Unless otherwise identified, articles below are from the Wellsville Daily Reporter. Many Thanks to Richard Palmer for hours of diligent browsing through microfilm and transcribing the material he has submitted to be published on this website. |
Bradford, Eldred & Cuba Railroad "B.E.&C. RR" News Items |
Bradford, Eldred & Cuba Railroad news from the Wellsville Daily Reporter unless otherwise indicated. Bradford, Eldred & Cuba news items from the Cuba Evening Review - May 4, 1881 Friendship is confident of having its railroad to Richburg, and we'd be pleased to see its hopes realized. But, then, what's the use of having another road so near the Cuba & Richburg narrow gauged? On to Richburg ____ The New Railroad to Richburg Assured - Work Already Begin - The Whistle will Toot Within Sixty Days. A meeting of the stockholders and directors of the T.V. Railroad was held at Buffalo yesterday and the new organization necessary to allow them to build a road from this place to Richburg completed. The new company will be officered as follows: President, R.G. Taylor; Vice President, G. R. Blanchard; Secretary, W. L. Bissell; Treasurer, B. W. Spencer. Board of Directors: Bowen, Vilas, Atterbury, Fish, Bond, O'Day, Bissell, Taylor, Carter and Spencer. The contract for the building of the road will be awarded this week and a large force of men put to work at once. The engines, cars, rails, etc., have already been ordered and the completion of the road is promised within sixty dates from date. the grade survey is nearly completed and the locating survey will probably begin tomorrow. Not a moment will be lost in pushing the completion of the road. Cuba no longer takes a back seat, but steps up to the front with the positive assurance of becoming the veritable outlet of a valuable oil field. Mr. Wellsville Reporter, would you like a ride over the Cuba & Richburg R.R., or do you prefer to "huf it" over the rocks from your native bog to the oil field? May 6, 1881 The West Clarksville depot of the Cuba & Richburg Railroad will be situated on the farm of J.B. Clayton. The Cuba & Richburg Railroad is to be but a part of a great trunk line running from Attica to Williamsport, Pa., and how in the world can the little roads, beginning nowhere and ending nowhere, hope to compete with it. Bradford Era, Friday, May 6, 1881 It was stated by a well informed gentleman last evening that a charter was yesterday granted at Harrisburg for the extension of the proposed Wellsville, Bolivar and Eldred narrow gauge in this state. The charter obtained by the Allegany New York, corporators permits the construction of the road to the state line near Ceres, N.Y., this county. From the latter place to Eldred is a distance of eight miles, for the construction of which distance a charter must be obtained in Pennsylvania. Citizens of Eldred are enthusiastic over the enterprise and are very anxious that it be carried through to consummation.
A meeting was held at the Central Hotel, Eldred, Monday evening last, and $16,000 worth of stock subscribed and ten percent of the amount paid. It has not been ascertained what is the estimated cost of the road in this state. Dr. W.L. Chrisman, oif Eldred proceeded to harrisburg after the meeting mentioned to secure the charter, which is said was granted by the state authorities yesterday. The building of such a road will place Bradford in direct communication with the Richburg and other oil developments in the Allegany County, new York, field. The distance from Eldred to Richburg by the wagon road is 13 miles. Bradford Era, Saturday, May 7, 1881
Look Out For The Cars. ___ The connection of the Allegany County, New York, oil field with Bradford by narrow gauge railroad is now an assured fact. A charter has been secured in New York for the building of a road from Wellsville through Bolivar to Ceres, on the line between New York and Pennnsylvania. It is also reported that a charter has also been granted by the authorities of this state for the building of the road from Ceres to Eldred. W.W. Brown yesterday went to Harrisburg to obtain a charter for the continuance of the road from Eldred to Bordell, from which place will be reached by way of the B.B. & K. Railroad. Cuba Patriot, Friday, May 13, 1881 BRADFORD, ELDRED & CUBA R.R. _______ The narrow gauge railroad from Cuba through the new oil field to Eldred, is now assured. Work has been commenced on the Eldred end, and will be speedily pushed northward to meet the work from Cuba southward, which will be commenced as soon as the engineers complete their survey, which is being rapidly and carefully made. The first survey over Grove Hill has been improved both as to grade and distance by a third survey, and the engineers now report the route not only feasible but the best from the Erie to the oilfield that can be found, both as to distance and grade between Bradford and Hornellsville. It is expected that work can commence, and will, next week, and our sister towns will realize that while they have been spending their strength in fighting Cuba, she has been quietly and determinedly pushing her way to the front without minding the attacks in the rear. With the prospect before us, we can well afford to wish our neighbors full and complete success, if they can secure it. We certainly wish them all a railroad to Richburg, and think the Bradford, Eldred & Cuba Railroad will carry their working parties and material to Richburg on the cars. At least the PATRIOT will use its influence with the managers to have it done - and without charge. Meanwhile our people should rouse themselves to the importance of pushing oil developments south of us. Now that the railroad is assured, our capitalists should at once raise the means necessary to test thoroughly Wolf Creek and the country east and west from it. By this means all doubts on the part of Wellsville and Friendship as the true oil center of Allegany county will cease, and the Allegany Oil Field, even in the “Register” will be called “The Cuba Oil Field.” So mote it be. So it will be. Eldred Eagle, Sunday, May 15, 1881 Matters concerning narrow gauge railroads have been somewhat perplexing during the past week, and many more were made during the past week, which from there seemed a mystery, furnished the chief topic of conversation. Last Saturday, the president and board of directors of the Eldred and Ceres road, were asked to meet with a committee from Welllsvlile at the state line, whence they proceeded, but found the eastern men gone. Our people followed them to Bolivar, but were again too late to see them. The Eldredites proceeded to Wellsville, but even at the home of those who had extended the invitation, our representatives could not gain an audience. The cause of this was the Olean people led Wellsville astray by offering, not in good faith, more than it was thought Eldred could offer and keep her word. Wellsville was deceived, and if she does not get a railroad, she must attach the blame to Olean's shrewdness and her own shortsightedness. Eldred was not to be be beaten and was angry at the insult she received. She went to work with renewed energy, the result of which will be a narrow gauge railroad from Eldred through the new oil fields to Cuba. It will be the main and no doubt the only road of the kind through this section. Things have been amicably settled between Dr. Chrisman, who holds the charter from Eldred to Ceres, and the new railroad company. Eldred is to be the grand terminus of the road, with all the advantages such a company can give a town. Eldred has more natural advantages then any other town along the line of the B,N.Y. & P. road and bids fair to become the center of attraction for both oil fields. Let our people encourage manufacturers of all kinds and Eldred is bound to win. The new company is composed of Buffalo capitalists, mostly, with R.G. Taylor, the superintendent of the Buffalo and Rochester division of the Erie Railway as president. Work of grading began Tuesday and every day new gangs of laborers have arrived here to work on the grade which is being made very rapidly and is hoped that in ninety days trains will run over the road from Eldred to Cuba. Eldred Eagle, Wednesday, May 18, 1881 ELDRED & CUBA ____ A Narrow Gauge Railroad Commenced! ____ To Be Finished in 90 Days ___ Matters concerning narrow gauge railroads have been somewhat perplexing, during the past week, and many moves were made from their seeming mystery, the chief topic for conversation. Last Saturday, the President and Board of Directors of the Eldred & Ceres road were asked to meet a committee from Wellsville at the State Line, whence they proceeded but found the Eastern men gone. Our people followed them to Bolivar but were again too late to see them. The Eldredites then proceeded to Wellsville, but even at the home of those who had extended the invitation, our representatives could not gain an audience. The cause of this was Olean people led Wellsville astray by offering, not in good faith, more than it was thought Eldred could offer and keep her word. Wellsville was deceived, and if she does not get a narrow gauge road she must attach the blame to Olean’s shrewdness and her own shortsightedness. Eldred was not to be beaten and was angry at the insult she had received. She went to work with renewed energy, the result of which will be a narrow gauge railroad from Eldred through the new oil field to Cuba. It will be the main, and no doubt, only road of the kind through that section. Things have been amicably between Dr. Chrisman, who holds the charter from Eldred to Ceres, and the new railroad company. Eldred has more natural advantages than any other town along the line of the B., N.Y. & P. road, and bids fair to become the center of attraction for both oil fields. Let our people encourage manufactories of all kinds, and Eldred is bound to win. The new company is composed of Buffalo capitalists, mostly R.G. Taylor, the Superintendent of the Buffalo and Rochester division of the Erie railway, as President. Work of grading was commenced at Eldred, last Tuesday, and every day new gangs of laborers have arrived here to work on the grade which is being made very rapidly, and it is hoped that in ninety days, trains will run over the road from Eldred to Cuba. Wellsville Reporter: Monday, June 6, 1881 Our Railroad! ____ Wellsville to Pittsburg! ___ The Details Substantially Settled! ___ Work to Begin in a Few Days ___ Main Line ___ The time has come at last when it is proper to announce brief details as to the outcome of the Wellsville, Bolivar and Eldred Railroad Project. Rumors and suspicions to the contrary notwithstanding, there has been no delay in shaping and property insuring the great work, which is now to be put through with true business energy. It is settled that our road is to be the main line of a large narrow-gauge combination, of which Wellsville will be the eastern terminus. It is to form a part of the line extending through to Eldred and Bradford, and will be constructed by and operated in connection with the Erie interests. This will give direct connections through to Bradford and Warren, and on to Pittsburg." The necessity of securing a foothold between Bolivar and Ceres took much valuable time, and prevented the survey and securing of a right of way at this end of the line. Otherwise a train would have been at work at Wellsville this week. Beyond question the dirt will begin to fly early next week, and sixty days will establish the running of trains. Considerable difficulty has been experienced in completing the survey from Norton Hill to this village and securing the right of way at this end of the line. But this has at last been substantially closed up and the active work of construction is next in order. It gives us great pleasure to make this announcement. It is also gratifying to further announce that the line will work in pleasant harmony with the Friendship, Olean and Cuba branches, and that, while our own village is to receive the greatest benefits from the grand combination all others are to share in due proportion. Great credit is due to the officers and directors of our road for the accomplishment of this happy combination. They have said little, but, done much, and in the end their hearty, untiring labors will be fully recognized and appreciated. Wednesday, June 8, 1881 W. B. & E. R.R. ____ WORK COMMENCED! ___ Rail Connection to Eldred in Sixty Days! ___ Business commences in earnest today upon the narrow-gauge road from this village to Eldred. The work of construction has been let to the firm of Crangle, Rafferty & Yeomans, of Buffalo, a heavy concern, engaged to a great extend in railroad building, and well qualified to perform the work promptly and efficiently. Last Night No. 1 brought about thirty laborers to commence work this morning, and but for the continued rain dirt would have been flying today. By the middle of next week 150 men will be at work on this end of the route, and in two weeks an engine and construction train will be placed on the rails. This morning a large lot of wheelbarrows, picks and shovels were unloaded at the lower end of Main street where the road is to cross, and where operations are to commence. The same firm have 200 men at work at the Eldred end of the route, where seven or eight miles are already graded and iron laid. Operations will be pushed from both ends and it is expected that the two sections will meet in the vicinity of greasy Bolivar in sixty days. A large number of Swedes and Italians are expected by the contractors next week to fill out the quota of men needed, although there are many laborers in the neighborhood who will find employment. $1.75 are the very liberal wages paid per day to the men, and $8.50 for teams. Mr. James Lafferty of the contracting firm has charge of work here and will soon have an office established in the Lincoln Hall Block. The company to whose control or local organization has transferred the road is the owner of the Bradford, Bordell & Kinzua road, and it is by a continuation of that line that connection will finally be made with Bradford. Mr. R. G. Taylor is president of the corporation, who together with other of the officials is, intimately connected with the Erie management, under whose auspices the new road will be run. There is now no doubt but that the Wellsville line will be the first and main line through the Allegany oil field, and that the home directors have done exceedingly well, under all the circumstances, of accepting for it the influence and control of the powerful Erie management. June 17, 1881
(From the Bradford Era) Work is progressing finely on the Bradford, Eldred & Cuba narrow gauge railroad under the superintendency of Mr. Emory Drake of this city. The grading was completed to Ceres last evening and the rails laid for a distance of two miles from Eldred. Unless something unexpected intervenes to impede the work it is expected that the laying of track will be completed to Bolivar within 20 days. A bridge 100 feet in length will span the Oswayo at Smith's Corners. When work reaches the Little Genesee country the men will labor on Sunday instead of Saturday in deference to the Seventh Day religionists residing in that section. June 21, 1881 Cars for the Narrow Gauge ______ Last night six new cars of the gondola order arrived for the narrow gauge railroad, from the Gilbert car shops, Buffalo, and being the first rolling stock received for that important enterprise were viewed with much interest. The cars are heavier and larger than the narrowness of the gauge had led people to imagine. A comparison with the Erie gondolas upon which they were loaded shows only a difference of 14 inches in the width of the bodies. The cars are lettered, "B., E. & C.," and it was a puzzle to many how that was going to look on the "W. B. & E. Railroad.' The fact is "B., E. & C." stands for the Bradford, Eldred & Cuba railroad, but there is no danger of the road following the name. The company to whom our local organization sold out had organized before that time for the construction of a road from Cuba through the oil field, and thence to Eldred and Bradford, under the above corporate title. The work at the other end of the route over the portion covered by their charter, is necessarily carried on under that name. But when the Wellsville route was accepted, the project for a road to Cuba was promptly abandoned. So any mention seen of progress for the ' Cuba" road, may be known as pointing towards Wellsville. The locomotive which is to propel these cars will arrive just as soon as sufficient track is laid to make it serviceable, and as the grade is about finished to the Erie track, that will be in a very few days. Both ties and rails are ready. June 23, 1881
Railroad Work. ___ The grading for the narrow gauge road has been finished from the Eldred end of the route for a mile and a half this side of Ceres. The track is laid and the construction train runs to within four miles of Ceres, there being some bridges to build between the two points. The Olean Company are also carrying on work, and are operating mostly this side of Ceres. They have graded a branch, ostensibly for connecting with Coudersport, but more likely for hindrance to the Wellsville line whose proposed route it crosses. Probably they will not succeed however in causing any special delay. A much larger force of men are at work on that end of the line than in this neighborhood, but as that is the portion to be especially protected the push is commendable.
