Terre Haute & Alton Railroad Newspaper Clippings
CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF TERRE HAUTE & ALTON RAILROAD
Source: Alton Telegraph, May 21, 1852
We had the pleasure yesterday of reading a dispatch from Captain
Simeon Ryder, President of the Terre Haute and Alton Railroad, to
Mr. William McBride, dated New York, May 13, which gives the joyful
intelligence that the indefatigable Captain has completed the
contract with Eastern capitalists for the construction of the entire
line of our railroad to Terre Haute. The indomitable energy,
perseverance, and industry displayed by Captain Ryder in securing
the above consummation at so early a date, may be inferred from the
fact that he only left Alton some two weeks since for New York,
where he arrived on the 5th inst., and by the 13th, had accomplished
the object of his visit. He will doubtless return to Alton in a
short time with a corps of engineers, and prepared to break ground
immediately upon this noble enterprise. The particulars are expected
by mail in a few days. We congratulate our citizens upon this
auspicious result of the labors of many who have been the firm
friends of this enterprise from the beginning, among whom the
Telegraph, and ourselves, are entitled to a small share of credit.
TERRE HAUTE AND ALTON RAILROAD
Source: Alton Telegraph, July 30, 1852
This road comes before the public on its own merits. It is one
hundred and seventy miles in length, commencing at Terre Haute on
the Wabash River, and running through the thriving towns of Paris
and Grandview in Edgar County; Charleson in Coles County;
Shelbyville in Shelby County; Hillsboro in Montgomery County;
Bunkerhill in Macoupin County; to the city of Alton on the
Mississippi River, terminating at one of the most favorable points
on the Mississippi River, and connecting at Terre Haute with the
Terre Haute and Indianapolis Road, and thence with an extensive
system of railroads from the East and Northeast, it cannot fail to
be one of the most important roads in the Union.
This road runs through a portion of the State which is not excelled
in the fertility and productiveness of its soil. No comparison can
safely be made between this section of country, which is mostly
prairie, and a heavy timbered country such as Ohio and Indiana, as
to the ease and facility with which this country can be put into a
highly productive condition. The population of the State through
which the road runs is now rapidly increasing in numbers. The city
of Alton, where the road terminates, now contains, including Upper
Alton, a population of over seven thousand inhabitants, which is
rapidly increasing. Alton is situated at the head of the American
Bottom on elevated ground, and almost immediately opposite the mouth
of the Missouri River. She reposes upon one of the largest coal
fields in the valley of the Mississippi, and has inexhaustible
supplies of the choicest limestone and superior lime. For
manufacturing and commercial purposes, Alton has no superior. Her
citizens are enterprising, intelligent, energetic, and fully alive
to the advantages they possess.
The position of Alton gives her unrivaled advantages in respect to
the lumber trade, the supplies of which come from the Upper
Mississippi and Chicago, through the canal and Illinois River. She
is on the clear waters of the Mississippi. The country in the
interior will have to depend mainly upon lumber purchased from this
point for fencing and enclosing their fields.
THE TERRE HAUTE AND ALTON RAILROAD
From the Toledo, Ohio, commercial Republican
Source: Alton Telegraph, September 17, 1852
This important road, commencing at Terre Haute, Indiana, and
terminating at Alton, Illinois, is now being pushed ahead with much
vigor. The entire construction of the line has been let to Messrs.
Barnes, Phelps, and Mattoon of Springfield, Massachusetts, at an
estimate of $3,000,000. They are to complete the contract and have
the entire line in good running order within three years.
Much of the stock is taken in New York City; some in Springfield,
Massachusetts; and the balance in the West. This fact shows that New
Yorkers are appreciating the benefits of Western trade, and the
importance of securing the traffic.
Mr. Thaddeus R. Ryder of Stockbridge, Massachusetts, has the
contract from Messrs. Barnes, Phelps, and Mattoon to build all
bridges and finish all the masonry necessary. He intends immediately
building a bridge across the Wabash at Terre Haute, and has brought
with him from the East some twenty or thirty first-class workmen, so
that there should be no delay. The necessary tools for working are
on their way, and arrangements are being made so that no drawback
need be apprehended.
