 The Great Chatsworth Train Wreck
1887
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These articles have been contributed by visitors to this site. A special thanks to them!! Also many articles that I have gleaned from the internet. Some were not included on the original list, which undoubtedly was hastily made. Many survived and lived their lives out, noting at the end that they survived The Great Chatsworth Train Wreck.
I have learned from this book, that Dr. O. B.Will of Peoria was elected president of "Chatsworth Wreck Survivors' Association" in 1888.
"Medical Standard"
VOLUME IV. 1888. JULY то DECEMBER. CHICAGO: G. P. ENGELHARD & CO. 69 AND 71 DEARBORN ST. THE GLASFORD GAZZETTE, GLASFORD,ILL., AUGUST 8,1940 Former Resident Passes Away Many of the friends of Newton Chellew, a former resident of Glasford many years ago will be sorry to hear of this death, which occurred in Chicago Sunday August 4th. Mr. Chellew came to Glasford when a young man, and was employed at the Davis (Bill Davis) Mill as a miller. He married Edith Davis the daughter of his employer. Mr.Chellew was one of the organizers of the first Glasford Cornet Band and was elected its leader. He and his wife were both passengers on the ill fated train which was wrecked at Chatsworth, Ill., August 12,1887. Both of them sustained serious injuries. Subsequent to his he entered the furniture and undertaking business, building a business house on the corner where Elmer Lightbody's store now stands. From here Mr.Chellew moved to Duluth, where we are informed he again entered the milling business. Several years later he removed to where he lived until his death. While in Glasford he was one of the leaders in the affairs of the village and a respected citizen. He is survived by his wife and one daugher, Ethel. His daughter was born in Glasford. Florence Smardon Blandin (1856-1887) wife of Alanson Jefferson Blandin Florence suffered the 'blues' as a result of losing her daughter (Florence) during childbirth in 1886. She had decided to visit relatives in Canada and took the fateful train. Florence Smardon Blandin was killed in the Chatsworth Train Wreck east of Peoria, Il. Florence and her two young daughters were beginning the Niagara Falls excursion. Both girls, Bertha Sophia and Ida Beatrice were injured. Alanson Blandin, husband and father, went with horse and wagon to claim the body and bring the girls back home. W. H. Lott (1836-1887) Elmwood, Il Banker husband of Catherine Vansickle William H. Lott, owner and manager of the Elmwood Bank with partner W.A. Clinch, on an excursion from Peoria to Niagra Falls, was killed in the famous train wreck at Chatsworth, Il, Young Marshall Lott could not swing his half of the partnership so Henry Schenck was taken in as partner. The Bank became: Clinch, Schenck, and Lott; Bankers. William was born in Canada and believed to be going to visit relatives. John Burden Kelly and his brother Jobe Parker Kelly who were passengers on that ill-fated train. Jobe was killed and John was left frail from his injuries and died three years later. In September, 1869, Mr. Deal was united in marriage with Miss Fanny Benson, of Peoria, who was killed in the Chatsworth disaster in 1887, leaving three children—William, Frank and Belle. He contracted a second matrimonial alliance April 5, 1888, on which occasion his bride was Miss Nellie Harsch, likewise of Peoria. This lady is a favorite in society, and in her own home exhibits the character and skill of the true home-keeper. To read about this gentleman go to: http://www.just1way.org/Peoria/Bio/deal_james.html NOTE:These articles were contributed by Dick ?. Many, many Thanks!!Eberhard Godel. Butcher and vendor of meats. Died in the Chatsworth train wreck August 10, 1887. Interred in <ST1:CITY w:st="on"><ST1:PLACE w:st="on">Oak Ridge</ST1:PLACE> </ST1:CITY>Division. From the Springdale Cemetery, Peoria , Illinois website http://www.springdalecemetery.com/famous%20residents.htm M.H. Cassell El Paso, Illinois M. H. Cassell4 had been El Paso's postmaster and had at that time recently moved to Washington, Illinois. He boarded the ill-fated train, and those who had talked to him declared he had intended getting off at El Paso, but that he was asleep when the train arrived here and was carried by his station. Searchers found his railroad pass in the debris, and later W. H. Hoagland, O. J. Lemon, Dr. Samuel Kerr and Editor Andrew O. Rupp of the El Paso Journal identified his body in the depot building. From the El Paso, Illinois website: http://www.elpaso.net/elpasohistory/epstory/ From the Saunders-Blackaby Cemetery records.