June 24, 1881 Progress on the gap of our railroad between Allentown and Bolivar has been stopped for the past week, on account of the lack of spikes. Saturday a new supply arrived and today work on the three miles remaining to be finished was commenced. The narrow gauge track is being extended down Loder street, and has reached a point in front of Howard's saloon. It follows closely the line of the sidewalk and mutilates the street in great measure. it is probable that the depot will be located some distance east of the Erie, though the exact point is not yet known. The turntable being built west of the depot is to be used by both the Erie and the narrow gauge roads. As soon as it is completed, the Bradford express, now run as far as Cuba, is to extend its trips to this station. This will be highly important move in the improvement of Wellsville's railroad facilities and will bring us in ultimate connection with the oil metropolis. July 2, 1881 The grading of the Wellsville, Bradford & Eldred railroad is progressing rapidly, and is completed well towards Petrolia. It is thought that the route will be changes a little, in a way that will better accommodate Petrolia, and make really a better line for the road. The line as first proposed runs up the eastern side of Brimmer Brook to about half a mile below Petrolia, then crossing the creek it makes an abrupt turn and runs back on the opposite slope of the valley, all the way climbing the hill. This course is continued far enough to bring the road nearly to the summit when another turn is made, the line mounts the top of Norton Hill, and ascending the Knight's Creek valley, drops down the hill gradually to Allentown. The expected change simply continues the route a quarter of a mile nearer to Petrolia before turning back, and will probably be adopted. July 15, 1881 The Railroad. _____ The steam pile driver has finished its journey to the river from Main street, and is now putting in pegs along the river bank. The work is expeditiously done, the immense iron hammer falling once a minute while in active work. Track laying is progressing near and towards the Erie depot. The lumber shed near the west end of the station has been removed to allow the line to proceed in that direction. The bridge for the river, being built in Buffalo will promptly paced in position, and close up the only gap in the line for a long distance from the village. Although large numbers of Italian laborers are at work in the neighborhood, the village has suffered none from their boisterousness or misbehavior, as might have been expected from the accounts coming from localities where they are employed on other lines. We suspect they have been misrepresented. July 18, 1881 In addition to the work being done on the W.B.& E. Railroad in the immediate vicinity of this village, sections are being graded at different parts of the route. Just this side of Bolivar, a large number of men have been at work, and on Monday morning next a gang is to commence throwing dirt in the vicinity of Vosbury, above Allentown. July 25, 1881 Railroad Spikes. ____ A gang of men were at work yesterday on the trestle. This work is now finished to the river. Piles have been driven in the bed of the river, across which a temporary bridge is to be laid. This will be completed in two or three days, and then the iron layers will have an uninterrupted stretch of work ahead of them till the line is entirely completed. The rush indicated by Sunday work was that the short gap over the river might be speedily filled and the work of placing the rails be only shortly delayed. Rails are laid to the edge of the river. None more gondolas arrived Saturday. They all bear the deceptive initials, "B. E. & C. R.R." Loder street is to be split by the new track. it is expected that it will run along that thoroughfare as far as Pearl street. Track walkers were plenty yesterday, most of the Sunday excursions took in the little bran-new track as an object of interest. The surveying gang expect to finally finish their work on the line today. They expect to commence operations for the same company between Cuba and Richburg. This latter fact looks as though Cuba still had a possibility of connection with the oil field. Regular passenger trains commence running today on the other end of our railroad between Eldred and Ceres. iron is laid well in the direction of Bolivar. There seems to be a dead-lock in the affairs of the Olean & Bolivar railroad. Effective work was done at the Ceres-Bolivar end of the line, but between Olean and Portville simply nothing has been done but talk. Negotiations have been attempted with the syndicate who have control of the B. N. & P. railway, but the matter remains in status quo. C. S. Cary, the president of the company, is said to be in New York in consultation with the syndicate's agents and Olean is hoping and hoping that they will get the road running some day. July 30, 1881 Rails on the Wellsville, Bolivar & Eldred road were laid last night as far as the residence of S. H. Brown on Brimmer Brook. Aug. 1, 1881 It will be a fine view of the beautiful and fertile Knight's Creek valley which the passengers on the W. B. & E. road will obtain as they cross the summit of Norton Hill. But the terrible abruptness of the horse shoe curve made at that point will prevent anyone from enjoying it more than once from the outside platform. Tuesday, Aug. 2, 1881
Friday morning the new locomotive for the Olean, Bradford & Warren Railroad made an unlucky start by colliding with a Kendall & Eldred hand car only a short distance west of Eldred. No one was injured, but the car was completely demolished. When it arrived at the yard here, it jumped the track while attempting to run on to the B., E. & C. "Y." The locomotive was being run via Eldred to the short piece of track which the Olean people have laid in the fields between Portville and Ceres, and called a railroad. - Eldred Eagle. Aug. 3, 1881 Things are a little mixed, but then Wellsville gets a railroad out of it. It's a B.B.& K. locomotive drawing B.E.& C. cars over the W.B. & E. rails, and the whole under the fostering care of the N.Y., L.E. & W. R.R. Wellsville Daily Reporter, Wed., Aug. 3, 1881
A Distinguished Arrival. ____ The long looked for locomotive of the Wellsville, Bradford & Eldred R.R. arrived last night, and is on the rails, steamed up and doing duty this afternoon. it is not a new machine, but has been in service on the Bradford, Bordell & Kinzua road. This latter line is under about the same management as our local road, and will undoubtedly at some time be used for the Bradford connection. The locomotive is similar in appearance to the large heroic ones we have been in the habit of seeing, with three drive wheels, and adopt in certain features of its construction to the abrupt curves incident to narrow gauge railway construction. The arrival attracts much interest from sight-seers. It will aid much in expediting the work of construction, as the rail-laying has now reached a point nearly two miles from the depot. It really looks more like a railroad to see a live locomotive busy upon it and as an evidence soon to be completed and much desired steam communication with the oil field, Wellsville gives it enthusiastic welcome. Look out for the cars when the bell rings! The first train on the W.B. & E. R.R. pulled out at 2:-05 p.m. and consisted of six gondolas. The first stop was made at the tank erected near the end of the river bridge to take water. It then went steaming on its way, the pioneer engine in the Brimmer Brook valley. Cuba Patriot, Friday, Aug. 5, 1881 TERRIBLE COLLISION! ______ On the Olean, Bolivar & Friendship "Railroad" - A Hand-Car Smashed! ______ Friday morning the new locomotive for the O., B. & F. R.R. made an unlucky start by colliding with the K. & E. hand car only a short distance west of Eldred. No one was injured, but the car was completely demolished. When it arrived at the yard here, it jumped the track whyile attempting to run on to the B., E. & C. "Y." The locomotive was being run via Eldred to a short piece of track which the Olean people have laid in the fields between Portville and Ceres, and called a railroad. - (Eldred Eagle)
Saturday, Aug. 6, 1881 The New Narrow Gauge ____ A Trip over the Other End of Our Railroad. ____ From the Bradford Era
Regular trains have been running since Monday over the Bradford, Eldred & Cuba Railway as far as Ceres. Six passenger trains daily - three each way - pass between Eldred and Ceres. Conductor E. C. Lacy, formerly on the Buffalo division of the Erie road, has charge of the trains, and Engineer John Stout, from the Bradford, Bordell & Kinzua narrow gauge, runs the trim little locomotive. A few mornings ago an Era man boarded the morning train on the new road which pulls out from Eldred at 9:15 after the arrival of the Buffalo train on the B., N.Y. & P. railroad. Unlike other narrow gauge roads in the northern field the B., E. & C. road is free from curves, trestles or cuts. The route follows the course of the Allegany river as far as Bullis Mills. At Carrol, the second station from Eldred, it crosses the Oswayo, and from the latter point it follows the low lands to Ceres. Here the route terminates for the present. Work is progressing rapidly beyond and it will not be long before the plucky little engine on this new route will whistle down brakes at Bolivar and Richburg. The Wellsville and Bolivar road connects with the B., E. & C. at the former place. The two roads will run under one management. This new system of narrow gauges will open a new outlet for an extensive lumbering industry, all of which will find a ready market in the new oil fields beyond the Allegany. Of course the travel over the new road is constituted mostly by parties enroute for Richburg and Bolivar. At Ceres a delegation of hack men await the arrival of each train, each lauding with the most persuasive tones the attractions of their respective conveyances. The vehicle that does the most business, probably from the novelty of its appearance, is Stewart Bros. tally-ho coach, drawn by six horses. This same coach has been doing solid service since the old war times of '64 and was named "General Grant," which title it still bears in prominent colors. it first was run between Brady's Bend and Kitttanning. George Rushenburger, who drove the first team attached to this coach, still handles the ribbons. It is an ancient appearing vehicle and brings one back to the days of Washington. It is capable of accommodating 18 passengers with an unlimited amount of baggage. This system of slow traveling between intermediate points will soon be supplanted by the iron horse. The road a portion of the distances passes through farming lands and their fences not being completed all of the way they have to guard the farmer's cattle by other means. It appears odd and slightly ludicrous to see a passenger train stop to let down a fence and then pass on until another set of bars are met with. This will soon be remedied, however, and this sort of obstruction abolished. Aug. 6, 1881 Trains on the W., B. & E. road stop to take down and put up the bars which cross the track as it leaves A.R. Hill's lot. That looks like funny railroading. The engine is perfectly capable of taking them down itself, but the caboose can't get them back up and keep up with the rest of the train. Aug. 8, 1881 The W., B. & E. railroad company purchased Saturday of E. A. Smith, a small plat of land bordering on the railroad in the rear of Henry Jones' house, for the purpose of putting a "Y," which is to be used in the stead of a turntable. it includes 21/100ths of an acre and was paid for at the comfortable rate of $1,500 per acre. Thurs., Aug. 11, 1881 A clambake and green corn dance is arranged for Sunday next in honor of the Wellsville, Bolivar & Eldred railroad. We are sorry to state that Sunday has been chosen for the jubilee, but truth compels us to state facts. Aug. 11, 1881 The Bradford, Eldred & Cuba railroad will soon be completed to this place. A large gang of men were set to work yesterday and it is stated that a much larger force will soon be put to work along the line. Cuba will soon have plenty of communication with the outside world, including the celebrated Allegany oil field. Who says Cuba isn't entering a new era of of prosperity? (From the Wellsville Daily Reporter, Aug. 11, 1881) This afternoon Ed. Sweet was riding on one of the flatcars of the Wellsville, Bolivar & Eldred road, allowing his feet to hang over the side. As the cars were run on to the switch his legs were caught between them and a car standing on the siding, jamming them badly. He was taken to Sarsfield's hotel where Dr. Gish attended to the bruised limbs which are painful, but not all that serious. Ed. will lay by for repairs for several days. Aug. 12, 1881 Mr. J. S. Antonelli, a genial and enterprising young Frenchman of Buffalo, who has been one on the sub-contractors on this end of the W. B. & E. railroad finishes up his share of the grading today. He has had in his employ 60 workmen, mostly Italians, for which nationality of laborers he has decided preferences. With this same force he leaves tomorrow for Cuba, having taken a contract for a section of grading of the Tonawanda Valley and Cuba road. He has also taken an extensive job on the Pittsburg & Western Railroad being built through western Pennsylvania, which he will attend to as soon as through at Cuba. Mr. Antonelli has been a resident of America for 12 years, most of the time engaged in railroad work, and in addition to being an adept in that line is quite an accomplished linguist, speaking half a dozen languages fluently. Monday, Aug. 15, 1881 Richburg's Railroads ____ Last Saturday officers of the Bradford, Eldred & Cuba railroad made a final location for the depot at Richburg, on lands now owned by I.E. Dean and Wellman & Miner, it being the western portion of the Ackerman farm. This means a Union depot for all the narrow gauge roads extending through the Allegany field, with the exception of the Friendship railway. That Richburg is destined to become an important oil town, none familiar with the present drift of operations will doubt for an instant. leading business firms who are interested in the trade of the oil regions realize this fact. Some, however, intend embarking in trade in this embryo oil town, before deciding on a building site, have been hesitating until the location of the Union depot. Farmer Dean, founder of Dean City of Bullion fame, with Miner & Wellman, an enterprising banking firm of Friendship, N.Y., are owners of the land on which the depot will be built, said property extending between the two railroads, the Friendship route and the B.E.C. and Wellsville road. It is the intention of this company, and the streets are already surveyed, to extend avenues from Ackerman street, on the east to Forman street on the west, The gentlemen controlling these desirable lands will survey lots to suit purchases, which will be sold on favorable terms. - Bradford Era. Cuba Evening Review: Aug. 17, 1881 Through trains are running on the B.E. & C. from Bradford to Ceres. One year ago Richburg had no hotel. At present 10 of these public houses are patronizing that place. Aug. 20, 1881 We have received information from good authority that four or five hundred men will immediately be put to work on the line of the B.E. & Cuba railroad between Bolivar and Cuba. The men will be boarded in tents which can be moved to suit their requirements. The Friendship railroad is nearly completed to Richburg. Aug. 22, 1881 Five hundred more workmen are to be placed on the B.E. & C. Railroad this week. Aug. 23, 1881 The New Narrow Gauges. Mr. Drake stated last night to an Era man that the Wellsville narrow gauge was progressing favorably. The rails will be laid as far as Allentown by noon tomorrow without some unforeseen delay. They will run regular trains to the above point as soon as their locomotive power is increased. The Bradford, Eldred & Cuba company commenced running through trains from Eldred to Ceres. That is, the regular passenger trains from Bradford run through without change. The Olean road have the rails laid two miles beyond Little Genesee and will reach Bolivar early this week. The Friendship road intercepts the Olean road at Bolivar. The former company have nearly completed their grading at the further terminus of the route and the track has been laid for some distance out of Friendship. The B.E. & C. has its Richburg depot located on the Ackerman farm. Aug. 26, 1881 Work is now to be commenced at once upon the B. E. & C. road between Cuba and Richburg. The Wellsville route will be the line for traffic for some months at least. Friday, Sept. 2, 1881