The country through which the road passes is beautiful and
productive. Leaving Terre Haute, it passes through Paris,
Charleston, Shelbyville, Hillsboro, and Bunker Hill. All these are
thriving towns, and will furnish many passengers. The road, by this
route, will be 165 miles long. The greatest elevation above the
waters of the Ohio and Mississippi is 322 feet. It proceeds nearly
in an airline – the curves being very few.
The building of this road will not only greatly benefit New York by
the produce it will bring into that commercial city, but will also
be advantageous to the section of country in which it is located,
for we learn that the company intends building a car shop, a machine
shop, etc., intending to build and equip all locomotives, passenger
and baggage cars – in short, everything necessary for the road.
Thus, an immense number of mechanics will find constant employment,
and be induced to make the neighboring country their home. The
company deserves much credit, both for the energetic manner in which
they have made contracts, and also for their judicious selection of
skillful contractors.
A connection between this and the Lake Erie and Wabash Valley Road
can be made by a branch of 34 miles from Danville. This will furnish
the most direct route to the Mississippi.
The Alton and Springfield Railroad is nearly completed, and the old
Springfield and Meredosia Road has been purchased by a responsible
company who are bound in their contract with the State to extend it
to the Indiana line within two years. Thus, it will be seen, that as
respects our extreme Western connections, everything is as favorable
as could be desired.
Alton, at which both lines strike the Mississippi, owing in part to
natural advantages and in part ot the railroad policy of Illinois of
building up commercial cities within her own borders, is likely to
become a favored point for the concentration of railroads. It is
situated on the clear waters of the Mississippi, three and a half
miles from the mouth of the Missouri, and is the nearest point to
St. Louis at which a railroad would be out of danger from the floods
which every few years sweep over the American Bottom.
TERRE HAUTE AND ALTON RAILROAD
Source: Alton Telegraph, October 15, 1852
We learn that the contractors are busily engaged in pushing forward
the construction of this great enterprise. A large force is employed
on the other end of the road, and the best feeling prevails all
along the line between Alton and Terre Haute. About 75 miles of the
road are permanently located, and it is expected that the heavy work
over the Wood River, in the vicinity of Alton, will be put under
contract next week.
TERRE HAUTE AND ALTON RAILROAD
Source: Alton Telegraph, October 22, 1852
We are gratified to announce that ground was broken yesterday on
this end of the Terre Haute and Alton Railroad. A considerable force
is now at work at Shields’ Branch, erecting abutments for the
bridge. This force will be shortly increased, and the work of
construction will go on simultaneously at a number of points. Mr.
Phelps, one of the contractors, is now in Alton, personally
overseeing the work. Mr. Hunt, Chief Engineer, with a full corps of
assistants, has also arrived and will speedily locate and make
specifications for the residue of the road.
A good feeling prevails among our citizens upon the subject of this
road, and we trust they will cordially cooperate with those who have
it in charge. Of its importance, no one of our readers for a moment
has a doubt, and we should all see to it that no effort of ours
shall be wanting to bring it to a speedy completion.
RAILROAD CAR MANUFACTORY AT ALTON
Source: Alton Telegraph, November 5, 1852
The establishment of a factory for the construction of railroad cars
in Alton is now a fixed fact. Mr. Shelden Tomlinson of Springfield,
Massachusetts is at the head of the enterprise, and having long
experience in the business, is well qualified to carry it forward
successfully. Six lots have been purchased in Hunterstown, upon
which the buildings are to be erected, and the contracts were closed
on Saturday. The main building or car shop is to be 90 x 40 feet,
three stories high; and the foundry will be 60 x 40 feet, and all
furnished with the best machinery, suitable for the manufacture of
the finest cars. The Terre Haute Railroad Company have given Mr.
Tomlinson a large contract to begin with, and he will doubtless
secure a large portion of the orders now sent East.
SLEEPER ON THE RAILROAD TRACKS
Source: Alton Telegraph, November 19, 1852
We learn that as the passenger train was going north on Saturday, at
a rapid rate, the engineer chanced to observe an object lying across
the track, which on closer inspection, proved to be a man. Checking
the speed of the locomotive, and running within a few feet of the
careless or ignorant individual who had chosen such a dangerous
couch, he caused the steam whistle to give one of its unearthly
shrieks, and awoke the sleeper, but as no effort could bring him to
a sense of the danger he incurred, it was found necessary to resort
to force to get him off the track, which was finally accomplished,
and the locomotive sped on its way, rejoicing.
