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The Truman Area Community Network
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All the 1889 notes come from the weekly Clinton Advocate from January to the end of April. I haven't yet searched the rest of the year, or looked at any of the other papers.
During the later part of the past week options were secured by some of Clinton's leading business men on the belt of property extending along the M. K. & T. track, on the north and west sides, from the Kansas City & Southern railroad depot to Oechsli's blacksmith and carriage works. These transactions, it is alleged, are for the purpose of securing right of way for a new railroad into town. The road will be a branch of the St. Louis and San Francisco, and knowing ones say that there is no doubt of its being built and that in the near future too..
Clinton Men Do the Work
For some time past negotiation have been in progress between officers of the Kansas City and Southern road and mechanics and painters in regard to contracts for putting up crossing signs, whistling post and station boards, and painting and lettering the same. The signs, posts and boards in use by the Wabash & Pacific were adopted by the K. C. & S. as the standard, and all bids were made and accepted on the basis of the cost to the W. & P. of the same class of work.
Our townsman, C. L. Barnes, who has always an eye to the interests of Clinton and her good name, as well as his own, was one of the bidders for the contract for painting, and a visit to his painting emporium this morning found him in a good humor, as he general is, and he informed us that he had secured the contract over Kansas City and St. Louis bidders. He said that it took time and a good deal of figuring to accomplish the result, but he got there as usual, and has the contract to paint all the signs, posts and board for the Bailey system. There will be 220 whistling posts; 115 crossing signs, and 50 station boards. He will give employment to about twelve men. Mr. Barnes, we need not say, will do the company a good job, and we congratulate him on securing for Clinton workman this contract. He understands his business, if anybody does, and no city anywhere can boast of a more skillful and artistic manipulator of the brush than he is.
The lumber contract for the signs and boards was awarded to Messrs. Aurand, Avery & Brown, the post timber to Stephen Mills, of Lewis Station, and the carpenter work to A. A. Kellogg, of this city, who is an acknowledged first-class workman in wood.
Mr. Barnes has worked hard and persistently to secure these contracts for Clinton parties. His motto is, Clinton and Henry County first, and the outside world second.
Work will be begun at once, and in a short time travelers on the K. C. & S. will see bright, symmetrical signs along the road and at stations.
The Brownington Argus, of yesterday says that train No. 2, south, on the Bailey narrow escaped being derailed Saturday night last just south of Levy, by the thoughtfulness of the section foreman. The conductor casually mentioned the fact, as he went north, that his train had experienced a serious jolt at the point named, but did not make any report of the cause, merely remarking that there was a rough place in the road. Section foreman Burrton's son Earnest happened to hear and mentioned it to this father who sent a man to investigate. He found a section of the rail about six feet long broken entirely out, and fallen into the cattle guard. They at once went to work to repair the break, but did not get it done before No. 2 was heard returning, and the train was flagged. A serious accident was probably averted by the prompt action of the section foreman. The Argus also reports that Chas. Davis was injured at mine No. 1, by being caught in the cage. Two of his ribs were fractured, and he was injured internally.
KILLED.
A Man Supposed to be James P. Atchison Meets Death About Noon Today at the K. C. C. & S. and M. K. & T. Crossing.
When train No. 84, north-bound - the regular daily freight - on the Memphis, arrived here shortly after 12 o'clock to-day, it contained four cars which were to be transferred to the M. K. & T. road. In order to accomplish the transfer it was necessary to make a "drop" switch. Conductor Wm. Malady was in charge of the train and Engineer Pat Liston and Fireman Ed. Jameson occupied the engine cab. When Conductor Malady started to open the switch to let the cars in, he noticed the unfortunate man, and was asked by him if he was on the Bailey road; and upon receiving a negative answer he started up the connecting track toward the M. K. & T. depot. He was told by Mr. Malady that they were throwing some cars on that track and to look out for them. He replied that he could care for himself. About the same instant fireman Jameson cut the four cars loose from the train and the engine ran past the switch which was opened to received the cars immediately after the engine was clear. The engineer, seeing the man as he passed, called and signaled to him, but apparently did not make himself heard. The fireman who remained on the rear end of the cars also saw the man's peril and attempted to stop the cars by setting the brakes, but seeing he could not do so, endeavored to signal the man on the track. He also halloed with all his force, but in vain. The man, seeming not to hear, paid no attention but continued his walk. The cars overtook him when he had gone but a few paces, the draw-head striking him in the back and knocking him down. He was dragged or rolled a short distance by the brake-beam before the wheels caught him. The wheels passed over his neck, right shoulder and arm. The head was entirely severed from the body, the lower part of the left side of the face being terribly lacerated and the skull crushed in on the top and at the back part. The right arm was crushed and almost severed from the shoulder.