Through A Bridge ____ The Narrow Gauge Caved In ___ Our new railroad is "busted." Reared in pride and bolstered up on hemlock piles, it has come sudden grief. This morning the "Allentown Express" had made one trip and back to the end of the road, and had started on its second run. The train consisted of the observation car and a gondola loaded with ties pushed by the engine. The locomotive stopped at the tank at the eastern end of the river crossing to take water, the rest of the train resting upon the temporary structure which serves as a bridge. Just as they started up, the second cross piece from the shore broke in two letting the track down three or four feet. There the timbers lodged, and prevented the engine from going way to the river. The rails at the eastern end hang together, but at the other end of the break are snapped off. The engine and tender are hanging together over the curved and broken rails of forty-five degrees, the balance of the train resting safely on the solid portion of the bridge beyond. The engine was moving very slow and the track sank so gradually that the engineer and fireman had time to get onto the sideboards of the engine, prepared to jump if occasion demanded, before the tender and cab tipped together. The accident is probably due to the high water. Its pressure upon the center one of the three piles which supported the a cross piece, had pushed it out of perpendicular a little, and left supports only at each end. The cross-piece was fastened by long spikes, to the end piles, but not in the center, as it was intended to have a permanent bridge structure in place and these piles removed before the expected fall floods raised the river. there being no other locomotive at this end of the road to assist the disabled one out of its hole, the job will be a tedious one, John Crowner's stump machine being the only power available. When once the wreck is removed, the repairing of the track will be a short operation. But it will delay the forwarding of supplies and the active prosecution of the work of track laying for a day or two. Rails are laid on the narrow gauge below Sawyer's two miles beyond Allentown. Lack of material on the Bolivar end of the route has prevented any work this side of that place. About a three mile gap is all that remains to be filled in. Cuba Evening Review: Sept. 5, 1881 (Monday) Eighteen new flatcars for the B., E. & C. railroad arrived at Eldred last Friday. Sept. 14, 1881 The locating corps of surveyors on the B., E. & C. are now at work just beyond the depot. They will stay at Clarksville tonight instead of returning to Cuba. Thursday, September 22, 1881 - (The actual trip occurred on Tuesday, Sept. 20, 1881). THE FIRST RIDE BY RAIL TO BOLIVAR A party of about thirty, by invitation of Mr. E. A. Drake, the agent of the contractors, who are building the road, Thursday of last week took the first through trip from Wellsville to Bolivar, all the way by rail, even the last few rods of the road being laid after the arrival of the train which was transporting the excursion party. The train as made consisted of two flat cars loaded with ties, the car temporarily used for a passenger car and the sturdy little puffer of an engine on behind, pushing us along. The track leaving the Erie station runs parallel with the Erie for about half a mile, when a curve takes us through Mr. Hill's estate, across the Riverside road, over the trestle work approach to the Genesee River. The workmen are seen lustily working at the timbers of the bridge, that is soon to take the place of the temporary trestle work, that for the present supplies its place. The train stops exactly in the spot of the late disaster, when the engine was so nearly engulfed by the raging river, which had undermined one of the supporting piles down in the stream. We stop, till the thirsty iron horse drinks all he wants, and then go on through the fields to the familiar gateway of the Brimmer Brook valley. Up, up, up, an average grade of some sixty or seventy feet to the mile, we fly through the well known valley, up which so often we have slowly climbed, with muscle and nerve of horse flesh, and not those of steel and steam. This portion of our trip is enlivened by some disputes as to right-of-way with sundry former horned possessors thereof, without serious results to either party of the dispute. About four miles up the valley we come to the grand curve, where our train doubles about itself, faces right about, and goes North instead of South. Right at the center of this semi-circle is the station of Petrolia, at present without depot, and almost without platform. Here are buildings belonging to the Pipe Line. The present village is in sight, a few rods to the south. The heaviest grade in the whole ascent to the top of NortonÕs Hill, is in the approach to this curve in the Brimmer Brook valley, the grade being a hundred feet to the mile. From Petrolia up the hill, the sturdy little engine puffs and pushes, and soon we are on the summit. At the summit is another grand semi-circle, where the northbound train thinks better of its intention to reach the North Pole, and turns itself southward once more, and downward now, down the hill to Allentown. The views as we are climbing this hill are fine and the picture that lies spread out before us is simply grand, looking down into the Knight's Creek valley, and southward across the divide to the depression where lies Allentown and over the billowing hills to the location of Richburg and Bolivar. We make a stop at the summit, long enough to run our two tie-laden freight cars onto a side switch. Some of the passengers, who had bestowed themselves, on these cars have to make a sudden change of quarters, lest they should be left high, stranded. Henceforward to the southern terminus the iron slave has a sinecure. The force of gravity pulls us swiftly down hill. Without any very decided curves we slide down the hill, through the woods a good part of the way, till we come to the first sign of the approaching oil field's deserted well in the forest the Nameless well which was a very small oil producer. When we are nearly come to Allentown we pass a huge iron tank of the Pipe Line. Strangely enough, the first building we see of the busy and thriving oil town known as Allentown is, not a beer saloon, but a church. It was explained, however, that the church was already there before the oil and the town were thought of in that neighborhood. At Allentown, one or two of our party stop, but the most are eager to go on to the end of the track. Presently we are playing hide and seek down hill, and in and out around the windings and curves of the little brook that enters the Little Genesee at Bolivar. As we approach the town we see the men distributed along the track in companies ballasting the road, and on in front rapidly laying the track advancing the rail along the graded bed. We halt a few minutes, and as the last rail the workmen have at hand is laid, we push the construction car on the track before us till we are a rod or two from the main street in Bolivar. Very near is the new hotel approaching completion, of which Col. Lewis, lately of the Fassett House, is to be "Mine host". Most of the party take a little excursion up the dusty street, but soon are recalled by warning shrieks from the "Little Giant" that stands ready to pull us up the hill once more. The home journey is the repetition in reverse order of the outward bound trip, save the exciting episode of a collision with a meat wagon, just below Petrolia, that might easily have worked a hundred fold more destructive to life and limb than it did. No lives were lost. The train was not thrown from the track. Besides the fact that horse, driver, wagon and contents were pretty badly shaken up and demoralized, no harm was done. At about five o'clock we reach home, and after hearty thanks to Messrs. Rafferty and Drake in a little speech by the solid man of our party, we disperse. All agree in expressing surprise to find the track of the new road in such excellent condition, level, solid, carefully and thoroughly constructed. The connection with the other end of the road will be made to-day, and in a day or two through trains will run over the road from Bradford to Wellsville without change of cars. The party are indebted to the train managers for every courtesy and attention. Engineer W. G. Reed pulled the throttle and Conductor H. A. Parsons "bossed" the train. An unexpected treat of buttermilk made quite an excitement. Yes, it was buttermilk, and no mistake. It wasn't in bottles. It was white, and in a tin pail, and with a tin dipper to drink from. Take it all in all this first ride by rail to Bolivar is one long to be happily remembered by those who had the pleasure to be among the first to hear the call: All aboard for Bolivar!" Sat., Sept. 24, 1881 The Narrow Gauge. On Monday trains commence regular trips over the Bolivar, Eldred and Cuba and Kendall & Eldred roads between Bradford and Wellsville. The time-table which goes into effect gives three passenger trains arriving and departing from this station daily. Two at 6:45 a.m. and at 1:45 p.m. run to Bolivar, while the morning train leaving at 9:25 in close connection with No. 3 of the Erie, runs directly through to Bradford, arriving there at 1:15. The morning express from Bradford arrives here at 11:35, connecting with No. 6, and the two Bolivar trains arrive at 9:03 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. The stations on the road are Eldred, Bullis' Mills, Carroll, Junction, Ceres, Little Genesee, Bolivar, Henry's, Vosburg, Allentown, Norton Summit, Petrolia, Crowner's and Wellsville. Sept. 30, 1881 Trains Nos., 23 and 24 on the narrow gauge leaving here at 6:45 a.m. and returning from Bolivar at 9:03 a.m. have been discontinued until further notice. Nos. 21 and 22 will take enough longer time on the run to make the stops at the flag stations made necessary by this change. Oct. 4, 1881 Sale of Narrow Gauge Railroads _____ A special dispatch to the (Bradford) Era from New York, dated October 3, gives the following particulars of the sale of certain narrow gauge roads in the oil region: "A sale involving important interests to the oil regions was completed today. Messrs. Carter, Hurd, Bissell and other owners of the Bradford, Bordell & Kinzua railroad have been in the city for several days negotiating with a syndicate composed of wealthy New York capitalists for the sale of the road and its franchises and connections, the closing of the bargain having been delayed by a slight difference between sellers and buyers as to the price. But everything has now been satisfactorily arranged, it is understood, and the sale has been consummated. The property purchased by the syndicate embraces the B.B. & K. railroad with extension from Rew City to Eldred, the road from Eldred to Richburg, and an extension from a point near Simpson's station on the B., B. & K. to a point near the Clermont coal fields, as well as 4,000 acres of valuable coal lands in the vicinity of Clermont. These coal lands have been owned by Col. A. L. Wilcox for some years, but have been but slightly operated. It is the intention of the new purchasers to operate them extensively and sent the product to the oil region where it is expected it will find ready sale. Competent engineers have passed over the roads and surveyed the lands included in the sale and report them as exceedingly valuable. It is understood that the price paid was in the neighborhood of $3,250,000." Oct. 6, 1881 The syndicate which has bought the Bradford, Bolivar & Kinzua and other narrow gauge roads, including the line from Eldred to Richburg, also secured large tracts of coal lands in McKean county, which have been only slightly developed. Probably this means more active operations on that line, and if so, Wellsville will certainly be in close connection with those mines, and cheaper bituminous coal should be the important result. Oct. 14, 1881 Surveyors are changing the line of the B., E. & C. between Bolivar and Cuba, to get around the obstructions placed in the way of its construction by parties in Friendship. Oct. 15, 1881 Several officials of the B., E & C. railroad, arrived yesterday morning on No. 3, and took a ride over their line, returning in time to take No. 12. They were well pleased with the appearance of the line and the section it taps, and have good reason to be especially delighted with the traffic and receipts. Cuba Patriot, Oct. 21, 1881 The B., E. & C. recently purchased a lot 20 x 160 feet on the Richburg Road, upon which was a fine water privilege for the sum of $500. They are now laying pipes from the spring to the railway track. Cuba Patriot, Oct. 21, 1881 The B., E. & C. recently purchased a lot 20 x 160 feet on the Richburg road, upon which was a fine water privilege for the sum of $500. They are laying pipes from the spring to the railway track. Cuba Evening Review: Oct. 24, 1881 Mr. L.H. Bullis, of Bradford, has received the appointment of Superintendent of freight on the B., E. & C. R.R. He entered upon his duties Saturday. He will make his headquarters in Wellsville Cuba Patriot, Oct. 28, 1881 The B., E. & C. is graded through Richburg Nov. 7, 1881 The B., B. & K. engine No. 1, which has done all of the work on this end of the narrow gauge, is at this station partially disabled. The Sunday train through was pulled by the new engine belonging to the B., E. & C. corporation. Nov. 7, 1881 The Narrow Gauge Injunction. ____ The Richburg branch of the B., E. & C. was built half way from Bolivar to that town, when it ran against lands owned by parties interested in the Friendship road on the other side of the valley. The owners refused the right of way across the land, and put an injunction, restraining the company from taking means to secure the right of passage, and they have succeeded in so far that the road has never been built into Richburg village. The injunction was based upon the ground that there being already one road in operation between the two places, a second one was unnecessary for the use of the public. But the inability of one road to handle all of the freight, and the large quantities intended for Richburg which are sent over the B., E. & C., have been carted quite a distance, has produced a strong interest in both places in favor of the completion of the Richburg road. As a means of dissolving the engineer of the B., E. & C. road, and their attorneys have been canvassing the two villages, securing affidavits from the businessmen, for the purpose of showing the necessity of more railroad facilities. The effort will probably be successful and sufficient matter of that kind presented to the court to vacate the injunction in short order. Cuba Evening Review: Nov. 17, 1881 It is the intention of the B., E. & C. R.R. to run cars every half hour between Richburg and Bolivar. (Friday) Nov. 18, 1881 The first train on the B.E. & C. ran into Richburg Tuesday. Wed., Nov. 30, 1881 An engine arrived at this station for use on the Wellsville, Bolivar & Eldred road in the yard at Bolivar and on the extension between that place and Richburg. it is an oddly constructed machine of the switch engine pattern, with no tender, and has been in use on the Tonawanda Valley Road. Hourly trains are to be drawn by it between the two lively towns, and both freight and passenger traffic for Richburg will be largely expedited and convenienced. Monday, Dec. 5, 1881 Two new locomotives, labeled respectively B., E. & C. Nos. 3 and 4, have been received. They are fresh from the Brooks Works at Dunkirk, strong and heavy six-wheeled machines and are put up in the best style of narrow gauge architecture. The first was unloaded from the cars Saturday, put in running order and assisted in getting its companion onto the rails yesterday in sight of interested loungers. Dec. 9, 1881 I is reported that Mr. R. G. Taylor, President of the B., E. & C. Railroad, has tendered his resignation as Superintendent of the Buffalo and Rochester divisions of the Erie. his object is said to obtain the rest and recuperation that his important duties have denied him. Dec. 19, 1881 Eldred Eagle: The B.E. & C. railroad is crowded with freight trains day and night, and their motive power is pushed to its utmost capacity. Dec. 24, 1881 CAUGHT IN A FROG And Run Over By the Cars. A Narrow Gauge Employee Seriously, Probably Fatally, Injured. _____ Frank Galutia, a brakeman on Conductor E. Lacy's train, is the first victim on the narrow gauge since its completion to the village. The train leaves Wellsville for Bolivar at 1:45 p.m. and Galutia was assisting to make it up just before one o'clock when the accident occurred. The locomotive, handled by C.G. Lacy, was backing a box car to make coupling with a gondola on the switch. It was moving very slowly and Galutia had hold of the forward end of the car, backing with it. As it passed onto the switch his left foot caught in the frog, throwing him down across the rail. In an instant, although the engine was immediately stopped, the wheel was over his left leg, crushing it terribly from the knee to the hip. The obstruction threw the car from the track, and it stopped with him still fastened beneath its cruel weight. While in this position he called to the engineer to back up farther so as to release him. Other train hands had got to the scene by this time, and it was necessary for the car to be run ahead, again passing over his leg before he could be removed. It was a sickening sight which presented itself to his fellows, as after much effort his foot was pulled from its fastening, he was carried with bleeding and mangled limbs, to the Clinton House. Dr. Nye was called and after examination gave his opinion that the accident would probably be fatal as the man would not be able to survive the amputation necessary. In addition to the left leg being utterly crushed, the right was severely cut. The unfortunate man retained his consciousness entirely, until the surgeon relieved him partially from the great pain during the examination by an anesthetic. Galutia is a man of about 30 years of age, and has a wife and two children residing at Eldred. He had been making efforts to secure a house to bring them here, and was about to make the move. His wife was immediately notified by telegraph of the accident, and to come on as quick as possible. He was a steady, reliable workman, spoke of in the best terms by his associates and fellow workman. (No follow up article found). Thurs., Jan. 5, 1882 A Little Railroad War. ___ Yesterday afternoon about 3 o'clock, while Charley Warner's freight train was rounding a curve between Ceres and Little Genesee, a trackman was seen in the middle of the track gesticulating wildly as though desirous of warning them against danger. The train was brought to a standstill and it was found that an old farmer, named Wilbur, had torn up several rails, hoping by this means to compel the company to accede to some demand which he had made in reference to the right of way through his farm. The rails were replaced and the officers of the company will have the man arrested. It is hoped that justice will be meted out to this man who would thus endanger the lives and property to attain an end easily reached through the courts, if found to be well founded. - Olean Herald. Jan. 31, 1882 Profits of Railroading in the Oil Region. ____ The necessities of the oil business in the Bradford region have called into existence a number