TERRE HAUTE AND ALTON RAILROAD
Source: Alton Telegraph, November 26, 1852
The Common Council of Alton has granted the Terre Haute and Alton
Railroad Company the authority to locate and construct their track
upon and across such streets and alleys of the city as may be
necessary for their purpose. It is provided, however, that the track
of the road shall terminate at the Depot, which is not to be located
West of the East line of Henry Street in Hunter’s Town. The
contractors, Messrs. Barnes, Phelps, and Mattoon, are permitted to
lay down a temporary track from the foot of Henry Street to the
steamboat landing on the Public Square, for transporting the iron,
materials, and furniture of the road, during the progress of its
construction. It is to be laid down under the direction of the
committee on Streets, Roads, and Bridges, and should it interfere
with the necessary business of the public, it can be removed at any
time by order of the Common Council, upon giving the company at
least thirty days previous notice. We presume, however, there will
be no objection from any quarter to the privilege thus temporarily
granted to the company.
PROGRESS OF THE TERRE HAUTE AND ALTON ROAD
Source: Alton Telegraph, December 10, 1852
We have been furnished by Mr. Hunt, the Chief Engineer of this
railroad, with a statement of the progress of the work at this end
of the road.
The line of road from Alton to Bunker Hill, which forms the 1st
Division, is now permanently located. The whole distance from Henry
Street in Alton, where the depot is located, to the main street in
Bunker Hill, is 18 miles, 3688 feet, which is 3022 feet shorter than
the line surveyed in 1850. Of this distance, upwards of six miles is
a level grade, and three miles more has a grade of 10 feet or less
to the mile. Fifteen miles of the whole distance is straight line.
The longest continuous straight line is 7 ½ miles. The shortest
curve has a radius of 2,865 feet.
This division is divided, for purposes of construction, into 17
sections, all of which are let, and six of them (and among them are
the two heaviest) are now being worked. The masonry for the whole
division, comprising all the abutments for bridges, and the
culverts, &c., is under contract to A. M. Morgan & Co. of
Springfield, Massachusetts, who are pushing it forward with their
usual promptness.
The abutments for the bridge over the Wood River are in progress,
and will be ready for the superstructure during the present month.
The construction of the road, on the 1st Division, is under the
charge of M. R. Harlow, Esq., late Chief Engineer of the Litchburg
and Worsester Railroad, Massachusetts.
Beyond Bunker Hill, on the 2d Division, a line has been located to
Hillsboro under the direction of George Stevens, Esq., and which
follows very nearly the survey of 1850, around the head of the
Cahokia Creek. But another line has been run, crossing the Cahokia
near Mr. Benjamin Dorsey’s, and which, if found practicable, will
shorten the distance very materially. The final decision between the
two routes will await the result of the estimates, which are now
being made.
The surveys and estimates are being pushed forward with alacrity,
and as soon as possible, the work of the entire road will be
commenced with a strong force. The surveys and estimates, so far,
afford cheering evidences of the cheapness and rapidity with which
the road will be built.
CAPTAIN SIMEON RYDER RETURNS
Source: Alton Telegraph, December 17, 1852
Captain Simeon Ryder, the energetic President of the Terre Haute and
Alton Railroad Company, has returned from his recent trip to the
East in good health and spirits. Everything betokens well for the
active prosecution and speedy completion of the great work of
constructing this road, which is to connect the waters of the
Mississippi with those of the Atlantic.
TERRE HAUTE AND ALTON RAILROAD [very hard to read]
Source: Alton Telegraph, December 17, 1852
We learn that the work of construction of this important road, from
Henry Street to _____, is progressing with commendable speed and
dispatch. A large force is at ….. on the graduation, and the road is
….ready for the rail, as far out as Wood River.
The masonry upon the culverts and bridges are in a forward state of
progression, and will be speedily completed. We understand a
shipment of iron for the track has arrived in New Orleans, and is
expected shortly to arrive here. The work of laying the …. commence
immediately thereupon, ….. progress simultaneously with the ….. The
walls of the car house are up …. height of one story, and if the
weather remains favorable, will probably be finished in the course
of two weeks. The ….. Morgans are pushing the manson work forward
with all possible speed.
