John Monroe HARLAN

HARLAN

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 1/18/2011 at 15:23:23

February 1854 -- August 17, 1902

WRECK ON NORTHWESTERN

Conductor Harlan Killed and Engineer Norris Injured

Humboldt, Aug. 17. - A serious read end collision of two specials stock trains going east on the C. & N. W. occurred three miles west of here 1t 3:30 this morning. The leading train, a double header, was coming about twenty miles per hour. Conductor ROE HARLAN of Eagle Grove, jumped from the caboose but the truck struck him, cutting his head in halves and scattering his brains. The caboose was hurled thirty feet, smashing it. Six stockmen in it escaped with few bruises. The engineer, fireman and head brakeman, of the rear train jumped on the opposite side and escaped unharmed, except for the engineer. E C Norris, whose arm was broken. Their engine fell from the track and was totally demolished. The other engine was unharmed. Great crowds turned out to see the wreck from miles around. Blame is placed on the dead conductor for not placing out red lights. The real truth is not known.

The Perry Daily Chief, Perry, IA
19 August 1902

[John Monroe Harlan/Monroe John Harlan]