of narrow gauge railways which have their center in that city. They radiate in all directions. Although as a general thing, they traverse a country which is little better than a wilderness, the profits they return to their owners are wonderfully large. The capital stock of none of them is more than $250,000. The Bradford, Bordell and Smethport railroad has a capital of that amount. It began business in June, 1880. In the following September it began paying a monthly dividend of 2 percent, and at the end of one year's business, had a surplus in the treasurer of $2,651,080. The dividends still continue at the rate of 25 percent a year. The Olean, Bradford and Warren railroad has a capital of $150,000. Last year it paid a dividend of 30 percent to its stockholders, and at the end of the fiscal year - June, 1881 - had a surplus of $1,886,778. The Kendall and Eldred railroad, on a capital stock of $150,000 paid in 17 months 12 dividends of 3 percent, four of 6 percent, and one of 10 percent, on a total of $105,000. This railroad also owns a plank road which clears $400 a month. At the end of a year's business the company had a surplus of $2,553,150. Since the development of the oil field, in Allegany county, New York, north of the Bradford district, a number of narrow gauge roads have been completed in that region. None of them have been in operation over three months, and they are paying dividends of 1 and 2 percent a month. The business of these narrow gauge roads is obtained from passenger traffic and the carrying of oil supplies and general supplies for oil towns. They carry no oil. - Elmira Free Press. Oil Echo, Richburg, Feb. 2, 1882 J.W. Tripp, of the Cornucopia, is establishing a livery stable in Bolivar and contemplates running a hack between this point and Bolivar. This enterprise has long been needed and will afford better conveniences than the B., E. & C.R.R.. affords. Oil Echo, Richburg, N.Y., Feb. 6 1882 SHOCKING ACCIDENT A Woman Knocked Down by a B. E. & C. R.R. Train and Fatally Injured. _____ Mrs. Rose Borgon, aged 40, a hardworking and industrious washerwomen residing on Allen street. was yesterday made the victim of a serious railroad accident on the B., E. & C.R.R., near Bolivar. Mrs. Borgon started from here early yesterday morning to do a day's washing in Bolivar, walking along the B., E. C. R.R. track. When she arrived at a point a short ways below the pump station she heard the whistling of a locomotive, and turning around, saw the dummy and passenger car bearing down upon her at the rate of half a mile a minute. She stepped aside, so the conductor and the engineer of the train say, when the train was several rods away, but as the snow along the embankment was quite deep, she soon stepped up onto a tie that projected farther out from the track than the rest. Just as she ascended to this position, the swiftly approaching train struck her, and she was thrown to one side, striking her head violently on the ground. The train was backing towards Bolivar when the accident happened the dummy being in the rear. The engineer and conductor claim that they are blameless, as they say the woman threw herself right into the way of the train by standing where the passenger car could not pass without striking her. The unfortunate woman was then picked up, placed in a car, and conveyed back to Richburg, where Dr. Weaver was summoned to attend to her injuries. She was taken to her residence on Allen Street, where an examination made by the doctor developed fatal injuries. Her leg was broken in two places, and one rib was broken so that a section of it penetrated her lungs and inflicted other serious internal injuries. There were also painful contusions on her head. Drs. Weaver and Swan say the patient may live two or three days, but she cannot possibly recover from her injuries. Mr. Pierce, overseer of the poor, arrived yesterday afternoon and took charge of her. Since the accident occurred many citizens have expressed themselves in pretty plain language respecting features of the management of this road. Even if an employee of the road should stand on the front platform of the passenger car while the train is backing down to Bolivar, there is no bell rope by which he could communicate with the engineer, should he see any person on the track ahead. A horse or cow might wander on to the track and if no person stood on the platform to be on the look-out for such an obstacle, the engineer would not know of any danger till the train was off the track. There are the tracks of two railroads running to Bolivar, and hereafter it will be for the interest of our citizens to travel on the one that secures the better protection of life and limb. Mrs. Borgon was committing trespass at the time of the accident, to be sure, but this fact does not detract any of the blame on the railroad company, who should have had a m an stationed on the platform. Three railroad employees told the reporter yesterday that the woman was drunk, and they claim to substantiate their statement by the fact that she vomited after she was picked up. The doctors refute this charge and assert that the woman was not addicted to drinking at all. The vomiting was caused by her internal injuries. Oil Echo, Richburg, Feb. 6, 1882 The people here do not believe that the B., E. & C. R.R. are entirely blameless for the sad accident which happened near the pump station yesterday morning. A farmer crossing the B., E. & C.,R.R. track at this depot, yesterday, came very near being run over by an approaching locomotive. There might have been a serious accident had not a friend taken him by the coat collar and pulled him off from the track. There is no change in the poor woman who was knocked down and internally injured by the B., E. & C. train. Oil Echo, Richburg, Feb. 6, 1882 BOLIVAR - The B., E. & C. R.R. comes in for a good share of blame here because it does not run Sunday trains to Richburg. If this corporation had a soul and a higher regard for dollars and cents, it would suit the people here a little better. Nothing can be more dreary than a Sunday spent in Bolivar. There is no church to attend and our citizens have been too well brought up to arrange cocking-mains, dog-fights, glass-ball shoots and other little diversions which amuse people in some of the benighted hamlets of the oil country. We have to go to Richburg to attend divine worship, and the journey involves the expense of hiring a horse and cutter. Let us have some Sunday trains, Mr. Williams. Oil Echo, Richurg, Feb. 7, 1882 The B., E. & C. R.R. now uses a bell rope on the dummy train that plies between Bolivar and Richburg. This is as it should be. Oil Echo, Richburg, Feb. 10, 1882 What the people of Richburg are crying for now is a stage line between this point and Bolivar. The railroad manifest too much of an independent spirit, and we need something that will pay more attention to the accommodation of travelers. The B., E. & C. R.R. and the Allegany Central R.R. have obtained their charters under false pretenses, and not only neglect to run their trains on schedule time, but refuse to carry the mails at government rates. Give us a stage line to Bolivar. Oil Echo, Richburg, Feb. 11, 1882 Mrs. Rose Borgon, who was so dreadfully injured by being knocked down by a B., E. & C. train, is, strange to relate, slowly recovering. Drs. Swan and Weaver. Who are attending her, believe now she will recover completely. Oil Echo, Richburg, Feb. 16, 1882 The "dinky" train on the B., E. & C. R.R. started on one of its trips from Bolivar yesterday afternoon with barely steam enough to carry it to its destination and consequently a large number were kept in waiting at the Richburg depot a long time, as the movement of the trains was distressingly slow. CUBA EVENING REVIEW Feb. 17, 1882 Efforts are being made to have the hourly trains which run on the B., E. & C. railroad between Bolivar and Richburg weekdays, operate on Sundays. There should also be a means provided for passengers who desire to go to and from the oil fields Sundays. Oil Echo, Richburg, Mon., Feb. 20, 1882 The Bradford excursion yesterday over the B., E. & C. R.R. was a complete success, and we are glad to know that it is the intention of this road to repeat it every Sunday. Mr. C.D. Williams, the superintendent, is doing so far as his authority extends, all in his power to accommodate the people living along the line of his road, and his new enterprise of making up a Bradford Sunday train will receive a liberal patronage. Oil Echo, Richburg, Feb. 24, 1882 A great many 500-mile tickets are being sold over the B., E. & C. Railroad. Oil Echo, Richburg, Mon., Feb., 27, 1882 Every returning Sunday makes it more and more clear that trains are urgently required on the B., E. & C. between Bolivar and the Hub. Yesterday it was made apparent by the continuous line of persons footing it from one town to the other, and again counting the ties homewards that local trains would not only be a great convenience and means of pleasure to the inhabitants of both towns, affording them opportunities for social intercourse and making of mutual acquaintance, but also a veritable "bonanza" for the R.R. company. The Allegany Central Railroad have already set an excellent example in this respect to the profit and convenience of all concerned, and it is to be hoped that the companion road will soon follow suit.
Feb. 27, 1882
Suveyors are now busily engaged in locating and laying out work on the B., E. & C. railroad just south of the Erie depot.
March 1, 1882
The B., E. & C. has constructed a new switch at Bolivar. WELLSVILLE REPORTER March 2, 1882 The graders at work in the vicinity of Cuba, on the Genesee Valley Canal, the Tonawanda Valley & Cuba, and the Bradford, Eldred and Cuba Railroads struck yesterday morning for an increase of pay to $1.50 per day. They ascribe the advance asked by the boarding house keepers. They have simply stopped work, remaining undemonstrative. CUBA EVENING REVIEW March 2, 1882
Surveyors are busily engaged locating on the B., E. & C. railroad south of this village.
March 4, 1882
We understand that the right of way for the B., E. & C. has been secured between Cuba and Obi. The gentlemen who are engaged in security the right of way south of this village are getting along nicely.Thus far they have succeeded in procuring the required lands without trouble from the owners. WELLSVILLE REPORTER March 4, 1882 The right of way for the B., E. & C. south from Cuba, is being secured for immediate use. The line will run from Cuba through Clarksville Centre and Obi, to Genesee, where it will connect with the main line from Ceres to Bolivar, having been using over that portion of the route the track of the Allegany Central. Monday, March 6, 1882 Engine No. 6 of the B., E. & C. arrived at this station Saturday, and was given an "airing" about this yard yesterday. it was built at Frostburg, Md., and is of the "dummy" pattern, carrying its water tank on its back, like a camel's hump. It is a light-weight, and is to be put into service on the switch between Bolivar and Richburg. March 6, 1882 Narrow Gauge War ______ The B. E. & C. & A. C. Railroads in a Muss. _____ The two competing, but heretofore, harmonious lines of narrow gauge through the oil fields are in open rupture. The two companies have been using the same line of track from Bolivar to the Junction below Ceres, where their routes separated, the Bolivar, Eldred & Cuba running to Eldred and the Allegany Central to Olean. Seven miles of the track from Bolivar to to Ceres was built and owned by the Allegany Central, and the two miles from Ceres to the Junction by the other company. The latter have been securing the right of way, and perfecting arrangements for constructing an independent line over the seven mile section. The Allegany Central people were not disposed to give them time for thus building a line of their own and proposed to shut them off at once from the privileges enjoyed. To do this it was necessary for them to complete their own line by building from Ceres to the Junction. It is their attempt to do this which has led to a regular railroad war and opposition at the point of the pick and crowbar. The B. E. & C. saw the point and purchased a piece of land across which the Allegany Central would be obliged to build and shut them off. They had been working night and day to rush their line and it was understood the track would be laid across the disputed territory yesterday with 200 men and prevented any such action. The section and trainmen were taken from this station Saturday night, and drafted into the army. The opposing force was fully as large but no attack or advance was made. Today the two armies are lying on their arms, facing each other, but probably no bloody collision will take place. Oil Echo, Monday, March 6, 1882 RAILROAD TROUBLE The Warlike Positions, of the A.C. and B., E. & C. Railroads Special Dispatch to The Echo. BATTLE GROUND, BETWEEN CERES AND JUNCTION. - March 5 - 12 p.m. The war in progress between the Allegany Central and Bradford, Eldred & Cuba railroads has now about reached a climax. The two companies, when building their respective roads, each completed a piece of track, the B., E. & C. between Junction and Ceres and the Allegany Central between Ceres and Bolivar. It is understood that a verbal compromise was effected whereby each company was to use the other's tracks. The amount of business now being done over both roads has given rise to competition and caused a jealousy. The A.C. has been working night and day to complete a track between Ceres and the Junction and today had a large force at work. The B., E. & C., seeing into the game, before the entire right of way was secured bought a strip of land extending from the present track to the hill across which the A.C. Co. will have to cross to make a connection at the Junction. The A.C. Co. intended to cross this piece of land today, Sunday, thus avoiding an injunction being served on them. The B., E. & C. have been watching the progress being made in laying track and this afternoon they were on hand with at least 200 men to resist the A.C. Co. in crossing their land. Each company has several engines and cars at its disposal constantly running backward and forward gathering supplies and reinforcements. The country people for miles around have flocked to the scene of action, expecting to see a bloody conflict, but I am informed g\there is an amicable settlement in progress whereby each company will complete its respective grades and tracks, running as heretofore until the work is completed. I anticipate no trouble as I do not think the A.C. company will undertake to cross tonight. March 10, 1882 Fred Behren's saloon and parlor are utilized as convenient waiting rooms for the B., E. & C. Railroad. Cuba Patriot, Wed., March 10, 1882 PROBABLY MORE LIVELY TIMES AMONG THE RAILROAD LINES ____
All of the T.V. & C.'s forces ordered suddenly to Ceres. Something n the wind. _____ Sunday afternoon at a late hour a dispatch was received here from President Taylor, of the T.V. & Cuba railroad to send every available man including carpenters and bridge builders to Olean. There was a hurrying to and fro, and Supt. Kirkpatrick took the first train with a large force. A carload or two, we also learn were sent from Buffalo. - The force is evidently to be concentrated atr Ceres for quick work. _____ LATER. The Bradford, Eldred & Cuba and the Allegany Central at War - 500 men in the Field. - (From the Bradford Era of Monday) The Allegany Central and the Bradford, Eldred and Cuba narrow gauge railroad companies have decided to run over their own lines independent of each other. Under the present arrangement the Allegany Central rolls u the B.E. & C. rails from the Junction as far as the upper switch, and the latter company run over the line of the Allegany company from this point to Bolivar. The latter company did considerable grading last summer on their own surveyed route between the Junction and Ceres. Saturday a large force of men were seen at work along the new route and it seemed that the completion of the road would only be the question of a short time. The same might have been said of the B. E. & C. road between Ceres and Bolivar. They have renewed the right of way from the farmers and will finish up their incomplete work which they abandoned last summer. We are told that they are surveying this route from Bolivar up the valley to Cuba. Railroad officials of both roads were at Ceres Saturday superintending new work and the antiquated lumbering town presented a lively scene. Narrow gauge stock in the Allegany field would command a big premium if any was for sale. The profits of the two roads are immense. Notwithstanding the fact that many shrewd capitalists were of the opinion that two roads would not be profitable in the Allegany deal, both are doing an enormous business and one road could not handle freight and take care of the travel to and from the new oil field. The excellent traveling and transportation facilities is the main factor in the rapid development of Allegany county. Yesterday there was a storm brewing about Ceres, which showed that the two rival roads were on very bad terms. It seems the B. E. & C. railroad purchased a farm lying directly across the proposed line of the Allegany tracks from Ceres up to Bolivar. The iron was laid up to the very edge of this track, but the B.E. & C. officials fiercely refused to give them right of way across it. The contending forces, numbering probably 500 men, were on the ground last night. A construction gang under Emery Drake was ready at the first chance to lay the tracks and hoped to do it before this morning in which case they expected to hold the point of vantage. The resisting forces, however, were numerically strong and such an operation could only be accomplished by sheer force of violence, or strategy. So far as heard from, there has been no personal encounters, but of course such are within the bounds of possibility as each side is determined. Sheriff Gilles is on the grounds with a posse in order to prevent any breach of the peace.