….thing speaks well for the energy of ….. and contractors who have
the …. Charge; and we doubt not this last …. In the chain, which is
to united St. ….. and Alton with the cities of the eastern …board,
will be completed and equipped within the time and according to the
terms of the contract.
ALTON AND TERRE HAUTE CONTRACTOR ARRESTED
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, January 18, 1853
It will be observed by a telegraphic dispatch in another column,
that Hogan, the absconding contractor of the Alton and Terre Haute
Railroad has been arrested, and all the money recovered. This will
be good news to many persons in this vicinity.
TRUSTEES ELECTED TO HOLD CITY BONDS FOR RAILROAD
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, February 23, 1853
The Common Council have elected, by ballot, Samuel Wade, William
Martin, and David J. Baker as Trustees, to hold the city bonds
ordered to be issued to the Terre Haute and Alton Railroad Company.
These gentlemen are well known for their integrity and financial
ability, and we have no fear that the interests of the city will
suffer in their hands.
RAIL TIES RECEIVED FOR THE TERRE HAUTE AND ALTON ROAD
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, February 25, 1853
On yesterday, three thousand oak railroad ties for the Terre Haute
and Alton Road were received at the levee from the Illinois River.
These are the first of a large lot, contracted for by the company
from that quarter.
TERRE HAUTE AND ALTON RAILROAD
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, March 23, 1853
Levi Davis, Esq., Attorney of the Terre Haute and Alton Railroad
Company, returned to this city on Monday night after an absence of
several weeks, along the line of the road, upon the business of the
company. We learn from him that the prospects of the road are in
every respect most flattering, and that the feeling in its favor is
everywhere strong and unanimous. The counties of Montgomery, Shelby,
Edgar, and Coles have respectively issued their bonds in payment of
their subscriptions of stock, and have placed them in the hands of
trustees to be paid over, as the installments are called in by the
company. The three first installments already called in, making a
total amount of $110,000, were paid over to Mr. Davis. The road from
Terre Haute to the Embarras River, with all the heavy work at that
point, is all under contract to responsible and energetic parties,
and will be pushed through as rapidly as possible. In spite of Col
Brough’s financiering to defeat the building of the Terre Haute and
Alton Road, its prospects were never brighter than they are at
present, and all things clearly indicate that its construction is no
longer a probability, but a certainty. Captain Simeon Ryder,
President of the Company, left this city for New York yesterday, on
business connected with the road.
ALTON AND TERRE HAUTE RAILROAD
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, April 02, 1853
We are much gratified to learn that the work on this road is
progressing very rapidly, and that it will be pushed forward to
completion with all practicable speed. The first section from Bunker
Hill to Hillsboro is now graded, and nearly three miles of the road
from Bunker Hill to Alton will be ready for the superstructure in
the course of a few days.
TERRE HAUTE AND ALTON RAILROAD
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, April 21, 1853
We are authorized to state that a large additional number of hands
will shortly be put upon the Terre Haute and Alton Railroad, and
that the work will be rapidly prosecuted to an early completion. The
iron is now being shipped to both ends of the road, and it is the
intention of the contractors to commence laying the track at both
ends as soon as the iron arrives.
RAILROAD BRIDGE OVER THE WOOD RIVER BURNED
Source: Alton Weekly Courier, July 13, 1854
The bridge constructed across the Wood River, about four miles from
this city, by the Alton and Terre Haute Railroad Company, was burned
down on Tuesday night. It is supposed to be the work of an
incendiary. Some of the timbers remain, and it will be rebuilt as
speedily as possible, but the road will be delayed considerably, as
the Company were transporting iron for laying the track across this
bridge, and that work will necessarily be suspended until it is
replaced. The cost of the bridge was something over $3,000.
TERRE HAUTE RAILROAD CAR FACTORY
Source: Alton Weekly Courier, September 7, 1854
We embraced a favorable opportunity last Saturday to examine this
extensive establishment, and gathered from the gentlemanly clerk,
Mr. Wilcox, many interesting facts, of which we were not fully
apprised, and which are well worth recording.
About forty men find constant employment at these works, in the
various departments of car manufacture. Since the factory was
established in June 1852, one hundred and thirty platform and house
cars have been finished for the Alton and Terre Haute Road, and
fourteen platform cars for the Ohio and Mississippi Road. In
addition to this, they have done all the job work of the Terre Haute
Road, including the manufacture of frogs and switches. The fourteen
cars for the Ohio and Mississippi Road are a part of a lot of one
hundred and fifty, which the company have contracted to build.