His remains were left undisturbed and Coroner Gibbons was at once notified. The coroner arrived on the scene about 1:30 o'clock and after viewing the body made a partial examination of its effects, finding therein a letter which leaves no reasonable doubt as to his identity. The letter was dated at Strasburg, Mo., Jan. 11th, '89, was signed by G. W. and M. C. Atchison and addressed to Jas. P. Atchison, Elkton, Hickory county, Mo., whom they addressed as their son.
The mangled corpse was placed upon the pilot of the engine and brought to the Memphis depot, in the freight room of which an inquest was held. Sheriff Callaway impaneled a jury of six men, before whom Engineer Liston, fireman Jameson, and conductor Malady testified as to the manner of the unfortunate's death; their testimony being in substance as herein recited. The jury was composed of W. J. Sanders, foreman; L. W. Ashby, John Collier, J. G. Mitchell, F. M. Eldridge, and Jno. Elliott, who returned the following verdict;
We the jury, find that the deceased came to death by being knocked down and run over by freight cars while a drop switch was being made by K. C., C. & S. freight train No. 84, from main line of the K. C., C. & S. railroad onto a side track which connect the above mentioned road with the M. K. & T. road at this place. From a letter found in the pocket of the deceased addressed to Jas. P. Atchison, Elkton, Hickory county, Mo., we judge that to be his name.
After the jury had returned the verdict Coroner Gibbons made a further examination of the corpse but found nothing to further identify; the pocket only contained a clay pipe and some matches. The remains were placed in a coffin and left at the K. C. C. & S. depot pending information which the coroner endeavored to obtain by telegraphing parties at Strasburg, where the letter found was written, after which it will either be disposed of in compliance with instructions received from that point or interred at a burying ground here.
The dead man was apparently about 26 or 28 years old, light sandy hair, mustache and complexion; was about five feet eight inches tall; was dressed in blue ducking shirt, jeans pants and had on an overcoat. The railroad employees ca not be held in the least responsible for the accident as it is apparent that they used their utmost endeavors to save the man's life.
IDENTIFIED
Coroner Gibbons and Sheriff Calloway received an answer last night to the telegram which they sent to Strasburg, making inquiry regarding relatives of the man Atchison who was killed yesterday. It was from G. W. Atchison, and stated that he was unable to bear the expense of shipping the body to that place, and instructed that it be buried here, requesting that particulars be mailed to him. The corpse was taken to undertaker Jackson's rooms and prepared for burial.
LATER
Sheriff Calloway received a second telegram this a.m. requesting him to hold the remains until the dead man's father arrived. The request was complied with; the corpse being left in the care of undertaker Jackson.
.. Mayor reported a communication from Mr. Fagin in regard to bridge over the Gulf road, inquiring why approaches had not been built. The Mayor informed the council that he had answered the letter by saying the city was short of funds with which to do the work. On motion, the City Engineer was ordered to make estimates of the cost of the approaches,.
The Wm. J. Lemp's beer house has been almost completely finished and is partly occupied. Shed are being constructed on the premises and a "spur" track will be put in as soon as the ground is in condition to be worked. Then Mr. D. S. Duden, manager for the firm, will be ready for a rushing business.
An Important Accomplishment.
Some time since this paper noted the fact that efforts were being made by some of our business men, in connection with certain Ry officials, to secure right-of-way for a line of railroad into the heart of our city, and that options had been secured on the belt of property along the M. K. & T. road from the Bailey depot to the Woods hotel.