Cuba Patriot, March 10, 1882
Both sides Lying Their Arms at Ceres - A Settlement Regarded as Probable _____
The battle field of the rival railroads, the Allegany Central and the Bradford, Eldred & Cuba, near Ceres, yesterday was still unstained with blood and the prospects and the prospects are that it will not be the scene of any desperate hand to hand engagement between construction gangs. The belligerent hosts, consisting of several hundred men, are resting their arms and drawing pay in calm, philosophic manner of those who work by the day. Several engines were on the ground, these being the nearest approach to artillery, but their services were not required. The work of laying the track as far as the farm held by the B.E. & C. railroad went on, but beyond that there was no thoroughfare for the Allegany Central. It is possible that a compromise will be effected. C.S. Cary, Esq., of Olean, who is interested in the Allegany Central railroad, secured several farms lying across the route of the proposed extension of the B.E. & C. railroad from Ceres to Bolivar. It will thus be seen that there is a perfect deadlock, as neither can lay track without the other's consent. It seems probable, however, that amicable arrangements will be made. A conference between high officers of the road will be held at Buffalo today and the result may reasonably be looked for as a settlement of this complicated state of affairs. Otherwise the difficulty will likely continue for some time longer. The large and increasing traffic seems to demand that each road should have a through track from the Junction as he present system is fraught with some annoyance. - [Bradford Era]. Oil Echo, Richburg, Sunday, March 12, 1882 The Railroad War The Echo correspondent at Junction writes that the railroad war now is at a standstill, awaiting the result of a conference of officials at Buffalo. Both roads have increased their force by detachments from Buffalo. The B., E. & C. have put a gang of men grading between Ceres and Bolivar, and the A.C. are making their road between Ceres and Junction. A strong force of B., E. & C. men are guarding their land near Junction to repel any attempt to cross it. Everything points to an amicable settlement. March 13, 1882 The Empire Gas Co. bring their pipes down Brimmer Brook from Petrolia on the land of the B.E. & C. railroad, having found the land owners a little too exorbitant in their right of way demands. The company commence distribution of their pipes inside the village tomorrow. Engine No. 1 of the B., E. & C. has been supplied with the vacuum brake and will run out today for the first time with its new fixtures. It draws train 21 from Eldred and 24 from this station. The time necessary to apply the brakes has also been improved by having it repainted. Rhodes, our painter, has had this job and of course it is handsomely done. CUBA EVENING REVIEW: March 13, 1882 The Allegany Central railroad company have placed conductors of their own on the Bradford, Eldred & Cuba trains, between Bolivar and Ceres, and now collect the local fares from the passengers between those points. No tickets on that portion of the road were sold by the B., E. & C. railroad, although through tickets of that company wee honored. Cuba Patriot, March 17, 1882 Getting Ready to Push Work. - The engineers of the B., E. & C. are busily engaged in closing up their work on the line south of this village, the contractor for the first five miles is here, and work will commence at once and be pushed with all possible speed. It is claimed that the entire distance will be graded by the first of May. March 20, 1882 The grading gang on the B., E. & C. railroad at this end is progressing rapidly. The number of men was increased this morning. There is a great deal of work to be done at the cut just east of the Erie depot. The Allegany Central railroad have completed their new track between Junction and Ceres. They began running this transfer today. WELLSVILLE REPORTER March 20, 1882 Ten car loads of rails for use on the B., B. & C. extension from Bolivar to Ceres were being hurriedly transferred and forwarded to their place of use yesterday. Three hundred men are at work in construction of the and in less than sixty days the connection will be completed. Tues., March 21, 1882 Between Saturday night and Monday morning forty carloads of freight were switched to the Erie at this station. And from Saturday night until Monday noon 28 narrow gauge carloads were forwarded from this station over the B., E. & C. The narrow gauge track through Loder street has been moved near to the Erie switch and is being extended through Pearl street. The orders now are not to stop the work of construction until it finds its terminus at that point. CUBA EVENING REVIEW: March 21, 1882 A body of about 20 men arrived in town last night. They have been engaged to work on the B., E. & C. Cuba Patriot, March 24, 1882 It is the intention of the Bradford, Bordell & Kinzua Railroad Company to extend their road to Eldred for a connection with the Bradford, Eldred & Cuba road, which is owned by the same parties. A strong gang of laborers will be placed on the new section as soon as they have completed their work on the independent line of track on the B., E. & C. the company will do their own work without the aid of contractors. Cuba Patriot, March 31, 1882 Our Corsican friend Joe S. Antonelle, of the firm of Atonelle & Gibson, contractors on the B. P. & W., is now building narrow gauge railroads in Allegany County. At present he is engaged with a force of 300 men on the B., E. & C. between Eldred and Little Genesee, and is pushing things. Nine days from the time he took the contract he had four miles of road graded for iron. Messrs. Antonelle and Gibson have beside the work at Little Genesee, another contract on the B., E. & C. and still another on the T.V. & C., making in all about 50 miles of narrow gauge to build, which is to be done in 90 days. Mr. N.S. Beardslee is the chief engineer of the B., E. & C. railroad, and is having the construction of the road done as fast as possible. "Dick" Manning, of Salamanca, has a situation on the works as timekeeper and clerk, and does the work very satisfactorily to Mr. Antonelli. [Cattaraugus Republican] Oil Echo, April 3, 1882 Frank Good, now conducting the half-hour train on the little road during the absence of W.B. Clements, will next week take charge of the passenger train on the B., E. & C. R.R. running from Wellsville to Eldred. April 4, 1882 Three-hundred men are at work on the B., E. & C. road south of Cuba, and the contractors want more. Oil Echo, Richburg, Tuesday, April 4, 1882 No, the loved and faithful little train is not to be discontinued, rumor to the contrary notwithstanding, the fact of the case being that the old Tonawanda Valley & Cuba railroad, with its dulcet whistle, is to be returned to its old service of drawing a construction train on the road just named, and that it is to be re replaced by an entirely new engine, with air brakes and the latest improvements, with a still more dulcet whistle, now doing service as construction engine on the B., E. & C.R.R. between this place and Ceres. CUBA EVENING REVIEW: April 5, 1882 The B.E. & C. railroad train which runs every half hour between Richburg and Bolivar, carries an average of 500 passengers per day. Work on the B., E. & C. railroad between Ceres and Bolivar is progressing rapidly. The rail is all laid, and the workmen are now engaged in ballasting. The company now think that portion will be ready for use by the first of April. April 6, 1882 The train on the B., E. & C. railroad between Bolivar and Richburg, nets the company about $50 per day. Men are in great demand at the B., E. C. in spite of the immense force now employed. April 6,1882
Mr. R.G. Taylor, is now the active President of the following six roads: The Bradford, Eldred & Cuba, The Wellsville, Bolivar & Eldred, the Tonawanda Valley & Cuba, the Eldred, Rew City & Pittsburg, the Bradford, Bordell & Kinzua, and the Bradford & Smethport. Buffalo Morning Express, Thurs., April 11, 1882 The Bradford, Eldred & Cuba Railroad has declared a dividend of three percent on the outstanding stock from the earnings of the quarter ending March 31st. This is the company's second dividend and is only on that part of the road now completed. When the road is finished it is expected that the dividend will be more than doubled. Oil Echo, Richburg, April 11, 1882 No more do the A.C. and B.,E. & C. railroads run on the same track, the new branch from here to Ceres of the B., E. & C. R.R. being now completed and used by their cars. Chalk up one more mark of progress. CUBA EVENING REVIEW: April 12, 1882 The following subscription paper has been placed in A.H. Bishop's grocery store, and is receiving many names: Whereas; Otis Sykes, on the 3d day of April, 1882, while laboring on the Bradford, Eldred & Cuba railroad, received severe injury to his right arm, which permanently disables him, and he being in destitute circumstances, having a wife and child to support, and being a person worthy of aid, we the undersigned, do hereby agree to pay the amounts placed opposite our names, for the purpose of aiding him and his family in his present condition. April 14, 1882 It is truly wonderful how the work at the deep cut east of the Erie depot on the B., E. & C. is progressing. A large portion of the road at that point has to be dug out of a sort of slat rock, which makes the work very slow. Six dump cars are used and run on temporary track nearly quarter of a mile. The dirt and rock is conveyed by this means to a place by the side of the Erie track east of the cut. The road bed has been reached more than two thirds of the distance between the west end of the cut and the point where the new road leaves the Erie and starts southward. It is thought that the extra grading at that point will be completed by the 10th of May. The work is now being accomplished at a great disadvantage, as the dirt which is removed has to be thrown away instead of being used to fill up at places where needed. Buffalo Express, April 14, 1882 The Railroads. ____ The Bradford, Eldred & Cuba ____ The Bradford, Eldred & Cuba Railroad Company have finished their independent connection between Ceres and Bolivar, a distance of seven miles, the grading, bridging and ballasting all having been done in the short space of two weeks. This makes two competing lines for the immense traffic now carried between Friendship and Bolivar, viz., the Bradford, Eldred & Cuba and the Allegany Central, both of which have just finished independent lines. The latter company have been running some 40 trains each day. The Bradford, Eldred & Cuba will now run 13 daily, and the business will be divided between the two lines. The competition between these two routes is very strong. The Allegany Central endeavored to get possession of certain lands owned by the Bradford, Eldred & Cuba by laying a track one Sunday in order to head them off as an injunction could not be sured to stop them on that day. Mr. R. G. Taylor, who owned a strip of land near which they were to pass, gathered 350 men from different lines of which he is the President and proposed fighting the passage over the strip of his property. The party were camped out one night. Their numbers and the hints that nitro-glycerine lay upon the land ready to be exploded if iron was laid across the property so discouraged the other parties that they dare not cross, and Monday an injunction was served restraining them from so doing. Taylor is equal to any emergency. Mr. R. G. Taylor, who has suffered considerably from ill health, is not the active President of the following six roads, the Bradford, Eldred & Cuba, the Wellsville, Bolivar & Eldred, the Tonawanda Valley & Cuba, the Eldred and Rue City and Pittsburg, the Bradford, Bordell & Kinzua, and the Bradford & Smethport. A surveying party began today upon a route for the extension of the Bradford, Bordell & Kinzua to Eldred to connect that road with the Bradford, Eldred & Cuba. The party will be under the director of Chief Engineer Beardslee, and will stake the line from Eldred to Rue City. It has been stated on good authority that this will extend north and connect with the Erie's Dansville branch. The Tonawanda Valley & Cuba Company have decided not to begin at Arcade, as proposed, and build toward Cuba, but to finish the road in the Allegany oil field as rapidly as possible, the amount of freight and passenger traffic in that section being so much larger than it would be at the Arcade end. The entire construction force will be placed on the line between Cuba and Little Genesee this week and rapid work will be done. Cuba Patriot, April 14, 1882 The B., E. & C. railroad has declared a dividend of three percent on the outstanding stock from the earnings of the quarter ending March 31st. This is the company's second dividend and is only on that part of the road now completed. When the road is finished it is expected that the dividend will be more than doubled. April 15, 1882 Progress of the Narrow Gauge The Bradford, Eldred & Cuba railroad is now nearly all graded between the deep cut east of the Erie depot and Peter Coon's farm, while pieces of it are graded for a distance of three miles south of the village. Jerry Wells has charge of a gang of 20 men who are employed about one-half mile out of the village. Mr. Wells says that help is now so plenty, that help is now so plenty, that had he tools for them, he could get 100 men at ease. The great difficulty, he said, is lack of tools.At the point where the Wells gang is now at work, the grading is very difficult, the ground being filled with stones, roots and stumps, and being very wet and muddy. The men work well, however, and the road is being rapidly completed to that point. The first bridge to be constructed on this road, south of the village, is over a small creek, directly west of G. Oldam's residence. The bridge will be but a small one. Bridge No. 2 will span the large creek on D. Helm's farm. The employees are looking anxiously for the construction train, as anything is welcomed that will relive the monotony of the pick and shovel. Nothing of course can be done by the construction or the road, south of this place, until the grading is finished at the cut east of the depot. Rails are being rapidly laid northward on the Tonawanda Valley & Cuba end of the road, and it is probable that he construction engine, which is expected immediately, will be employed on the northern end of the line until the completion of the grading on this end of the B.E. & C. WELLSVILLE REPORTER: April 15, 1882 The laborers upon the B., E. & C. extension in the neighborhood of Ceres and Little Genesee are somewhat agitated, and a strike is said to be imminent. They have been receiving $1.50 per day, which, owing to the rate they have to pay for board, is not thought sufficient. A further cause of dissatisfaction is the claim that the subcontractor employing them had not fulfilled his obligations. The Italians are said to be the more active agitators, and a serious fight took place at Little Genesee Thursday night, between those in favor of a strike and those opposed. Yesterday also the crowd was quite loud and demonstrative, and serious trouble is feared. Along the line of the B., E. & C. R.R. between Ceres and Little Genesee, yesterday, a riotous manifestation was made by the Irish and Italian laborers in consequence of the construction contractor of the Tonawanda Valley & Cuba R.R. failing, it is alleged, to meet his obligations. The laborers complained that they were not only behind on their wages, but were receiving beggarly remuneration for the work they performed. In view of the high prices that they were obliged to pay for board they deemed $1.50 a day hardly adequate for their labor. Night before last a fight took place between those who agreed to work for $1.50 a day and those who demanded higher wages. A general strike is imminent and more trouble is brewing. Oil Echo, Richburg, Mon., April 17, 1882 A Richburg youth took the trouble to count the ties between the B., E. & C. R.R. depot in Richburg and the B., E. & C. R.R. depot in Bolivar yesterday afternoon and arrived at the lofty figure of 7,286. The boy has the patience of an astronomer, and will one day make his mark on the world. On Friday evening an employee of the B., E. 7 C. R.R. while crossing a lumber car belonging to a freight train that was at a stand-still, fell between the two cars. He was stunned and bruised by the fall. Dr. J. L. Cutler, who was near the scene of the occurrence, promptly rendered the necessary medical assistance. CUBA EVENING REVIEW: April 18, 1882 Contractor Mitchell, of the B.E. & C., recently received a severe wetting by falling into the creek off a log while looking over the line south of this place. Graders on the B. E. C. have now reached a point nearly four miles south of this village. They are now at work on the Bartles farm. Thee are two or three places north of that point where the work has not been finished, but soon will be, as large gangs are constantly plying the grading tools. One who has not traveled over the road leading south toward