Use of Name Riled Him (Henry
Bussard)
Wellington, Kan.—Because he believed the preacher
was referring to his family when he spoke of buzzards in a slighting manner, Henry Bussard, a young farmer, struck
the Rev. J. A. Taylor, an evangelist, at Atgonla Thursday night, rendering him unconscious for six hours. (Alma,
Wabaunsee County, Kansas, October 2, 1908, page 2, submitted by Barbara Ziegenmeyer)
Robbers Slay
a Nonagenarian (Frances Guthrie)
Hutchinson, Kan.—The most brutal crime committed
In this community since the atrocious Moore murders of ten years ago, was brought to light when the body of Mrs.
Frances Guthrie, an aged negro, was found in her home on the western edge of the city. She had been tortured by
beating, garroting and gagging before death resulted, In an evident attempt to force her to reveal the hiding place
of money she was supposed to have had. Mrs. Guthrie was between 90 and 100 years old. (Alma, Wabaunsee County,
Kansas, October 2, 1908, page 2, submitted by Barbara Ziegenmeyer)
Kansas
Firemen at Beloit
Beloit, Kan.—The Kansas Volunteer State Firemen's
association began Its nineteenth annual session here Tuesday. An Informal reception and a band concert were given
for the visitors Tuesday night In the grand parade Wednesday the following prizes were given: Best appearing fire
team. Solomon; handsome chief. W. B. Sheriff of Ellsworth; handsomest fireman, Walter Libby of Marysvllle; homeliest
fireman, Charlos Marsh of Peabody. (Alma, Wabaunsee County, Kansas, October 2, 1908, page 2, submitted by Barbara
Ziegenmeyer)
Wellington,
Kan. Has Three Fires
Wellington, Kan.—Three fires since 3:30 o'clock
Monday morning, which consumed barns and outbuildings, the third Wednesday night in a $10,000 double barn which
was totally destroyed, has led to the belief that an Incendiary is at work here. He was seen leaving the scene
of his last fire, but was not recognized. Coal oil has been utilized to start each fire. (Alma, Wabaunsee County,
Kansas, October 2, 1908, page 2, submitted by Barbara Ziegenmeyer)
DID
NOT CONVICT WHITLOW
Not Guilty of Perjury, the Verdict In the Iola,
Kan., Affair.
Iola, Kan.—After being out 24 hours the Jury in
the case of S. F. Whitlow, charged with perjury in testimony he gave before the coroner's inquest called to Investigate
the cause of the death of Caroline May Sapp, brought in a verdict of not guilty. On the first ballot the jury stood
six for acquittal and six for conviction, but the next ballot stood nine for acquittal and three for conviction.
The three jurors were finally won over. Whitlow was present when the Jury gave its verdict and thanked the Jury
for setting him free.
Whitlow has purchased a small candy store here
and says he will settle down In Iola to win back the reputation which his connection with the death of May Sapp
tarnished. The father of the girl, who brought the present case for perjury, said therewas nothing to do now. "I
shall always believe he was guilty, not only of murder, but of perjury." he said." (Alma, Wabaunsee County,
Kansas, October 2, 1908, page 2, submitted by Barbara Ziegenmeyer)
Shot By "Empty"
Rifle
Irving Hoover, 13 years old, pulled an "empty"
target rifle down a ladder after him. The bullet entered his temple and is now lodged somewhere in his head. The
surgeons have been unable to locate it. He will likely die. (Alma, Wabaunsee County, Kansas, October 2, 1908, page
2, submitted by Barbara Ziegenmeyer)
Gas Explosion Hurts
Three
Three people wero dangerously burned, one perhaps
fatally, by the explosion of natural gas at the home of Henry Thomas, in Pittsburg, the other day. (Alma, Wabaunsee
County, Kansas, October 2, 1908, page 2, submitted by Barbara Ziegenmeyer)
New Twentieth Kansas
Head
The Twentieth Kansas regiment in ninth annual reunion
at Topeka held a business meeting and selected new officers Col. E. C. Little was chosen president; George Swartz,
secretary, and J L. Padgett, treasurer. Sallna was selected as the next city for the holding of the reunion, but