The low water on the rivers, and exorbitant price of freight, have
delayed the arrival of large quantities of their iron, which is
awaiting shipment at Pittsburgh.
The force now employed is able to turn out twenty-five cars per
month. Their cars are pronounced by good judges to be superior in
strength and workmanship to the cars in general use. They have
heretofore cast the car wheels used in the construction of cars, and
expect, after enlarging their furnace, to do so again. They
contemplate an enlargement of the whole establishment, and a
considerable increase of force in order to meet the demands made
upon the establishment. They have received a proposition to build
the passenger cars for the Ohio and Mississippi Road, which with the
construction of their own passenger cars, will be an immense work.
In connection with this establishment are planning apparatus and a
sash factory. The latter is in the third story, under the direction
of J. M. Wood, an intelligent Boston mechanic. The machine employed
in the manufacture of sash is one for which a patent has been
secured by Mr. J. Levin of Springfield, Massachusetts. The lumber
used is taken rough and sawn, planed, bored, mortised, and the
tesante shaped, and in fact, the entire work is performed by the
machine, except pulling together, and the matching is more perfect
than we have ever seen done by machinery. Four men may be employed
on this machine, which thus attended, will manufacture eight hundred
lights per day, being an average of two hundred lights per day for
each man employed.
The entire machinery of this large establishment, including the sash
and planning machines, is driven by one steam engine, which is a
model, both in construction and work. It is what is called the Tress
Frame engine, the only one of the kind in the West, manufactured at
the American Machine Works at Springfield, Massachusetts. It is
equal to thirty-horse power, and runs with so little friction that
it makes no perceptible noise.
We learn from Mr. Wilcox that the rails are laid on the Terre Haute
Road one half mile beyond Bunker Hill, and the company have nearly a
sufficient amount of rail on hand to lay the track to Hillsboro. A
construction train runs out daily as far as Bunker Hill, leaving
Alton at 7 o’clock a.m., and returning, leaves Bunker Hill at 3
o’clock p.m. The new engine, the Alton, which arrived a few days
since, is nearly ready to take its place on the track. We are
informed that the road remains in the hands of the contractors until
the first division is complete, when as far as finished, it will be
transferred to the company.
ACCIDENT ON THE TERRE HAUTE AND ALTON RAILROAD
Source: Alton Weekly Courier, January 17, 1856
Jan. 11 -- On yesterday morning, as the A.M. freight train, coming
to this city [Alton] on the Terre Haute and Alton Railroad, had
nearly arrived at Dorsey's Station, about fifteen miles from here,
it met with a terrible accident, by the breaking of one of the
wheels of the track supporting the locomotive, by whic the engine
was thrown from the track, the tender turned upside down on the
other side of the track, and five men killed by one of the freight
cars running up on the engine. Those on the engine at the time of
the accident were Conductor Wyman of this city; Mr. King, the
engineer; Wesley Davis, the fireman, also of this city; John
Morrison, an engineer from Dunkirk, New York who had been employed
by the Company and was going over the road for the first time; and
R. Bales and ______ Doak, both from Decatur, Macon county, the
owners of the hogs which composed the freight of the train. Just
previous to the smash, Mr. Wyman, the Conductor, observed the engine
leaning to one side, and jumped off just in time to save himself. He
received no injury whatever. The other five remained on the engine,
four of whom were instantly killed, and the other, Mr. King, the
engineer, lived three or four hours. As soon as the accident was
known here, Superintendent Sargent took out a special train,
accompanied by Drs. Williams, Metcalf and Allen, Messrs. Warren and
Corson, of this city, but it arrived too late to render any aid to
the engineer. He had passed to another world. Mr. St. John, the
President of the Company, also arrived at the scene of the disaster
a short time after it occurred. The relief train brought in the
bodies in the afternoon, upon whom coroner Pinckard proceeded to
hold an inquest, which he adjourned until this afternoon. The
officers of the Company have also ordered a searching enquiry into
the causes which produced the accident. Although not upon the
ground, we made diligent inquiry and could not find that anybody was
to blame. It seems to be one of these accidents which baffle all
human foresight.
