stclairrailways.com » The Sarnia Observer and Lambton Advertiser

☛ Frightful, Railroad Accident. May 20, 1858.

admin — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 12:00:44 +0000

Frightful Railroad Accident – A frightful railroad accident occured on the N.Y. Central Railroad, on 11th inst., by the breaking down of a bridge near Whitesboro, a short distance from Utica. Up to the latest accounts eight persons were killed or have died since the accident and about forty are more or less severly injured. The accident is somewhat similar, though not to the same extent, as that which occured near Hamilton in March 1857. The distance between the stone abutments of the bridge is 32 feet; the depth to the bottom of the creek, nine feet;the length of each car is 35 feet; and into this space three entire cars were crushed into each other like a telescope, which will give an idea of the crash which must have ensued. The engines of which there were two, were both across the bridge before it gave way. The timbers of the bridge were said to have been perfectly rotten, so much so, that it is a wonder it did not break down long before.

The evidence at the Coroner’s Inquest in Utica, held on the bodies, bears strong against the Company, Civil engineers, millwrights, blacksmith’s and other person’s acquainted with timber and the construction of bridges, testify that the timbers used in the bridge over the Sanquoit three years ago were unfit for the purpose, and unsafe. One witness, Mr Crandall, who assisted in the construction of the bridge, three years ago swears that he called the attention of the overseer to the rotten chips brought up by the auger but was told that “it wouldn’t amount to anything” — The condition of the wounded is unchanged, but it is thought that no more will die.

May 20, 1858

admin — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 03:50:55 +0000

The Sarnia Observer and Lambton Advertiser May 20, 1858
We understand the operation of grading the line of the Grand Turnk between this place and St. Mary’s has been commenced at various points along the line, and will be general over the entire length immediately. The whole line is already cut out and cleared, and a great part of the fencing completed, thus indicating the intention of the directors to finish the road with the least possible delay. The bridges across the river Aux Sable in Williams and Bosanquet, which will be by far the most extensive works on the line, have not yet been commenced, but preparations are being made in the way of laying down material for the purpose. The work of erecting the large and permanent buildings at the depot at Point Edward has also been commenced. As to the construction of the contemplated bridge over the St. Clair at this point, we fear we cannot speak with much encouragement. To say that the project is impractical might be saying too much; for now-a-days nothing seems impossible; but there are obstacles in the way which it will be exceedingly difficult to overcome. In the first place the depth of the water at the narrows is said to be sixty or seventy feet; consequently the erection of abutments would be an enormous undertaking; secondly, the width is too great for a suspension bridge, the ascent necessary to raise it sufficently high to allow the passage under it of the shipping navigating the lakes, would require a gradual ascent to be made on both sides but particulary on the Canadian, for several miles from the banks. On the whole, therefore, as we have already stated, we think the project is one, which if ever carried out, will, at all events, will not be so for a long time to come. To use a homely proverb, – “The cost would overgo the profit” As at Detroit recourse will have to be had to steam ferry boats, and there is one advantage which this situation possesses which exhist on no other point on the whole route from Salut Ste. Marie to Quebec, that the navigation is seldom interrupted, during the most severe seasons, even for a single day, and this is an advantage in which both railways alike will participate,

☛Great Western Railway – Operations are now about to begin in good earnest for finishing the Sarnia Branch of the G.W. Railway. The scow Union Express arrived at the railway dock here Sunday morning last, having on board a locomotive tender, and four trucks, to be used on conveying the rails from the station along the line eastward, and this process is to be commenced forthwith, – the contracts for laying the rails being advertised to be given out yesterday. We like wise learn that the work of finishing up the buildings here, and at other places along the line, is to be commenced immediately, so that as soon as the track is laid the line may be opened at once. As for the whole line is ready for layining down the ties, we think there will now be no delay in going on with the work; and that we may expect the line to be open in early autumn. A line of telegraph will, of course, be a necessary adjunct to the road, so that we will thus be placed in connection with the east by this means, as well as by rail, and will feel our condition in respect of our intercourse with the east most wonderfully improved.

March 5, 1857

admin — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 20:39:44 +0000

Notice in the Sarnia Observer and Lambton Advertiser
March 5, 1857
Grand Trunk Railway.
Until it’s completion to London, before starting from Sarnia, The stage will call at the principal hotels, and at private houses when requested.Throughfare only 3.09
Covered Stages – Four Horses – Sober Drivers
John D. Kiely Proprietor
General Stage Office. London, C.W, August 6, 1856