the date was not named. (Alma, Wabaunsee County, Kansas, October 2, 1908, page 2, submitted by Barbara Ziegenmeyer)
To Move State
Reform School
The Kansas board of control, In its annual report
to the governor and the legislature, will ask that the industrial school for boys in Topeka be re-moved to some
western town In Kansas and the present buildings converted Into a hospital for Incurable Insane, or that a new
hospital be built In the western part of the state. (Alma, Wabaunsee County, Kansas, October 2, 1908, page 2, submitted
by Barbara Ziegenmeyer)
Farewell to
Copeland County
It will not be long until the Copeland hotel at
Topeka, better known as Copeland county, will have passed away. In Its place there will be a new Copeland with
only the walls ot the old hotel to mark the place where so many Republican games have been set up and won even
before the conventions met. The hotel has been sold to James Copeland Cordon and George Lawrence, who will take
possession at once. (Alma, Wabaunsee County, Kansas, October 2, 1908, page 2, submitted by Barbara Ziegenmeyer)
Teachers Jump
Contracts
E. T. Fairchild, state superintendent, has announced
that if he found any teacher violating a contract with school boards without good reason the certificate of that
teacher would be cancelled. It Is a fact that teachers go to one school board and make a contract to teach for
the next year Then if they find a better Job they throw up this contract and go to work at the other school. There
has been so much of this trouble recently that the state superintendent, in an effort to stop contract jumping,
made his announcement. (Alma, Wabaunsee County, Kansas, October 2, 1908, page 2, submitted by Barbara Ziegenmeyer)
A Kansas Mine Explosion
Pittsburg, Kan.—An explosion of gas occurred Tuesday
in the mine of the Pittsburg Coal company, 18 miles north of the city, fatally injuring a German miner named Miller,
burning John Thompson, another miner, so seriously he may not recover and slightly burning a third miner, John
Cox. The exact cause of tho explosion Is unknown. Miller had Just passed from the main to a side entry in the mine.
The explosion occurred soon after the men were to work in the morning. (Alma, Wabaunsee County, Kansas October
9, 1908 Page 2, submitted by Barbara Ziegenemeyer)
A Candidate
Declines
Topeka, Kan.—Harry R. Ross of St. John, Prohibition
candidate for congress in the Seventh district, has withdrawn from the ticket. (Alma, Wabaunsee County, Kansas
October 9, 1908 Page 2, submitted by Barbara Ziegenemeyer)
An Oklahoma
Suspect Arrested
Wichita, Kan.—Harry L. Pearson, husband of Mrs.
Pearson, who was murdered In Oklahoma City, September 16. arrived here Wednesday night from Oklahoma City and positively
Identified F. L. Mingle, being held here as Harry Parker, whom Mrs. Pearson said, while dying, had shot her. (Alma,
Wabaunsee County, Kansas October 9, 1908 Page 2, submitted by Barbara Ziegenemeyer)
John Hooper's 85th
Birthday
October 4th was John Hooper's 85th birthday and about 40 of his children and grand-children gathered to help him
celebrate the event. This county his no better nor more respected citizens then he and the Enterprise is greatly
pleased that he enjoys the health to participate in this celebration in his honor.Alma, Wabaunsee County, Kansas
October 16, 1908 Page 1, submitted by Barbara Ziegenmeyer)
Back at Fort
Riley
Junction City, Kan.—The Seventh regiment of cavalry
under the command of Col. Frederick J. Ward, arrived at Fort Riley Wednesday, having made a night march from Manhattan.
The regiment marched to St.Joseph, Mo., for the military tournament. Immediately after the maneuvers at Riley.
The troops have been away from the post a month. Troop A of the regiment, which remained at the post for duty,
left Wednesday on a 250-mile march to Wichita where It will take part In the fall festivities.Alma, Wabaunsee County,
Kansas October 16, 1908 Page 1, submitted by Barbara Ziegenmeyer)
Kansas
After Missouri Pacific
Topeka, Kan.—In a letter addressed to George J.