BRAKEMAN KILLED
Source: Alton Weekly Courier, May 14, 1857
When the 10 o'clock freight train over the Terra Haute, Alton & St.
Louis Railroad arrived at the junction four miles below Alton on
Friday night, it was discovered that one of the brakemen, named
Jerome ?eads was missing. A car being sent back along the track, the
missing man was found upon the track near a bridge a short distance
this side of Bethalto, his body being cut in two and his head badly
bruised in such a manner as to indicate that he had fallen between
the cars while they were in motion, and his body been passed over by
the wheels. A jury being summoned by Coroner Wright, and an
examination into the circumstances made, a verdict in accordance
with the above facts was rendered. The railroad company provided a
coffin, .... respectably buried at .... [unreadable]
THRILLING RIDE ON THE TERRE HAUTE, ALTON, & ST. LOUIS RAILROAD
Source: Alton Telegraph, March 27, 1861
Yesterday morning we accepted an invitation from Mr. John Mack, the
obliging conductor of the Alton train on the Terre Haute, Alton &
St. Louis Railroad, to take a ride out to the Junction [East Alton].
As train was about to start, Mack suggested that perhaps we would
like to ride on the locomotive. This seemed to us a happy thought,
and we gladly took our position on the tool box, where we could have
a full view of the track. It went very nicely at first - the train
gliding along at a moderate rate of speed - and we enjoyed the
novelty of our situation hugely. But presently the outskirts of the
city were passed, the engineer pulled a rope, the engine gave a
shriek and a bound, and we were tearing away at what seemed to us a
fearful speed. We felt as though we were being shot from a cannon,
and wondered how it would seem to be a cannon ball. Then, as
rounding a curve, we distinguished at the distance of perhaps a
quarter of a mile, a number of hogs on either side of the
embankment. They did not seem to regard their position as being at
all dangerous, and made no effort to get out of the way. We were not
afraid, but could not help wondering what would be the consequence
if one of those hogs should just step on the track. Now we have
never heard of a train being thrown from the track by a hog, but as
the engine neared them, we felt an irresistible inclination to seize
the straps of our boots and hold ourselves up, but we didn't do it.
The hogs passed, we began to picture to ourselves how a locomotive
would look coming round the curve at the speed we were making -
wondered how it would feel to be smashed. But we looked up and saw
the telegraph poles, and then we knew that at that very instant,
perhaps the faithful instrument at the next station was ticking the
message - "Train No. --- Left Alton Station on Time." And we feel
sure that a collision was out of the question. Arrived at Junction
[East Alton], we hastened to take a place in the coach for the
return trip. Now we do not believe that we are remarkably timid, and
we know that on this well-regulated road there is no danger. But if
any of our readers think they can ride on a locomotive for the first
time, without an increase of pulse, let them try it! Mack, don't you
put us on the "mashoen" again!
COLD IS HARD ON THE LOCOMOTIVES
Source: Alton Telegraph, February 23, 1866
We understood yesterday that there were seven locomotives frozen up
on the Alton and Terre Haute Railroad, between Alton and Litchfield,
but as a train arrived from Cincinnati this morning on that road, we
suppose that they are all now in running order.
ALTON & TERRE HAUTE RAILROAD
Source: Alton Telegraph, June 8, 1866
The new Board of Directors are to meet today in St. Louis to choose
the officers of the road. It is also to be hoped that at this
meeting they will take some action in reference to the erection of a
depot in Alton. The present little shanty, which they use as a
ticket office, without parlor or reception room of any kind for
passengers, is alike a disgrace to the company and our city.
ST. LOUIS, VANDALIA & TERRE HAUTE RAILROAD
Source: Alton Telegraph, May 10, 1867
The St. Louis, Vandalia, & Terre Haute Railroad Company are now
engaged in grading their road. It will pass through Collinsville,
Troy, and Highland, in Madison County, affording the inhabitants of
that section a railroad connection, which they have long needed.
RAILROAD ACCIDENT AT MORO
Source: Alton Telegraph, June 29, 1867
On June 21, in the evening, as the regular passenger train, bound
East on the Terre Haute Road, was nearing the station at Moro, it
ran into a drove of cattle crossing the track, and the result was
that the locomotive and express car were thrown from the track. Both
the engineer and fireman were injured by the accident, and the train
was unable to proceed until midnight.