From an inquiry made at the Rootsweb-NY-Senaca board. I am tracing my family roots and believe I have ancestors from Seneca Falls. My GreatGrandmother's name was Rose (Rosa) HANLON. She was born in Ireland, ca 1847, immigration date unknown. Am looking for any HANLONS in Seneca Falls area. I believe she had a brother Mike, who owned/managed a hotel in Seneca Falls. Rose, and two infant daughters, were killed on August 10, 1887, on an excursion train to Niagra Falls, which wrecked in Chatsworth, Illinois. Supposedly second worst train wreck in U.S. history. Believe she was using cheap excursion fare to get to Seneca Falls. This man was on the fated train, but survived. Interestingly, he was the inventer of the Ferris Wheel in 1893, which debuted at the Chicago's World Fair. Read about this interesting man at: http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~wanda/ferriswheel.html George Washington Gale Ferris Sr. - (born May 14, 1818 at Norway Township, Herkimer County, New York, on his father's farm, the youngest son of Silvanus, died April 20, 1895 at Riverside California). LDS Batch G.W.G. made four train trips across the United States after settling in California, on the recently completed trans-continental railway. He visited his old home in Illinois twice. On Aug. 10, 1887 he was in the disastrous wreck of a Niagara Falls excursion train at Chatsworth, Illinois, that killed 85 people and injured another 215. George escaped serious injury andhelped rescue numerous victims from the wrecked coaches From a Fulton County,Indiana site The Rochester Sentinel
Wednesday, August 24, 1887 KILLED IN RAILWAY ACCIDENT - In the late Chatsworth, Illinois railway accident a cousin of Mr. Jacob STEVENS and two daughters were among the list of killed. Biography of S. G. Havermale S. G. Havermale, a man of great versatility, successful in both church and State, who now occupies the most beautiful residence in San Diego, corner of Seventh and Ash streets, was born October 15, 1824, in the obscure village of Sharpsburg, Maryland, now become the renowned battlefield of Antietam. His parents were natives of the same State. He was second in a family of eight children, seven of whom are still living, one brother having been killed in that terrible railroad accident on the Wabash railroad, near Chatsworth, Illinois, Read his biography here: Note: I believe they must have meant the TP&W Railroad here.
From the Lycoming County Pennsylvania Pages http://www.usgenweb.org/us/pa/county/lycoming/history/Chapter-56.html ROBERT CLENDENIN, son of John and Rebecca Clendenin, was born on the "Long Reach," March 2, 1798. After his father’s death he helped to take care of the homestead, and assisted his mother in supporting the family. He Was married in 1826 to Harriet Blackwell, a native of England, and erected a log house on the Clendenin farm, now the homestead of his son, Robert Carson, where he spent the whole, of his life. Ten children were born to Robert and Harriet Clendenin, as follows Priscilla B., who was twice married, first to George Mudge, and afterwards to S. R. Borden, and was killed in the great railroad wreck at Chatsworth, Illinois; Henry H., who married Mary Hall; Thomas B., who was twice married, first to Isabella Turner, and then to Esther Moore; Rebecca W.; Robert Carson; Matilda, deceased wife of G. I. Perry; Charles W., who was killed in the rebellion; John R., who married Lucy Bodine, and is dead; Richard J., deceased, and Harriet C., wife of Dr. John Eldred. Mr. Clendenin was a member of the Presbyterian church, and a trustee in that organization a great many years. He was an old-line Whig, and Subsequently a Republican, and filled nearly all of the offices in his township. He, was recognized as an honest, upright man, and died, honored and respected, in 1881, at the ripe old age of eighty-three years. August 10: On This Day in Eureka History The Chatsworth Train Wreck took place on this date in 1887. This event was one of the worst train wrecks to occur in the entire history of the United States, and the event does have a connection to the community of Eureka, Illinois. A six-car excursion train on the Toledo, Peoria & Western Line started out in western Illinois and made stops in several small Illinois towns, including Eureka, to pick up passengers who were heading toward a holiday in Niagara Falls. Unfortunately, just before midnight on August 10, 1887, the train attempted to cross a small wooden railroad bridge near Chatsworth, Illinois, which was on fire. Earlier in the day workmen had been burning weeds near the base of the bridge and the fire had spread to the structure itself. The first car made it safely across the bridge, but the five other cars did not. The weight of the train collapsed the burning bridge and the ensuing wreck claimed the lives of eighty-two passengers and injured 170. Mrs. Mahala J. Clay, of Eureka, was traveling aboard the train with her three children, aged two, nine and thirteen. They did not survive the accident. All four members of the Clay family are buried in Eureka's Olio Cemetery. http://www.eureka.edu/jrodrig/otdieh/aug10.htm From the VoyForum message boards, someone was looking info on this person. Need information re: Rose Hanlon, lived in Peoria, Illinois. Married John Francis Murphy, The first of their 10 children born Peoria 1868. She was born in Ireland, believed to have had a connection with the Seneca Fall, New York area. She and two young daughters killed in the Chatsworth train wreck of August, 1877. First son named