Gould, president of the Missouri Pacific, the Kansas railroad board Tuesday reiterated Its threat made to General
Manager Sullivan to publish weekly bulletins of the condition of the road, If steps are not taken to improve it
at once. An answer Monday received from Mr. Sullivan failed to declare any Intention on the part of the road of
improving conditions and brought forth the letter direct to Mr. Gould Tuesday, in the letter the board alleges
the Missouri Pacific has failed in nearly every instance to obey the orders of the board.Alma, Wabaunsee County,
Kansas October 16, 1908 Page 1, submitted by Barbara Ziegenmeyer)
To Oust
Hutchinson, Kan., Mayor
Topeka, Kan.—Attorney General Jackson will Wednesday
morning file two ouster suits In the supreme court, one against the city of Hutchinson and the other against its
mayor, John P. Harsha. Both are brought under the provisions of the prohibition law. The suit against the city
asks for an Injunction to restrain it from receiving fees from keepers of joint and disorderly houses in lieu of
licenses and the suit against the mayor asks that he be ousted from office.Alma, Wabaunsee County, Kansas October
16, 1908 Page 1, submitted by Barbara Ziegenmeyer)
Celebrates 75th Birthday
Judge Jos. H. Little was 75 years old Thursday
and his wife and children planned a little surprise for him that proved very enjoyable to all concerned, but no
one knows for sure whether the Judge was surprised or not. The guests gathered a little before 6 o'clock and at
6:30 sat down to a splendid supper to which all did ample justice. Among those from out of town were Mrs. Nellie
Straub of Wanamaker, Harry Perkins of Dover, Mrs. Belle Fuller of St. Joseph, Sam Little of Adrian, Minn., Robt.
Day and family of Eskridge, C. B. Kent and wife, Mrs. B. R. Henderson and son Harry and Miss Emma Little of Mission
Creek. A few relatives and old time friends from town were also present, among whom was Mrs. Thus. Barker who is
in her 86th year. Many gifts and tokens of esteem were given the Judge and his wife, whose birthday occurred the
next day, chief among which was a large Morris chair given them by their children.
Since 1867 Judge Little has been a resident of
this county and few men have a wider circle of friends and few are more esteemed for their uprightness and high
character. He is still hale and hearty, a remarkably well preserved man and good for many years of health and usefulness.
(Alma, Wabaunsee County, Kansas, October 23, 1908, page 1, submitted by Barbara Ziegenmeyer)
Another
Kansas Murder Conviction
Independence, Kan.—William LIpsey was found guilty
of murder In the first degree Friday afternoon on a charge of aiding and abetting Henry Behner, who was Thursday
found guilty of murdering Tobe Sawyer, Pearl Behner, the murderer's 16-year-old daughter, was living with Sawyer.
Lipsey, a former convict, was Infatuated with her. It was asserted that Sawyer had ruined the girl. Lipsey was
charged with planning the murder and of arousing Behner, whom he drove In his carriage to Sawyer's farm, where
Behner shot Sawyer to death. Both men will be taken to Lansing. (Alma, Wabaunsee County, Kansas, October 23, 1908,
page 1, submitted by Barbara Ziegenmeyer)
Behner Case
to Jury
Independence, Kan.—The case of Henry Behner, charged
with the murder of Tobias Sawyer, whom he suspected of the ruin of his daughter, went to the jury Wednesday night
at five o'clock. (Alma, Wabaunsee County, Kansas October 23, 1908 Page 2, submitted by Barbara Ziegenmeyer)
Refuses to
Leave Kansas
Topeka, Kan.—Rev. Charles M. Sheldon, of the Central
Congregational church of this city who was asked to compete for the $10,000 pastorate of the Second Presbyterian
church of Pittsburg. Pa., recently vacated by Rev. S. Edward Young, stated Thursday night that he would not entertain
the offer. "I am satisfied to remain where I am." he said, "and will not entertain any offer that
will take me away from the Central Congregational church. I have been with this church nearly 25 years and have
no idea of leaving. (Alma, Wabaunsee County, Kansas October 23, 1908 Page 2, submitted by Barbara Ziegenmeyer)
TROOPS
GUARDED BITLER
Danger of Kansas Lynching Seems Averted.