TERRE HAUTE RAILROAD TRANSFERRED TO EASTERN CONCERN
Source: Alton Telegraph, September 20, 1867
A meeting of railroad men took place at Terre Haute Monday, to
consummate the transfer of the St. Louis & Terre Haute Railroad to
the Eastern Consolidation. The transfer was effected to the
Bellefountaine Road, and another road will be built between
Indianapolis and Terre Haute, unless the present line can be
purchased.
UPPER ALTON RAILROAD DEPOT NEEDED
Source: Alton Telegraph, December 20, 1867
A great consideration at the present time is a railroad depot at the
point known as Upper Alton Station, or Bozzatown. The passenger
trains on the Terre Haute, Chicago, and Jacksonville Roads all stop
at this place, and almost all persons traveling to or from Upper
Alton enter or leave the cars at the same place. But there are no
recommendations there for passengers, whatsoever, except a short
platform. And consequently, no shelter for those who are compelled
to wait for the arrival of trains. It would certainly be a great
convenience to the people of Upper Alton if the several railroad
companies would combine and build a small, but comfortable depot at
that point. The St. Louis business men, who reside in Upper Alton,
could use their influence with the railroad companies for this end,
to good advantage.
BOILER SHOPS
Source: Alton Telegraph, December 20, 1867
We are informed that certain parties in Alton are making preparation
for the erection of extensive boiler shops in Hunterstown, on the
line of the Terre Haute Road. The work will be pushed forward with
all dispatch. The arrangements being made are such that the
manufacturers will be able to turn out boilers at rates much below
those of St. Louis.
ST. LOUIS, ALTON, AND TERRE HAUTE RAILROAD
Source: Alton Telegraph, January 17, 1868
The St. Louis, Alton, and Terre Haute Railroad will hereafter be
known as the Indianapolis and St. Louis Railroad. This is the effect
of the lease recently obtained of the road by the Eastern
continuation.
ST. LOUIS, VANDALIA, & TERRE HAUTE RAILROAD
Source: Alton Telegraph, May 1, 1868
We have new evidences that the work on the St. Louis, Vandalia, and
Terre Haute Railroad is being vigorously pressed. About a thousand
tons of English railroad iron, consigned to the company, arrived
from New Orleans a few days ago, and fifteen hundred tons more are
expected soon to arrive from Pennsylvania. General Winslow will on
Monday begin the laying of the first-named lot of rails, which are
of fifty-six pound iron, and then proceed with the second lot, which
is of sixty-four pound. The road will thenceforward be finished with
the latter kind. For some weeks, the company have been busy at
surfacing the completed part, which is now thoroughly finished to a
point between Collinsville and Troy. The track to be pushed forward
to Effingham, in Effingham County, without delay. The late rains
have not injured the work, but rather benefited it by settling the
rails. The people on the route are to be congratulated on the
success of the enterprise thus far, and its brightening prospects of
speedy completion.
TERRE HAUTE RAILROAD COMPLETED TO HIGHLAND
Source: Alton Telegraph, August 7, 1868
The Terre Haute, Vandalia, and St. Louis Railroad is now completed
to Highland in this county, and a freight and ticket office for the
road is to be opened shortly in St. Louis.
RAILROAD NEWS FROM TROY
Source: Alton Telegraph, November 27, 1868
The depot of the St. Louis, Vandalia, & Terre Haute Railroad at Troy
has been located a mile and a half from town, which the Trojans
don’t like. We can’t blame them.
RAILROAD NEWS FROM HIGHLAND
Source: Alton Telegraph, November 28, 1868
The present terminus of the St. Louis, Vandalia, & Terre Haute
Railroad is at Highland, and under the influence of railroad
facilities the place is increasing rapidly in population and
importance. Concerning the above-named road, the St. louis Democrat
says, “The directors of the St. Louis, Vandalia, & Terre Haute
Railroad Company, at a recent meeting held at Terre Haute, located
the line of their road between Effingham and Terre Haute, adopting
nearly what is known as the Brough Line. This line was deemed the
cheapest, according to the surveys of the engineers. The work will
soon be let, and the whole line commenced by January 1870.”