Thomas and first daughter named Mary. I have little on the Hanlons but a lot of her children. From the Knight's GuestBook: http://resourses.rootsweb.com/~guestbook Moses Knight, Jr died 6 Jun 1888 The mother of this person died in the Chatsworth Wreck http://www.just1way.org/Peoria/Obit/stein_ida_blandin.htm A Sad Death (Death Notice) Mrs. Albert Stein, of Trivoli, died Tuesday at 8 p. m., aged 27 years, leaving a husband a little daughter born the same day. The funeral will be held tomorrow (Friday) at 10 o'clock. Interment will be at Trivoli. Mrs. Stein was formerly Miss Ida Blandin, one of our popular school teachers, and her early death is a sad blow to her husband and relatives. Glasford Gazette, Glasford, Peoria County, Il June 4, 1908 Stein (Obituary) Ida Beatrice Blandin was born Feb. 16, 1882 at Buttonville, Ontario, Canada and died at her home in Trivoli, Ill., June 2, 1908, aged 26 years, 4 months and 16 days. She came to Illinois with her parents when quite young and lived at Harker's Corners' until. 1887. When 5 years old she with her mother and sister, Bertha, started on a Niagara Falls excursion to visit relatives in Canada and her mother was killed at Chatsworth, Ill.(Chatsworth Train Wreck), this leaving her to her father's tender care. When about twelve years old she united with the M. E. church at Hanna City, Ill., and. has been a faithful worker every since that time. Since her marriage she has been a member of the church at Trivoli. No expense was spared to fit her for life and those prepared to live are always prepared to die. Her friends were numbered by her acquaintances for all who knew her loved her for her kind and cheery disposition. She taught school very successfully for nearly seven years, being especially fond children. Less than a year ago, on July 31, 1901, she was united in marriage to Albert N. Stein of Trivoli, Ill. In her home life, as in all other places, she was of a happy and loving disposition and in no place will she be more missed. Those left to mourn her loss are her husband, Albert Stein, and little daughter, Florence Ida, her father, A. J. Blandin and family, and sister Bertha Blandin. Glasford Gazette, Glasford, Peoria County, Il June 11, 1908 From the Henry County News-Henry County, Illinois August 28. Rev. W. M. Collins, Methodist minister, formerly of Geneseo, is missing. Body of man supposed to be Collins found on shore of Lake Erie. Body has one toe missing, similar to Collins. Insurance Company not satisfied. Refuses to pay ten thousand dollars insurance to Mrs. Collins. Set detectives on case. Collins found at Toronto. Is disguised, and wears name of Myers, which is really his middle name. Collins killed soon after in excursion train wreck at Chatsworth, Illinois. Body buried at Geneseo. From The Pantagraph How Time Flies 08/10/08
By Jack Keefe
50 years ago
Aug. 10, 1958: Otto Krause of 1310 South Bunn has a cast iron spittoon and coupling link from the excursion train that wrecked at Chatsworth 71 years ago today. He has had them since 1891. He uses the spittoon to water his chickens. His son Arthur keeps the coupling link. from the August 10,2008 Pantagraph
From:
Peoria city and county, Illinois By James Montgomery Rice, S.J. Clarke Publishing Company
Their son, John McFadden, Jr., father of the Doctor, was born in Pennsylvania in 1807, and inherited the old farm homestead six miles from Pittsburg where he resided for many years. To that home he took his bride, Rachel Mc- Cormick, whom he wedded December 19, 1837. She, too, was a native of the Keystone state, born in 1819, and unto them were born seven sons and three daughters of whom one died in childhood, while Joseph D. MCFADDEN was killed in a railroad wreck at Chatsworth, Illinois, August 10, 1887. Two brothers of Dr. McFadden are still living: John Wilkinson, a general merchant of Virginia, Missouri; and M. Thomas, a retired farmer now residing in Nevada. Of the three daughters of the family one died in girlhood, and the others are: Mrs. Mary Anneta Tombes, of Los Angeles, California; and Mrs. Sallie Jane Pendle- ton, of Placentia, California. The father of this family died February 11, 1870, and the mother passed away August 25, 1873. From: Official reference bookBy Press Club of Chicago The immediate successor to Mr. Wagner in the secretaryship was F. D. Weienett, who served only a very short time. He was killed in a wreck near Chatsworth, 111., Aug. 10, 1887. The then assistant secretary, Theodore J. Muller, was chosen secretary and remained in office until 1893, when he ventured into local agency business. The late Charles Cremer, brother of the president of the company, was elected secretary of the company to succeed Mr. Muller. I found noted in this biography, that a Fanny E. Brebner was a survivor of this excursion and has been noted for her work in attending the sick and injured.