Greensburg, Kan.—The possibility of a threatened
outbreak and a lynching at the trial of Samuel Hitler, charged with the murder of Mrs. John Rosenberger, were practically
eliminated Tuesday afternoon when Hitler was granted a change of venue to Ford county and later safely escorted
from the city. The trial will be held during the January term of court. Fear of a lynching Induced Sherlfl Stephenson
to request a guard of militia from Gov. Hoch Monday night and Hitler was brought here Tuesday morning handcuffed
to Sheriff Stephenson and marched to the Jail and courtroom In a hollow square formed by his guards. The crowd
which met the train numbered about 200 but was not demonstrative. The guard and officers consisted of 36 men of
company E, of Hutchinson, and remained near the prisoner all day. Bitler was escorted to the train Tuesday night
and taken to Hutchinson where he has been confined since his arrest. (Alma, Wabaunsee County, Kansas October 23,
1908 Page 2, submitted by Barbara Ziegenmeyer)
KANSAS
SLAYER CONVICTED
Henry Behner's Unwritten Law Plea Falls
Independence, Kansas.—The Jury took the case of
Henry Behner, tried for murder of Tobias Sawyer last spring, at 4:30 o'clock Wednesday evening and wrestled with
It until 11:30 o'clock Thursday morning when a verdict of murder In the first degree was returned. Behner's wife
and the daughter. Pearl, whom Sawyer was accused of assaulting, did not move a muscle as the verdict was read.
Not a change of expression could be detected on any of their faces during the trying ordeal, but that this was
a mask for deep emotions was shown a few minutes after the adjournment of court when Behner fainted, and physicians
had to do some hard work to restore him. A now trial will be applied for. On the stand Behner's wife was compelled
to admit that a letter sent to Sawyer's hired hand, in which a demand was made that money he sent for the care
of Pearl Behner, was apparently her daughter's work. This indicated to the Jury that Sawyer might have been the
victim of a plot. Behner's defense, ostensibly one of Insanity, was really based on the "unwritten law."
(Alma, Wabaunsee County, Kansas October 23, 1908 Page 2, submitted by Barbara Ziegenmeyer)
FIGHT AGAINST
SUNDAY THEATERS AT PARSONS
Taken Out of Police Court
The fight against Sunday theaters at Parsons which
has been waged for the past month by the W. C. T. U. was ended when the county attorney served notice that prosecutions
would be commenced In the district court under the state law. and that every person violating the law would be
prosecuted as often as the law was violated. (Alma, Wabaunsee County, Kansas October 23, 1908, page 3, submitted
by Barbara Ziegenmeyer)
Cottage for
Cripple Children
George T. Schaefer & Co. of Atchison were awarded
the contract to erect a special cottage for cripple children at the State Soldiers' Orphans' home at Atchison.
Their bid was $15,808. Tholen Bros. of Leavenworth were given the contract for the heating, wiring and electric
apparatus for $2,182. (Alma, Wabaunsee County, Kansas October 23, 1908, page 3, submitted by Barbara Ziegenmeyer)
A Kansas
Pipe Line Blew Up
One of the large pipe lines of the Kansas Natural
Gas company blew up near Graham station, five miles south of Independence. Service on the Union Traction company
was stopped until the track was repaired. The line ran under the car line. The explosion occurred within a few
hundred feet of the big pumping station now nearing completion. The gas became Ignited and the flames could be
seen a long distance. A car had passed over the spot a few moments before the explosion. (Alma, Wabaunsee County,
Kansas, October 23, 1908, page 3, submitted by Barbara Ziegenmeyer)
Veterans to
Keep Their Pensions
The board of managers of the old soldiers' home
at Dodge City, consisting of J. B. Dobyns, F. A. Lyon and A. W. Smith, has Issued an order, effective July 10,
last, that thereafter, no portion of a comrade's pension money shall be requlrod to help support the home. It has
been the custom, since the home was established, that a portion of a member's pension money should be turned into
the home treasury to assist in the support of the institution. (Alma, Wabaunsee County, Kansas, October 23, 1908,
page 3, submitted by Barbara Ziegenmeyer)
Seven
Emporia Grocers Arrested
Seven Emporia grocerymen were arrested on warrants
sworn out by the Kansas board or health. They are charged with taking foodstuff from one package and transferring
It to a package of some other brand. (Alma, Wabaunsee County, Kansas, October 23, 1908, page 3, submitted by Barbara
Ziegenmeyer)
Osawatomie
Farmers' Institute
The Farmers' institute at Osawatomie was attended
by some 200 people. A good colt, corn and produce show was held in connection therewith, the Agricultural college
at Manhattan being represented by P. E. Crabtree. H. Van Leeuwen. an export dairyman, spoke on economic milk production.