An interview with Capt. W. F. Carter, one of the leading spirits in the enterprise, elicits the information that the purchase of the entire property has been consummated. The object of the purchase for the present is to allow the K. C. & S. railway to have an uptown depot, which will be built adjoining Hotel Woods; but will be used as an inlet for other prospective roads.
Most of the property was bought at reasonable figures, the people realizing the necessity and importance of having railroad depots convenient.
It has not yet been determined whether or not the new depot will be built immediately, but the probabilities are that work will be commenced soon.
Score one more for Clinton
Supernt. W. E. Gray and J. M. Ratzwaier of Kansas City & Southern are in town to-day. They cam down from Kansas City for the purpose of closing up the recent right-of-way purchase for the company and to start the work of surveying the new line into town.
Wednesday:
The MKT will put in the spur track at Lemp's beer house in a few days.
Thursday:
More Railway Racket - Good for Clinton as Usual
About the first of March, we are informed by perfectly reliable authority, the dispatchers office for the Clinton division of the Memphis railroad will be moved from Olathe, Kansas, its present location, to Clinton. The division roadmaster's headquarters will also be changed to this place, which will necessitate the residence of himself and family here. The entire changes will add several families to Clinton's population and will create more business within our town, besides increasing advantageously the railway facilities and conveniences of the city. A change in the running of trains will probably be made about the 1st also.
Friday:
The railway mail service on the Kansas City & Southern Railway from East Lynne to Brownington will be extended February 25, via Harrisonville, Peculiar, Belton, Hickman Mills, Centropolis and Sheffield to Kansas City, Mo, increasing the distance 51 miles. The service will be extended also from Brownington via Lowry City to Osceola, increasing the distance 16 miles.
Tuesday
Work Begins
Yesterday evening Mr. Jas. A. Lindsey, of the Wabash Railway company, arrived in the city with a gang of workmen off his line of road, from Moberly. Mr. Lindsey is contractor to build the new Kansas City & Southern depot, on the Gen. Boone property. Work was at once begun and will be pushed forward with all rapidity to completion. The depot will be built on the regulation Wabash style, which has been adopted by the K. C. & S., and will be a large and handsome structure. Its dimensions will be 22 x 70 feet.
Thursday:
The Clinton pottery company today shut down their work for repairs. A new clay washer will be built and many other improvements made during the stop, which will be until about the first of next week.
An effort will now be made to build the approaches to the bridge across the Memphis railway on the road leading out to the Artesian well. The city council Tuesday night instructed the street commissions to use all the city poll tax for that purpose.
Friday:
The workmen on the K. C. & S. depot are making good progress with their work. The pilings are all set for the foundation.
W. H. Ellis, train dispatcher for the Clinton division of the Memphis, is permanently located here now with his office, which has been moved from Kansas City. The roadmaster's office has not yet been removed to this place but soon will be, when roadmaster Cain will move his family here,
Saturday:
Grading on the K. C. & S. roadbed is nearing completion and the new depot will soon be finished.
Train dispatcher Ellis of the Memphis road has telegraphic connection with the road from his residence, the house lately vacated by C. W. Jordan on West Ohio Street.
Saturday:
The priming coat of paint has been put on the new K. C. & S. depot. The building will soon be completed.
Tuesday:
The carpenter work on the Kansas City and Southern depot was completed yesterday evening and the workmen left for Moberly this morning. The painting is being rapidly finished and the building will be ready for occupancy on Monday next, when the trains will be run.
Saturday:
The last spike was driven on the Kansas City & Southern railway spur to the new depot to-day. The first car - a flat car loaded with rails - was also run on the track.
Monday:
The Bailey telegraph office has been moved to their new depot on Green street.
The First Regular.
The first regular train on the K. C. & S. was run to the new depot this morning. Hereafter all trains on that road will stop here. The Memphis accommodation has been discontinued, as per the orders of division superintendent Mitchell.
Saturday:
The K. C. & S. depot at North Clinton has been vacated and hereafter their offices in this city will be at the new depot on Green Street.
Wednesday:
C. L. Barnes and Lee Williams went to Kansas City this morning to commence work on four locomotive engines, which Mr. Barnes has just contracted to paint for the Kansas City and Southern railroad company. Two of the engines will be painted at Coburg and two here.