She was the daughter of William and Susan Brebner.
1887 Chatsworth, Ill., Aug. 18. -- The following is the verdict as agreed upon by the coroner's jury in the Chatsworth disaster: State of Illinois, Livingston County. In the matter of the inquest on the body of Mrs. Dr. Duckett, of Forest, Ill., deceased, held at Chatsworth, on the 11th day of August, A. D. 1887. We, the undersigned jurors, sworn to inquire into the cause of the death of Mrs. Dr. Duckette, late of Forest, Ill., on oath, do find that she came to her death by injuries received in the wrecking of the NIagara Falls excursion train on the Toledo, Peoria & Western railway, on which she was a passenger. We find that the wrecking of the said train which totally demolished eight coaches, one baggage car and one engine and either killed or wounded most of the occupants of said coaches, was caused by said bridge having been burned out before the thrain struck it. We think from the evidence that the bridge was fired from fires left buring which had been set as late as 5 o'clock that afternoon by the section men as close as sixteen feet on both the east and est sides of the bridge. We further find that the foreman of Section 7, Timothy Coughlin, disobeyed positive orders from his superior to examine the track and bridges on his section the last thing on Wednesday, and we find that he did not go over the west two and one-half miles at all on Wednesday, and that the said foreman Coughlin was guilty of gross and criminal carelessness in leaving fires buring along the track in such a dry season and with such a strong wind blowing. We recommend that he be held for examination by the grand jury; and further, it is the opinion of the jury that the leaving of the track with being patrolled for six hours before the passage of the excursion and the setting of the fires by the section men on such a dry and windy day as the 10th of August, 1887, were acts which deserve severe criticism. (Signed.) W. W. Sears, Foreman, P. L. Cook, David E. Shaw, H. P. Turner, J. R. Brigham, Frank Osborne. The within was agreed upon and signed in my presence and approved by me this 18th day of August, 1887. (Signed.) Charles H. Long, Coroner of Livingston County. August 18. Rev. W. M. Collins killed in awful railway wreck at Chatsworth. Body buried at Geneseo. From: George Washington Cress - contributed by Jane Foster
George Washington Cress, 98, former prominent resident of Washington, died at 5:25 p.m. Thursday last week at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Millard H. Hood, 1100 North Street, Peoria, where he had resided for the last 15 years. He had been ill several weeks. Mr. Cress was born April 5, 1846, near Washington, a son of Andrew and Mary Kindig Cress, pioneer residents of Illinois. He married Miss Celia Thompson at Washington on Feb. 20, 1868. She preceded him in death in Peoria in October, 1936. Mr. Cress was one of the survivors of the Chatsworth wreck of Aug. 10, 1887, in which 81 persons lost their lives. For many years he was a prominent breeder and importer of heavy draft horses in the Washington neighborhood, and was widely known among livestock men and farmers throughout the state. He had made a number of trips to England and Scotland to secure the type of animal in which he specialized. Mr. Cress was also active in civic life in Washington, having served as mayor for a number of years and as postmaster of Washington for nine years. He was also a former county treasurer of Tazewell county. He was formerly a member of the Christian Church at Washington, in which he took an active part. After moving to Peoria he transferred his membership to the Central Christian Church, which he attended as long as his health permitted. Fraternal affairs also came in for a share of his attention in his younger years. He held membership in the Washington lodge of Masons, Mohammed temple, Shrine; Peoria Commandery, No. 3, Knights Templar, in which he had been awarded a 50-year emblem, and the Knights of Pythias at Pekin, from which he had also received a 50-year emblem. Surviving are his daughter, Mrs. Hood of Peoria, and three grandsons, Clyde Crane of Chicago, Chief Yeoman Earl P. Crane, with the US Navy in Cuba, and Jamie C. Crane of Tampa, Fla. Two sons and two daughters preceded him in death. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Christian Church in Washington. Dr. C. C. Carpenter, pastor of Central Christian Church, Peoria, officiated and burial was in Glen Dale Cemetery, Washington. KEEP CHECKING BACK AS I ADD TO THIS PAGE AS I FINDS 'EM
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