(Alma, Wabaunsee County, Kansas, October 23, 1908, page 3, submitted by Barbara Ziegenmeyer)
A Commercial
Club In Linwood
The business men of Linwood have organized a commercial
club. George C. Shefler Is president and R. L. Boggart, secretary. (Alma, Wabaunsee County, Kansas, October 23,
1908, page 3, submitted by Barbara Ziegenmeyer)
Alma, Wabaunsee County, Kansas Friday January 13,
1928
PICTURE
SHOW BURNS
Alma Suffers From Another Fire Saturday Evening
Alma had another fire Saturday night and the town
has been without a picture show this week. About 6 o'clock the alarm sounded, Ronald Fowkes being the one who turned
it in when he saw the smoke at the theater across the street. The fire engine got there promptly and soon had a
stream of water going into the theater but the fire had got in between the ceiling and roof and was hard to locate
and reach. It did not take long however, but not before much damage was done to the interior of the building and
to the roof and floor. The fire seemed to have started from the stove or in the chimney on the south side of the
building. The stage was burned, the piano ruined and about half the seats are unfit for further use.
The building was owned by Chris Thowe and carried
$2000 insurance, but nothing on the contents. We understand he intends to repair it immediately. Charlie Ketterman
rented it Dec. 1 and was running the picture show. He lost several reels of films from damage by water but does
not know yet what it will amount to.This was about the first time the fire department has had a chance to use the
water and they sure turned a flood of it into the building. A number of cars drove over the fire hose which crossed
the street. They give such drivers both a stiff fine and a jail sentence in the cities. If they should break the
hose, the fire fighters would be put out of business. The damages were estimated at $564.50 and were settled satisfactory
with Chris Thowe and the insurance company. (Alma, Wabaunsee County, Kansas, Friday, January 13, 1928, submitted
by Barbara Ziegenmeyer)
LIZZIE DAVIS HOME
DESTROYED BY FIRE
The home of Mrs. Lizzie Davis was destroyed by
fire Monday evening. None of the contents were saved. (Alma, Wabaunsee County, Kansas, Friday, January 13, 1928,
submitted by Barbara Ziegenmeyer)
CAUGHT THEM QUICK
Harveyville Editor Helps Catch Three Auburn Bank
Robbers
Kansas is doing better and it looks like Sec. Bowman's
Vigilante were functioning all right. Tuesday at 1:46 p. m. three men entered the Auburn bank, help up the Cashier
Paul Madden, who used to live at Paxico, took $1000 and drove away. Two hours later the three men were arrested
in Harveyville. Before 6 o'clock they were in jail in Topeka, had confessed to the robbery and the money had been
found.
The three robbers proved to be Ivan Young of Harveyville.
Reese Harman of Topeka, and Leman Viar of Council Grove and they gave as a reason for the crime that they needed
the money to pay for a car.
The three Harveyville men who caught them were
Dr. L. M. Tomlinson, D. W. Spencer deputy sheriff, and Ted Moser, editor of the Monitor.
The Rankers Association offers a reward of $200
for the arrest and conviction of each bank robber. We hope Moser gets his $200.
The stolen money and the revolvers were found in
a corncrib on the Young farm north of Harveyville.