Clarksville, would be surprised at the change the railroad has wrought in the appearance of the country. About two miles south of the village the road is constructed on quite a steep grade. One would think while looking at the that the little narrow gauge cars could begin at the summit, between this place and Clarksville, and slide into either town. But it is stated that the grade is not near as heavy as it appears from the highway. The farm houses along the line are a scene of life and bustle. They are all crowded to their utmost to accommodate the workmen, and the farmers are thus realizing a great benefit from the road before it is even finished. The highest prices are paid for board and lodging. the work at the cut east of the Erie depot is progressing rapidly. the road is now being dug out of solid rock and powder has been brought into use for blasting the stone. The work at that point will soon be completed. WELLSVILLE REPORTER: April 26, 1882 Railroad Work. ____ Work on the B., E. & C. extension from Cuba to connect with the line now in operation at Little Genesee, is being pushed rapidly from either terminus. Southward from Cuba considerable progress has been made and northward from Little Genesee the line is pushing out to meet them. On the latter section Messrs. Grannis & Wafer, a Syracuse firm, have a contract for nine miles of road, and may build more if they can get beyond that point before the opposite crew meets them. They have now about 200 laborers at work, partly Italians. Mr. Grannis, of this firm, makes his headquarters at the Fassett House in this village, and is a contractor of many yeas' experience, both on railroad and other work. Cuba Evening Review, Thurs., April 27, 1882 The graders on the cut at the northern end of the B., E. & C . railroad have reached the road bed nearly the entire length of the cut, there being only about two rods left. The work at that point has been executed with great rapidity. It has been dug out of solid rock the greater part of the distance. Surveyors are now at work laying out the work, so that a connection may be made with the T.V. & C. end of the line. But little grading will be necessary west of the deep cut. CUBA EVENING REVIEW: April 28, 1882 The Bradford, Eldred & Cuba railroad came over from Friendship three times to help trains up the summit. The engine should be kept at Cuba, as the steepest grade is this side of the summit. The line is now graded from this place to the summit between Cuba and Clarksville, with the exception of one or two small places. Grading gangs are now plying the tools south of the summit and will soon be into Clarksville. There are 700 men employed on the Cuba branch of the K. & E. railway. -( Richburg Oil Echo). Either the Echo is decidedly off its base or else there more railroads pointing at us. Cuba will be entirely eaten up by railroads yet. But we opine that the Echo man indulged in an overdose of "bug juice" just before writing the above article. The road bed will be reached through the remainder of the cut east of the Erie depot on the B., E. & C. in three or four days. The construction train will then be put in operation on that end of the line and will be used first in digging away a slope at the cut on this end of the road, the wall of dirt by the side of the track now being almost perpendicular. The bridge or trestle over the creek on Daniel Helms' farm is now being constructed, and will be finished soon. Graders are now at work on the southern side of the summit between this place and Clarksville, and soon the wondering eyes of the natives of the latter town will behold the smooth road bed, as it curves gracefully down through the valley, hitherto a strange to ought but cow paths and lazy ox and farm horse teams. The right of way has not yet been secured on Geo. V. DeKay's farm, situated about two miles south of Cuba. A settlement has been effected with the owners of this place and the grading implements were set at work yesterday afternoon. The work is being pushed as fast as expected. Cuba Evening Review, Sat., April 29, 1882 Our statement in yesterday's Review to the effect that the B., E. & C. has secured the right of way across the Bartles farm south of this village, is contradicted by the persons owning the farm. Cuba Evening Review, Mon., May 1, 1882 The graders on the B., E. & C. railroad are fast nearing Clarksville. The large gang of graders that was employed at the cut east of the Erie depot, struck this morning for higher wages. They have been receiving $1.50 per day and they are obliged to pay $4.50 for board. They thought that the profit was too small to pay them for the hard labor they performed. They were at work under Contractor Monroe. Our town is now filled with idle railroad men. Cuba Evening Review, Tuesday, May 2, 1882 Yesterday morning while the gang of striking railroad men were about town they maintained perfect order, and conducted themselves in a gentlemanly manner. The men who are employed in the country and who board at farm houses, complain that they cannot accustom themselves to the salt pork which invariably appears on the tables. No man can rightly be blamed for objecting to such a diet. The B., E. & C. railroad company made a settlement with the owners of the Bartles farm, situated about four miles south of this village, concerning the right of way last Saturday. Graders in large numbers are now employed at that point. The gang of men at work at the cut at this place, who struck yesterday for higher wages, resumed work in the afternoon at the old rates, doubtless of the opinion that small pay was preferable to no pay at all. May 2, 1882 Graders working for Contractor Monroe on the B. E. & C. at Cuba, struck yesterday morning for higher wages. They have been receiving $1.50 per day and paying $4.50 per week for board. The men spent yesterday in idleness. J.S. Antonelli, who made this village his headquarters last summer while at work on the B., E. & C. road, has a contract for grading on the Tonawanda Valley & Cuba road near Rushford. Two hundred and seventy five men are at work on that section. Cuba Evening Review, Friday, May 5, 1882 There is now about one mile of grading done on the B., E. & C. railroad south of the Summit between this place and Clarksville. A gang of about 20 men are at work in the village of Clarksville. They are getting along splendidly with the work. The people of Clarksville expect to see the construction train in about 30 days. The company has not yet secured the right of way across Geo. V. DeCay's farm south of this village. Cuba was full of railroad employees last evening, many of whom were pretty full of drink. With the exception of a little row on South street, however, no disorderly conduct was indulged in. The many unhappy fellows who have been sent to Angelica for drunkenness and disorderly conduct has been a warning to the class of workmen who drink, and they are exceedingly cautious how they indulge themselves. When they feel that they must drink they purchase the material and go outside of the corporation where they will not be disturbed. May 6, 1882 A new timetable will go into effect on the B., E. & C. R.R. on or about the 18th inst. Between Eldred and Bolivar the running time will be cut down from one hour and seven minutes to 55 minutes. Faster time will also be made over the K. & E. R.R. which will connect with the other road as usual. The B., E. & C. is being rushed through to Cuba and will probably be completed by Aug. 1. May 8, 1882 The rolling stock of the B., E. & C. is to be added to by the purchase of two more locomotives, one for passenger and one for freight uses. They have already been ordered. This indicates a need of more trains over the busy little line. A Sunday train over the B., E. & C. from this station is promised to commence a week from next Sunday. Olean Sunday Herald, May 14. 1882 Up to the present time 116 cars of iron have been received at the Erie depot for the Bradford, Eldred & Cuba and Tonawanda Valley & Cuba railroads. The little "donkey" engine which has been used to draw half-hour trains between Richburg and Bolivar on the Bradford, Eldred & Cuba R.R. arrived at the Erie depot Friday, to be used as a construction engine on the T.V. & C. road. Cuba Evening Review, Thurs., May 11, 1882 Narrow Gauge Railroad. Ties are being distributed along the line of the B., E. & C. railroad preparatory to the laying of rails. During the heavy rain last night a large quantity of sand and gravel was washed on to the planks which had been laid in the bed of the creek where the railroad bridges are to be constructed. The planks were placed in the stream to prevent the water from washing out the railroad works. It will be removed by a large gang of shovelers. The grading of the narrow gauge through this place is now completed. The Oil Echo, Bolivar, N .Y., Monday, May 15, 1882
Cuba Patriot, Monday, May 15, 1882 Another Strike! ____ The workmen in the cut of the Bradford, Eldred & Cuba Railroad, in this village, some forty in number, struck for $1.75 per day Monday A.M. They were receiving $1.50. They based their action on the ground that the price of board had been increased. Mr. Mitchell the conductor, refused to accede to their demand, and the whole gang "hoisted up their turkeys" and "welted" the road towards Rushford, saying they would get a job with Joe Antonelli, where board is cheaper. There was no disturbance, no drunkenness. The men simply packed their carpet bags and started. Their places were immediately replaced. Wed., May 17, 1882 R. G. Taylor, President of the B., E. & C., accompanied by several prominent railroad men and officers of the Erie, made a trip over the narrow gauge yesterday. They left this station at 8:40 on a special train drawn by the new locomotive "Ceres" No. 6, Wm. T, Handy, the pioneer engineer of the road, the manipulator of "Old Ironsides" No. 1Ê of the B. B. & K., but now transformed into a B. E. & C. locomotive, handled the throttle and successfully piloted them over the winding, tortuous track on their tour of inspection. Cuba Evening Review, May 18, 1882 Bradford, Eldred & Cuba Railroad The work of laying rails on the B., E. & C. railroad is being pushed with remarkable speed. Last night they had reached S.P. Ault’s farm, making a distance of about three quarters of a mile. The grading is, with few exceptions, completed between this place and Clarksville. Men are now plying the grading tools in the vicinity of Obi. It is thought that the rails will be laid through to Little Genesee within a month. Cuba Evening Review, May 20, 1882 A new railroad between Eldred and White House is to be put in by the Kendall & Eldred railroad company. They intend to run through trains between Bradford and Richburg at an early date. May 20, 1882 A Later Train ____ The new timetable on the B., E. & C. is not very satisfactory to Wellsville, nor just to its business interests. By the present arrangement, the first train, either freight or passenger, that reaches this station in the day is as late as 11:15, and the last one to leave is as early as 2:30. Here is only three hours and fifteen minutes, at the very longest, which any one depending on that road could spend in this village, on either business or pleasure, and return the same day. This is too short a limit. There should be a train leaving here later in the day, not merely for the benefit of our businessmen, but as well for the comfort, convenience and profit of the patrons of the line who desire to make this well-appointed business center their trading point. We trust the management will be able to accede to this proper demand. Cuba Evening Review, Monday, May 22, 1882 The natives south of this village are astonished at the rapid progress being made by the iron gang on the B., E. & C. railroad. Saturday night the rails were laid nearly through E.G. Wasson’s sugar bush. Cuba Evening Review, Thurs., May 25, 1882 Last Sunday morning, before the usual services in the M.E. church at Ceres, a declaration was unanimously made by a rising expression, from the pastor and congregation, expressing disapprobation of the Sabbath desecration in that town by the running of railroad trains and the construction of roads and the continual repairing of the same on that hallowed day, and praying that the time may soon come when such practice shall cease. A like expression was made at King’s Run in the afternoon of the same day. Evidently the citizens of those towns have not yet become hardened to the wicked ways of the world. Cuba Evening Review, Sat., May 27, 1882 Railroad Accident. While Horace Hitchcock of Kossuth, was walking on the B., E. & C. railroad track, between Bolivar and the former town, Thursday evening, he was struck by a gondola that was running wild down the grade. He saw the car approaching and attempted to leave the track, but the car struck him on the forehead and he was hurled into a pool of oil. A gentleman who saw the accident took the injured man to his home. Medical aid was summoned and it was ascertained that his injuries were not serious. Oil Echo, Monday, May 29, 1882 The B., E. & C. R.R. people are talking of having the dinkey train run up to Factory street, having a platform constructed there for the accommodation of passengers. It has been glaringly apparent for the past two months that the B., E. & C.R.R. depot is not located in a locality convenient to the general public. Cuba Evening Review, Friday, June 2, 1882 A gang of carpenters are busy framing trestle timbers for the B., E. & C. railroad at Little Genesee, where they have a long trestle to build. The depot of the road at that place is the finest on the ling, being a structure 34x100 feet, two stories high. The town itself promises to develop into a prosperous place. The Allegany Central and B.,E. & C. railroads already run through the village, and a short time will see the T.V. & C. in operation from its junction at Cuba with the B.E. & C. Cuba Evening Review, Sat., June 3, 1882 The heavy rains of Wednesday night washed out the B., E. & C. railroad track down at Ceres, compelling them to transfer passengers. One and one-half miles of track have been laid north of Genesee on the B., E. & C. railroad. A large number of teams are employed hauling trestle and other timbers to the front. Olean Sunday Herald, June 4, 1882 The Bradford, Eldred and Cuba station at Little Genesee is the finest on the line, being a two story structure 24 feet wide by about 100 feet in length. The waiting room in the center is conveniently fitted up, with the ticket office between it and the freight room, which is at the east end. The other end is being fitted up as a lunch and dining hall, for the convenience of the traveling public. This will be a necessary institution when trains are on the Tonawanda Valley & Cuba Road. Oil Echo, Richburg, June 7, 1882 The B., E. & C. R.R. has a novel arrangement for crossing the Allegany Central Railroad track here, consisting of a gate laid across a foot above the A. C. track on the level with the siding which is crossed in the usual manner. The gate is laid down when a train passes over and then raise, leaving the A. C. track clear for trains on that road. When the line is completed to Cuba, the Allegany Central main track and siding will likely be brought to a level and the regulation crossing put in. June 9. 1882 Two new coaches for the B., E. & C. have arrived at this station direct from the shops. One is a "combination" car, having a compartment for baggage and express in one end. The other has seats arranged along the side with a bench also in the center of the car. Both are finished in fine style. Oil Echo, Richburg, Friday, June 9, 1882
