMER (and others)

http://www.gendisasters.com
Events That Touched Our Ancestors' Lives

Michigan City, Indiana Train Wreck Feb 1947 info

Not_A_Relative — 2007-01-18 02:30:06Z

Michigan City, Indiana Train Wreck Feb 1947

http://www.gendisasters.com/data1/in/trains/michigancity-tra...

Surnames: Morris, Willard

http://www.gendisasters.com
Events That Touched Our Ancestors' Lives

Terre Haute, Indiana Train Wreck Sept 1910 info

Not_A_Relative — 2007-01-18 02:29:11Z

Terre Haute, Indiana Train Wreck Sept 1910

http://www.gendisasters.com/data1/in/trains/terrehaute-train...

Killed: John Cornutt, William Burkebyle

Injured: C. W. Bohling, Jesse Hammond, William Browhile, I. Carpenter, Prof. W. A. McBeth

http://www.gendisasters.com
Events That Touched Our Ancestors' Lives