The men face terms in the pen of from 10 to 50
years each. (Alma, Wabaunsee County, Kansas, Friday, January 20, 1928, submitted by Barbara Ziegenmeyer)
STRYKER IS CONDUCTING
NORMAL
Ex-State Superintendent Stryker is conducting the
Normal in Wabaunsee county. (Kansas Semi Weekly, June 8, 1900, Page 4)
35 DIE IN A KANSAS WRECK
FOUR WHITE MEN, NEGRO PORTER AND THIRTY MEXICAN
LABORERS ARE KILLED IN DISASTER
Engine, Which Was Messenger of Death in Many Accidents,
Driven Into Passenger Train
TOPEKA, Kas., Jan 2.---Associated Press----Four white men, a negro train porter and about thirty Mexican laborers
lost their lives and 55 persons were injured when two passenger trains on the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific
Railroad collided head-on four miles west of Volland, Kansas, at 5:10 o'clock this morning.
DEAD:
Julius Bermeister, Davenport, Iowa, aged 38.
William T. Miller, Soldier City, Kas.
Albert Link, Topeka, colored, porter.
Frank Sayre, passenger, New London, Mo.
Mexican laborers number supposedly between 25 and 30 persons.
W. H. Osgood, Mitchelltown, Iowa.
William T. Miller, who was riding the blind baggage, was crushed to death.
The fatally injured: Holyon Alverico, Mexican laborer;
Bertaila Ybarra, Mexican laborer.
The more seriously injured: R. A. Hicks, Kansas
City; William Douglass, Nevada, Mo.; G. Harrison, baggagement, Kansas City; E. H. Daunchy, assistant engineer;
W. A. Willett, Peabody, Kas.
A man who has just returned from the wreck says
thirty people were burned to death.
COACHES BURN
The trains were Nos. 29 and 30, running between
Chicago and El Paso. They met on a sharp curve with fearful impact. Adding to the horror of the collision, fire
from the lamps in the cars and from the locomotives was communicated to the splingered wreckage and spread rapidly,
consuming five of the forward cars of No. 29, west bound, and burning a number of the passengers.
All but three of those who perished are reported
to be Mexican laborers, who were on their way from Columbus Junction, O., to Mexico.
The officials of the company place the blame on
John Lynes, the 19-year-old operator at Volland, who failed to stop train No. 29 at his station after receiving
orders to hold it there until No. 30 had passed. Lynes is being held by the authorities at Alma for investigation.
By the light of the flaming wreckage, passengers
who were uninjured worked heroically to save those who were pinned fast beneath the mass of splintered timbers
and twisted iron-work. The lack of tools to work with in chopping away the sides of the cars was a great hindrance
to the early rescue work.
FIRST RELIEF TRAIN
In an hour and a half from the time of the wreck
the first relief train from McFarland, Kas., bringing surgeons and helpers, reached the scene. In the meantime
the rescue work was being pushed by volunteers, while surgeons from miles around promptly responded to the calls
for their services. Another relief train from Topeka and two wrecking trains soon arrived and all of the dead and
injured that had been taken from the wreck were brought to this city, where the injured were place in hospitals.
Two injured Mexicans died on the way to Topeka, and Link, the negro porter, died at the hospital shortly afterward.
When Link was rescued it was necessary to tear his left from his body to extricate him from the wreckage.
Five minutes before the trains crushed together
the operators for hundreds of miles along the line of the Rock Island system knew that the collision was certain,
as Lyne had wired from Volland that he had let No. 29 pass, but there was no earthly means of preventing the disaster.
At 8 o'clock tonight the railroad company completed
a track around the wreckage and the line was open again.
The exact number of dead will probably never be
known, as the bodies of a number of Mexicans were completely destroyed by the flames and the charred bones crushed
to ashes by the removal of the wreckage.
Jack Sister, of Herington, Kas., engineer of train
No. 29, saw the headlight of the other train as the engine came around the curve and jumped after applying the
brakes, escaping practically uninjured. His train had been brought almost to a standstill when the crash occurred.
Conductor Griles, of Train No. 29, was sleeping ina seat in the smoker when he felt the emergency brakes applied.
Divining the cause he hurled himself through a window and escaped with a broken collar bone.