Workmen yesterday were repairing the the road bed of the B., E. & C. R.R. track between this depot and Factory Street preparatory to running trains over it. A depot will be erected on Factory street and all trains will arrive at and depart from it at the hours now specified in the timetable. The depot now in use will not be abandoned; trains will stop there going to and returning from Bolivar. It is expected the new arrangement will be perfected inside of a week. Oil Echo, Richburg, Sat., June 10, 1882 Today trains on the B., E. & C. Railroad will run up to Factory street, taking passengers there as well as at the depot on Broad Street. Oil Echo, Richburg, June 12, 1882. On July 4th, cars will run between Cuba and Bolivar on the B., E. & C. R.R. Cuba Evening Review, Tues., June 13, 1882 Big Row in Eldred. A good sized row occurred at Eldred Sunday between a large number of railroad employees of the new roads who were spending Sunday night in that place. A gang of Italian graders on the Rew City & Eldred railroad constituted a beligerent party, while a number of employees of the narrow gauges constituted the opposing force. About four o'clock in the afternoon the two gangs men on the corner of Main and Depot streets and hostilities immediately commenced. All sorts of weapons were used, the brick-bat taking a conspicuous part of the battle. The Italians were at last defeated, several of their number being badly injured. The police arrested one of the party, Jack O'Brien, by name, who was fined $10. It is thought the whole gang will be similarly dealt with. Oil Echo, Richburg, Sat., June 14, 1882 Conductor Edward Lacy's train on Wednesday made some magnificent time between here and Eldred, Mr. Courtwright, engineer. They waited here for No. 3 on the Erie, which was 55 minutes late, and got to Eldred fifteen minutes late, schedule time, having made up forty minutes on a thirty-three-mile run with their schedule speed at fifteen miles an hour. Considering the grades this is good. Oil Echo, Richburg, June 17, 1882 The B.,E. & C. R.R. has taken off one freight train drawn by Engine No. 4 between Eldred and Wellsville and transferred the engine to construction work on the Cubs extension on which work is being pushed rapidly ahead. June 17, 1882 Engine No. 4 of the narrow gauge was shipped to Cuba yesterday to run the construction train on that branch of the B.E. & C. R.R. Cuba Evening Review, Monday, June 19, 1882 B., E. & C. Railroad Excursion. Through the kindness of Engineer James France and Fireman Lanny Warren, of engine No. 4, a very enjoyable pleasure ride was given some of our citizens yesterday to Grove Summit via the B., E. & C. railroad. The scenery is reported as very charming in that locality. Cuba Evening Review, Wed., June 21, 1882 The delightful country between this village and Clarksville is daily being visited by delegations from this village. They go over on the B., E. & C. railroad construction train. Mr. James France, the popular engineer, is very accommodating. The fastest time which has yet been made on the B., E. & C. railroad, was made yesterday by an Erie employee on foot. He made the distance to the Summit, a distance of five miles, in just 45 minutes, six and one-half seconds. Cuba Evening Review, Friday, June 23, 1882 John Robertson informs us that business is rushing at his foundry and machine shop. They are casting a number of car wheels for the B., E. & C. railroad and doing a large amount of miscellaneous work. Cuba Evening Review, Mon., June 26, 1882 B., E. & C. Railroad The Summit of the B., E. & C. railroad, between this place and Clarksville, which is called by the officials of the road, "Cuba Summit," is 520 feet above the Erie depot at this place. The road is 20 miles in length. Fourteen miles of the road has a grade of 160 feet to the mile. Six miles of the road are now laid on the Cuba end. The work is being pushed as fast as possible, one thousand feet of track being laid daily. Cuba Evening Review, Tues., June 27, 1882 The narrow gauge railroads in the Allegany oil field are suffering from the decline of business, and one freight train has been taken off from the B., E. & C. railroad, while the Allegany Central suffers even more than the other road. A large body of workmen on the B., E. & C. got left this morning by the construction train, which carries them to work. They claim they would have been ready could they have had their breakfast in time. A little rest may possibly do them good. Cuba Evening Review, Wed., June 28, 1882 The long trestle on the B., E. & C. railroad, just this side of Clarksville Corners, will be 41 feet high, consisting of 38 bents. Work on the structure was commenced this morning. It will thus be seen that the construction train will not reach the above place as soon as many expected. Oil Echo, Richburg, June 30, 1882 What the Railroads Are Doing. The Bradford, Eldred & Cuba road will run special trains between Richburg, Eldred and Wellsville on the Fourth. Fare will be at reduced rates, as follows: RICHBURG AND RETURN From Eldred...... $1.10 From Henry's...........$.40 " Bullis Mills ....80 " Vosburg...................50 " Carroll............60 " Allentown.................50 " Junction.........50 " N. Summit.................60 " Ceres......... ..45 " Petrolia ...................70 " Bowler...........40 " B. Brook..................90 " L. Genesee......25 " Crowners..............1.00 " Halbert..........30 " Wellsville...............1.10 The Allegany Central folks will no doubt run special at excursion rates from points north on their railroad. Give the Friendship and Angelica people an opportunity to witness a celebration in true oil region style. July 14, 1882 The changed condition of affairs in the Allegany Old Field has of course affected to quite an extent the traffic on the narrow gauges leading thereto. The B.E. & C. have retired two train gangs, employed on freight runs, and have reduced the office force at both Richburg and Allentown. The falling off in in-going freight, was, however, partially replaced by the transfer of goods and tools bound to the Warren region, much of which is brought to this station for reshipment. The stampede in that direction has quieted down and very little more of emigration or transfer of drilling apparatus can be expected. The little road could not expect to enjoy forever the marvelous patronage and heavy dividends which have made it one of the best paying railroad properties ever built, and although a decrease has come it is still left with profits which would make the managers and shareholders of any standard gauge road smile with surprise. Cuba Evening Review, Monday, July 17, 1882 B., E. & C. ____ Progress of the B., E. & C. Railroad - Clarksville now Connected with the Railroad Centre of Allegany County - A Pleasant Trip Over the Road Yesterday. Two excursion trips were made yesterday over the B., E. & C. railroad from Cuba to Clarksville, by the construction train, drawn by engine No. 4, James France, engineer, and Lanna Warren, in the absence of the regular man, officiating as fireman. The day was bright and beautiful and the cars were well laden with sightseers. The trip to Clarksville cannot fail to afford pleasure to all participants. There is something decidedly romantic in the high hills and deep valleys., The road passes up a steep grade until the Summit is reached, and then immediately begins the descent into the town hitherto a stranger to the smoking locomotive. The high, dizzy trestles, the steep precipices and sharp curves over which the road passes, makes the trip one of constant excitement, while the gentle lambs with their little tails flopping up and down in the air, the frightened cow, the festive horse, woodchucks, squirrels, and even human beings all striving to gain the greatest distance from the horrible iron monster rushing through the country, gives the scene a laughable aspect. The road for the greater part of the way is smooth, having been well ballasted and put in the best condition. Numerous halts were obliged to be made for the purpose of letting down bars, which, in the absence of the railroad fence, which has not yet been completed, are kept to keep cattle from wandering away from their pastures. The track on the road has been laid to a point near the Clarksville bridge, over Dodges Creek, at a place where the public road is crossed, and within a quarter mile of the town. The natives of the place are at present laboring under great excitement, caused by the appearance of the road, and it is stated that during church services, as the reverend minister was delivering his long prayer and when he had got to a central point, the shriek of the locomotive whistle rang through the building, and realizing the great blessing which had fallen to the happy lot of the community, he shouted "Amen!" and hastily seizing his stovepipe hat rushed from the building, and followed by his entire congregation, choir included, hastened to meet the train. This is but a single illustration of the feeling felt in Clarksville over the advent of the railroad. The road will soon be entirely completed and will then be a source of profit as well as pleasure to the inhabitants along the line. Meanwhile, we will shake hands with our Clarksville friends, wishing them prosperity and happiness in their new advantages. Cuba Evening Review, Tues., July 18, 1882 A Good Old Time in Prospect When a certain point is reached, directly west of Clarksville on the B., E. & C. railroad, permission will be asked of the superintendent to run an excursion train, composed of five cars with comfortable plank seats, from the place to the above named place. There is a beautiful grove at the place, and a platform will be erected, music furnished, and Cubans and Clarkvillians will dance together on the new railroad and the intercourse which as been established between the two towns. It is almost needless for us to add that the popular engineer of engine No. 4, "Jimmie" France, is at the head of the anticipated sport. Cuba Evening Review, Wed., July 19, 1882 Tracklaying on the B., E. & C. road was stopped this morning on account of a lack of spikes. A new supply was expected today. Eight miles of track remain to be laid. Cuba Evening Review, Friday, July 21, 1882 Three B., E. & C. boxcars arrived on Erie train 19, last evening, for use on the T.V. & C. road. Cuba Evening Review, Friday, July 21, 1882 Narrow Gauge Excursion. Excursions are becoming quite numerous on the two narrow gauge roads diverging from Cuba. They are always heartily welcomed by our citizens, who take the opportunity to spend a few hours in a pleasure trip into the newly opened rich farming country north and south of Cuba. Two of these trips were made yesterday, one towards Rushford and the other to Clarksville. The Clarksville excursion on the B., E. & C. road composed of about 150 citizens who made themselves comfortable on two flatcars with plank seats, was pushed by engine No. 4, James France at the throttle. A third car car loaded with lumber at the rear of the engine, was also occupied by quite a number. The train started at about two o'clock. Upon arriving at the summit the front truck of the forward car was thrown from the track art the curve. The train was immediately stopped and after about an hour's work was again safe upon the rails. Arriving at Clarksville the party took a stroll and viewed the sights. We understand that something in the way of refreshments was also on the program. After remaining in Clarksville about a half hour the pleasure seekers returned to the "coaches" and went whirling back to Cuba much pleased with the trip. The party that accompanied engine No. 4, "Tom" Hale, engineer, drawing the two coaches and baggage car towards Rushford was not so large, but had an agreeable time. The train only went about half the distance to our neighboring village, on account of a cattle-guard being constructed. The object of this trip was mostly to allow the engineer to test his engine and learn the ways of the road. Cuba Evening Review, Sat., July 22, 1882 The Clarksville picnic excursion left Cuba on the B., E. & C. road at 10:45 this morning. The Cuba Band was in attendance in full uniform. About 150 people went on this trip, occupying three flat cars. Another trip was made at 2 o'clock this afternoon. Cuba Evening Review, Monday, July 24, 1882 The narrow gauge roads are laying a platform for landing passengers, south of the Erie depot. Cuba Evening Review, Aug. 3, 1882 Track laying on the B., E. & C. road is progressing finely. There are about three and one-half miles to lay yet before the connection can be made between the Cuba and Little Genesee ends of the road. The two gangs will probably meet within a week. Cuba Evening Review, Aug. 4, 1882 Three flat cars for the B., E. & C. road arrived last evening. Cuba Evening Review, Tues., Aug. 8, 1882 A ride over the T.V. & C. or the B., E. & C. roads make a very pleasant trip. The scenery along both lines is fine as the roads pass through the best farming country in this section. Cuba Evening Review, Wed., Aug. 9, 1882 The B., E. & C. road will furnish a platform at Johnson's Grove for the convenience for those who attend the camp meeting. Cuba Evening Review, Friday, Aug. 11, 1882 Narrow Escape on the B., E. & C. Some human brute attempted to wreck a small excursion train composed of flat cars and engine No. 4, on the B., E. & C. road Monday. The car was occupied by a number of ladies who were being favored with a pleasure ride to Clarksville. On the return trip the train encountered a tie laid across the track next to the trestle on the flats south of Cuba. The flat car occupied by the ladies was ahead and struck the tie, fortunately knocking it off the track. A run off at the place where the tie was laid on the track would have undoubtedly resulted in a serious accident, and it is fortunate that such did not occur. The rascal who is so reckless in what he does should be hunted down and made to suffer. Such occurrences are becoming to be altogether too frequent for public safety. Cuba Evening Review, Aug. 12, 1882
Engine No. 1, of the Tonawanda Valley & Cuba, and engine No. 4 of the B., E. and C. were off the track yesterday. Open switch. Cuba Evening Review, Wed., Aug. 16, 1882 B., E. & C. Railroad Notes Track laying will be finished tomorrow afternoon and the connection made between the Cuba and Genesee ends at about five miles south of Obi. A "Y" will be constructed at Cuba as soon as the track laying is finished. Dances are in order at Tiptop summit on the road, between Obi and Little Genesee, every Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Engine No. 2 has been used in the construction of the Little Genesee end of the road. When just south of Obi, on the return this morning, the rear truck of the tender of engine No. 4 jumped the track, but did no damage. The train was delayed about twenty minutes. Rollin Gordon narrow escaped a serious accident this morning. He was riding the pilot of engine No. 4, James France, engineer, when he jumped off to let down a fence. In some way he slipped and fell directly across the track. Meanwhile the engine had been started and came within about two feet of him before it could be stopped. A narrower escape one would not wish to have. Aug. 17, 1882 Track laying on the B., E. & C. from Cuba to Little Genesee is to be finished today, the junction being made about five miles south of Obi, in the town of Clarksville. The general offices of the B., E. & C. R.R. Co. have been moved from Eldred to Little Genesee temporarily. That is the point most central to their main line and the branch to Cuba. Cuba Evening Review, Friday, Aug. 18, 1882 Track laying on the B., E. & C. road is now finished between Little Genesee and Cuba. The connection was made yesterday and engine 4 went to the former place at noon, returning to Cuba road last evening. All that remains to be done to place the road in running order is ballasting an a few finishing touches to the track. A baggage car and one coach will be run next week for the accommodation of the camp meeting. Cuba Evening Review, Monday, Aug. 21, 1882 Accident on the B., E. & C. Engine 4, James France, engineer, started from Cuba on the B., E. & C. road for Little Genesee, pulling an excursion car and two loaded flats, at 12:30 Saturday afternoon. The engine was running backwards and pulling the cars. When the train reached point opposite the Bartle farm, southeast from Cuba, from some unaccountable reason the tender left the track, followed by the engine. They ploughed over the track to the top of the embankment, which is high and steep at this point, where they were stopped. As soon as a man could be sent to Cuba, aid was telegraphed for from Little Genesee. With undaunted pluck the engineer and workmen on the train proceeded to do what they could to replace the engine and tender upon the track. After using jack screws a short time the engine was raised and run down on the rails. The men then attached a chain to the tender and after coupling to the engine it was also hauled onto the track again. The engine and tender were both on the rails again at 6:30, no aid from Little Genesee having at that arrived. No damage was done except to the track and breaking the coupling between engine and tender. At about seven o'clock engine 1, of the T.V. & C. went over to the scene of the accident and accompanied the train back to Cuba, as the track was in such bad condition that it could not proceed to Little to Genesee. Cuba Evening Review, Tuesday, Aug. 22, 1882 The platform for the convenience of those who take the cars to the camp meeting ground is being constructed opposite the grove on the B., E. & C. road. It will be a very substantial structure. Cuba Evening Review, Thurs., Aug. 24, 1882 The coach and baggage car for the train to be run from the depot to the camp grounds on the B., E. & C., arrived last night. The train will run to the grounds and through to Clarksville at 6:30 in the morning and throughout the day back and forth as needed. The train will leave the Erie depot at 4:30 in the afternoon and go through to Clarksville after the laborers on the road. O.W. Warren will act in the capacity of conductor during the camp meeting. The fare will be 10 cents each way Cuba Evening Review, Tues., Sept. 19, 1882 The B., E. & C. road will sell round trip tickets from the stations on the road to the Cuba fair, which will include admission to the fair grounds. A round trip ticket of this kind from Clarksville and return costs only 50 cents. this is owing to an error in making out the rates, as that price is just the admission to the grounds here. We are informed that the road will stick to the rate, however, as advertised.