TROY STATION
Source: Alton Telegraph, January 13, 1871
Troy Station in Madison County, on the line of the St. Louis,
Vandalia & Terre Haute Railroad, to this time only a name on paper,
will in a short time be a fact. A proper site for it has been
donated to the company, opposite the town. Necessary buildings will
be erected at once.
THE ST. LOUIS, ALTON, AND TERRE HAUTE RAILROAD
Source: Alton Telegraph, January 13, 1871
The Terre Haute & Alton Railroad Company, at an early day,
discovered that policy could not swerve or determine destiny. An
extension of their road to St. Louis was necessary in self-defense
against the ever-vigilant promoters of the Brough Road. They dared
not to admit this fact by asking for an amendment to their charter
to that effect. Through friendly arrangements, the Belleville and
Illinoistown Railroad Company, whose charter privileges are
notoriously as boundless as the “air,” were induced to extend their
road from Illinoistown to Alton, and to leave this extension to the
old road. Thus, the present old main line between East St. Louis,
Alton, and Terre Haute was established. Subsequently, the St. Louis,
Alton, and Terre Haute Railroad Company, as successors of the Terre
Haute and Alton, at a mortgage sale, became the purchasers of the
property, appurtenances and franchises of the Belleville and
Illinoistown Railroad Company, thus merging both companies under one
head and administration.
ACCIDENT ON THE TERRE HAUTE RAILROAD
Source: Alton Telegraph, August 25, 1871
About five o’clock a.m. Friday, a man, name unknown, met with a
singular accident on the Terre Haute Railroad track, nearly opposite
the Washington Gardens in Alton. At that point, the tracks of the
Terre Haute and Chicago & Alton roads are parallel and near
together. The man referred to was walking down the Chicago track as
the train for St. Louis was approaching. In order to avoid this
train, he stepped across to the Terre Haute track, but it happened
that the Junction train on that road was likewise approaching, but
he did not notice this fact, and just as he stepped upon the track,
he was struck by the engine of the Junction train and thrown up on
the narrow platform back of the cow-catcher. The train was at once
stopped, and the man released from his perilous position. He had
received a severe shock and could not speak for some time. He was
brought back to the depot in Alton, and was afterwards attended by
Dr. Hardy, who found that with the exception of some bruises, he was
unhurt. The accident was a singular one, and a more narrow escape
from death is seldom recorded.
TERRE HAUTE RAILROAD
Source: Alton Telegraph, December 1, 1871
The new accommodation train on the Terre Haute Railroad, running
through Alton to St. Louis without change, started on its first trip
this morning, and will run regularly hereafter. Mr. M. S. Bartlett
is the accommodating conductor.
VANDALIA RAILROAD
Source: Alton Telegraph, November 15, 1872
The new bridge on the Vandalia Road, over Shields’ Branch, will be
completed by tomorrow night, which will be a great convenience to
the public. The wood work of the bridge rests upon massive stone
piers, which look as if they could resist any amount of pressure
from floods. There is, however, a serious defect in the location of
the piers. Instead of being at right angles with the road, they form
an angle of about 15 degrees, which will force vehicles to make an
awkward turn in crossing the bridge.
SIMEON RYDER, ESQ. AND THE TERRE HAUTE RAILROAD
Source: Alton Telegraph, August 13, 1874
From Chatham, Massachusetts – It is gratifying to notice that
natives and former residents of Chatham still maintain a friendly
interest in their native town. Among such pilgrims to the land of
his fathers is Simeon Ryder, Esq., of Alton, Illinois. Captain Ryder
is a native of Chatham, and removed to his Western home in 1834.
Being an active man and warmly interested in whatever might be for
the advancement of his adopted State, he became an early believer in
the civilizing mission of railroads, and took hold, almost single
handed and alone, of an enterprise which is now one of the most
useful and successful of railroad corporations – the Terre Haute and
St. Louis. By his exertions, mainly this road was built. He was for
some time the President of it, and by the impetus which it received
from his zealous labors, it became a flourishing and lucrative
corporation. It is now sixteen years since he has visited his native
place, and though well advanced upon the shady side of life’s road,
he is still active and vigorous enough to enjoy, for many years to
come, the result of his past labors. We trust his visit may serve to
keep green in his memory the place of his birth, and that it may be
as pleasurable to him as it is sure to be to his numerous friends
and acquaintances.