OPERATOR TELLS STORY
John Lynes, the operator at Volland, who is not
in jail at Alma, tells the following story of the cause of the Rock Island wreck.
He says a message was sent him to have train No.
14 pass No. 29 at Volland, No. 29 to take the siding. This they did. Immediately after No. 14 passed No. 29 backed
down upon the main lines and passed the station at terrific speed. He tried to flag the train with two lanterns
but both went out. He claims he had no orders to hold No. 29 for No. 30 until No. 29 got on the main line, then
it was too late. Lynes fled to the country but afterwards gave himself up.
MANY TIMES DEATH'S MESSENGER
Rock Island engine 1344, which drove train No.
29 this morning is the same engine that was attached to the Rock Island train wrecked at Willard, Kan., in 1904,
which resulted in the loss of nearly twenty lives.
The two wrecks occured at points less than thirty
miles apart. The same engine has been in three other wrecks in same locality.
Twelve bodies burned beyond recognition lie in
a box car at Alma, Kan., tonight. They will be buried tomorrow.
(San Jose Mercury News ~ January 3, 1907)
A TRAIN WRECK IN KANSAS
THE ROCK ISLAND PASSENGER TRAIN FELL THROUGH A
BRIDGE
Fireman Drowned and Engineer John McSteen of Kansas
City Injured---A Cloudburst Near McFarland Had Weakened the Structure
TOPEKA, Aug. 13---The locomotion of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Texas express, which left Kansas City
last night at 10 o'clock, plunged through a bridge into Hendricks creek, thirty miles west of here, at shortly
before 2 o'clock this morning and was followed by the baggage and express cars. The bridge was only twenty feet
long.
John Liggett, the fireman, whose home is in McFarland,
Kas., has not been found and is believed to be under the engine, which is out of sight in twenty feet of water.
The engineer, John McSteen of Kansas City, the baggageman and expressman escaped death by jumping when the engine
struck the bridge. They fell in the creek and were swept to a tree on the bank of the creek. At daylight William
Graves, a fisherman, rescued them. McSteen is dangerously injured, but the physicians expect him to live. The
baggageman and expressman are unhurt. None of the passengers was hurt as the coaches remained on the rails.
The Rock Island's track croses Hendricks creek
about midway between McFarland and Alma. The heaviest rain of the summer fell in that vicinity last night and
the piling of the bridge across Hendricks creek had been so badly weakened that it would not support the additional
weight of the engine. Had the engineer not been running very slowly when he struck the bridge, the loss of life
would have been great.
The engine is in the bottom of the creek out of
sight. One car is dangling from the end of the bridge and another is lodged upon the bank of the stream, partially
under water.
General Superintendent Gruber left Herrington with
a wrecking train this morning and is now repairing the damage to the bridge. It is believed that the engine can
be raised today and the body of the missing fireman will be found. Traffic on this side of the wreck is delayed
by a washout at Valencia.
CHICAGO, Aug. 13----General Manager Goodnow of
the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific road stated this morning that no passengers were hurt in the McFarland wreck
and all the trainmen except the fireman escaped. He probably was drowned. The washout was caused by a cloudburst
that caused a torrent of water to rush down an ordinarily dry bed, which was spanned by a bridge about twenty feet
long.
It was reported at the mail room at the Union depot
here this morning that J. W. Frey and J. M. Atherton, the mail clerks on the wrecked train, had escaped without
injury. The mail car, however, is in the water and the mail considerably damaged according to a message received
from one of the clerks. Because of the wreck, trains were routed between Herington and Kansas City this morning
by way of the 'Frisco tracks between Kansas City and Paola and the Missouri Pacific between Paola and Herington.
The trains from the West due this morning left Herington, 150 miles from Kansas City, at noon today. It is believed
that the night trains will be routed over the Union Pacific, if the damage caused by the washout between Manhattan
and Salina is repaired before night. There were no Union Pacific trains into the Union depot this morning. The
Rock Island uses the Union Pacific tracks between Kansas City and Topeka.
(Kansas City Star ~ Auguat 13, 1903)