Cuba Evening Review, Sept. 29, 1882 A number of new oil wells are projected at Salt Rising, the first station of Little Genesee on the B., E. & C. Road. Cuba Patriot, Friday, Oct. 13, 1882 ACCIDENT ON THE B.E. & CUBA ______ A Gondola and a Hand Car Collide - One Man Badly Injured. _____ Saturday evening last, before Superintendent Ross, who is in charge of the fence and bridge gang on the B., E. & C., near Salt Rising got ready to quit his labors for the week and repair with his men to Little Genesee where they boarded, he sent word down the road to clear the track and he would stop and take them in his gondola, as they also boarded at Little Genesee. The men it appears paid little attention to the orders of the Superintendent, and foolish enough after delaying beyond the time specified in the Superintendent's order, got aboard their hand car and attempted to run into Little Genesee ahead of the gondola. They had not fairly got under full headway and while passing around a sharp curve in the road when the gondola swooped down upon the hand car tossing it over in the ditch upon the body of a son of the Emerald isle who still clung to it, and it is thought fatally injured him. The hand car was occupied by six persons, five of whom jumped from the car before the final crash and were preserved entire. Cuba Evening Review, Oct. 19, 1882 Paymaster L. F. Chew gladdened the hearts of the B., E. & C . employees yesterday. he makes a trip over the T.V. & C. road today. Cuba Evening Review, Oct. 20, 1882 The train dispatcher of the B., E. & C. road will soon locate in Cuba. Oct. 25, 1882 A Railroad Superintendent Pinned Up. ____ The ordinary routine of railroad life at Bolivar was disturbed a little by an occurrence at Bolivar last evening. Superintendent C. D. Williams was summoned by the telegraph to that station last night. He found a large number of employees of the B., E. & C. company assembled there, and whether it was a strike or other trouble in prospect he had not the slightest intimation, The mystery was finally explained by Clarence A. Farnum of this village, the attorney of the road, stepping foreward and presenting the astonished official, with few but appropriate words, a handsome solitaire diamond pin. Mr. Williams managed to dig a suitable response out from under his surprise. The gift is valued at $150, and nearly all the boys on the road participated in contributing for it, in testimony to the respect and esteem in which this popular official is held. CUBA EVENING REVIEW- Nov. 13, 1882 OVER A TRESTLE A fatal wreck on the B. E. & C. Road North of Clarksville Engineer France killed and others injured. Wonderful escape of the passengers. Notes on the disaster. Train No. 70, going north, on the Bradford, Eldred and Cuba Narrow gauge, composed of a combination passenger and baggage car, and engine No. 4, James France engineer, and Chas. Cressy Fireman, left Clarksville 25 minutes late Saturday afternoon. The train is due at Cuba at 4:05 and is allowed 50 minutes to run from Clarksville. The engineer was endeavoring to make up lost time and the too great speed combined with a defect in the track, threw the passenger car from the track at the curve just before reaching the trestle on the Congdon farm about two miles from Clarksville. The train ran out upon the trestle some distance before the car went over, pulling the tender and engine after it. The trestle at this point is about fifteen feet high, and is straight the entire length. When the engine went over there were four riding in the cab, A.W. Smith, of Cuba, O.J. Warren, brakeman, and the engineer and fireman. Mr. Smith saw the car go over and yelled to the others in the cab to jump for their lives. Just as the engine toppled over all except the engineer, jumped and for the trestle and Mr. Smith saved himself in that way. Creesy and Warren fell through and were badly injured. Engineer France went down at his post and was instantly killed. The passenger car struck on its side and the passengers made their escape through the windows. What is very wonderful is the escape of the passengers. None were seriously hurt, but some were quite badly bruised. The injured were taken to the house of N.P. Learn, near the scene of the disaster, and A.W. Smith immediately set out for Cuba with a borrowed rig and made all possible speed, changing his horse for a fresh animal on the way. Upon arriving at Cuba he secured the services of physicians, who immediately set out for the scene of the wreck. The remains of James France were taken to Bolivar, his home, Sat. night. The list of the injured is as follows: Chas. Cressy, Fireman back injured and other serious injuries; O.J. Warren, seriously injured; F. Townsend, ankle and foot crushed; R. Rosa hurt in back and side; Mrs. T.F. Rude, cut on head. Some others were more or less bruised. The following is a list of those who were on the unlucky train, besides the engineer, fireman, brakeman and conductor Mulchy; A.W. Smith, Cuba; Frank Townsend; Michael Collins, Allegany; R. Rosa, Obi; George Hoyle, Cuba; Allen Peckham, Clarksville; Mrs. T.F. Rude and two children, Cuba; C.A. DeKay, Cuba; John Strait, Lyndon. This is the first serious accident on the road. It is conceded that it was caused by too fast running and it is to be hoped that this wreck will prove a warning against its repetition. Considering the speed of the train and the distance of the fall it is considered one of the most fortunate endings of a disaster that have been reported. It is a wonder the death list was not increased tenfold. (Congdon trestle 40 ft. above the ground at highest point). Wellsville Daily Reporter, Monday, Nov. 13, 1882 TUMBLE FROM A TRESTLE ____ First Serious Accident on the Narrow Gauge ____ Saturday afternoon the train due at Cuba at 4 o'clock on the B., E. & C. R.R. was thrown from a trestle about five miles south of that place. The trestle is built on a curve and is forty feet high. The train consisted of a combination car and locomotive and was running at a high rate of speed for the lay of the road at that point. When the entire train was on the trestle the coach swung off into the gorge below, pulling the rest of the train after it. One of the coaches and engine are a total wreck, while the others came out moderately well, considering their fall. The engine was in charge of James France, with fireman Charles Cressy. Mr. A.W. Smith of Cuba was also riding on the engine. The latter as he saw that the engine must go over jumped from the cab and caught upon the projecting timber of the trestle, escaping serious injury. The fireman also jumped but did not have as good luck and fell on top of the cab. he as insensible when found and is badly hurt. The engineer, sitting on his seat behind the reverse lever, had no chance to make even an effort to save himself and went over with the locomotive. He was found under the boiler with hand and shoulders nearly burned off. He had been killed by the fall and mercifully spared the agony of burning to death. There were a large number of passengers on the train, but strange to say none of them were killed or dangerously hurt. This is the first serious accident on the B.E. & C., in spite of the short curves and numerous trestles , which are abundant on the Cuba branch. Great regret is expressed among the railroad employees here over the fate of the engineer. He has run on this portion of the road until a few months ago, and made his home in this village for a portion of the time. The fireman also left this end of the road at the same time. Mulcahey was the conductor of the train, he having been transferred from here about two weeks ago. A special train was run from this station to the scene of the accident yesterday, with a force of men to help pick up the shattered train. Cuba Evening Review, Wed., Nov. 15, 1882 The late James France, the engineer who was killed in the B., E. & C. wreck, Saturday, had an insurance of $4,000 on his life. Cuba Evening Review, Friday, Nov . 17, 1882 The latest report from O.J. Warren, injured in the B., E. & C. wreck is to the effect that if no new complication sets in he may be expected to get well. The other man, Chas. Cressy, is reported as improving. Trains commenced running on the Cuba division of the B., E. & C. road today. The wrecked engine No. 4 of the B., E. 7 C. road will be taken to Dunkirk for repairs. Cuba Evening Review, Tuesday, Nov. 21, 1882 A Runaway Car. A carload of fence posts was being distributed along the line of the B., E. & C. road near the summit yesterday. While the workmen were engaged in this work the car in some manner got started towards Cuba. The brakes wouldn't work and the men were obliged to get out of the way and let it go. The car ran down to a short curve near Mr. Coon's place and there jumped the track and shot out into the valley over fifty feet. When it struck the platform left the trucks and the two parts were considerably damaged. Luckily no one was on the car at the time. Cuba Patriot, Nov. 24, 1882
Sketch of the B., E. & C. Wreck We were shown yesterday a sketch, or sketches, of the recent wreck on the B., E. & C. road near this village. It was made by Mr. A.F. Poole, the artist who had been recently canvassing our town for a view of Cuba. It shows the car and engine leaving the track, also after they made the plunge into the gully below. The dead engineer is shown as he lay pinned in the earth by the rim of the boiler across his neck, his head underneath and the rest of his body free from incumbrance. Also Mr. A.W. Smith is pictured as he jumped from the tender. The high trestle and the deep gorge are all accurately pictured, and the eye can at once take to the wonderful escape of all board the ill-fated train. Allegany County Democrat, Angelica, Jan. 3, 1883 Hornellsville Weekly Tribune, Jan. 12, 1883 The B., E. & C. railroad reports that for the year ending with September, its receipts were $153,000 and expenses $138,000. B.C. Williams, superintendent of the Bradford, Bordell & Kinzua and C.D. Williams, superintendent of the B., E. & C., have resigned, and the superintendency has been assumed b y R.G. Taylor, formerly general manager. The wages of several classes of employees will be reduced. Cuba Patriot, Jan. 12, 1883 The Bradford, Bordcell & Kinzua, the Bordell and Smethport and the Rew City and Eldred railroad companies held their elections in Bradford Monday. Of all of the corporations, R.G. Taylor was chosen Vice President and General Manager. J.E. Ransom, Auditor, and B.W. Spencer, Treasurer, and nearly similar boards of directors were chosen by all. With this action it was also decided to consolidate the management of the above named roads and the Tonawanda Valley and Cuba, and the Bradford, Eldred and Cuba at Bradford. Of all these, Mr. Taylor will be the managing head. The official headquarters of the two latter roads had been at Cuba for the past few months, and their removal, and that of the officials connected with them will be regretted. It is brought about by the resignation of Messna,, B.C. and C.D. Williams from their respective superintendency of the B.B. & K. and B., E. & C., and the propriety of having all of the roads united in interests, and united in a central and convenient management. Cuba Patriot, Jan. 26, 1883 Hornellsville Weekly Tribune, March 23, 1883 Erie narrow gauges - Some two months ago the Erie began negotiating with the officers of the B., E. & C., and T.V. & C. narrow gauge roads, looking to a lease of the latter to the Erie. On account of the death of ex-Governor Morgan negotiations were dropped and have not yet been resumed. The negotiations are far enough advanced, however, to give details of the lease. One and one-half million dollars in bonds will be issued which have been guaranteed by the Erie. The leased lines which have a total length of 157 miles, connect with the Erie at Attica, Cuba, Wellsville and Bradford, and touch some of the most important towns in the section through which they run. The Erie has displayed considerable shrewdness in thus securing these roads, as it insures to the Erie the control of the immense traffic which might have been diverted to other roads. The present earnings of the roads will more than pay the interest on the bonds. Utica Morning Herald, Wed., April 5, 1883 The Bradford, Eldred & Cuba Railroad company has finished its independent construction between Ceres and Bolivar. About 15 trains run daily. The distance is only seven miles, but it is an important adjunct to the immense oil territory in that region. The grading, bridging and ballasting were done in two weeks. Cuba Patriot, Friday, April 6, 1883 Cuba Patriot, Friday, Aug. 3, 1883 Rushford Spectator, March 6, 1884 The Cuba branch of the B.E. & C. has not been open since January 1st. Wellsville Daily Reporter, Tues., Sept. 29, 1885 GAS EXPLOSION ___ Two Men Seriously Burned at the Narrow Gauge Shops. ___ Wm. Schrieber, watchman, and Andrew Lynch, blacksmith, employed at the narrow gauge shops in this city were very seriously burned about the face, hands and arms by a gas explosion about 5 p.m. yesterday. Inside the building is a well or pit about 16 feet deep, required for certain uses. Into this pit runs a gas pipe, and part way down is a jet for lighting it when work is being done. One of the men descended to the bottom to make some repairs, and the other stopped at the gas jet. Evidently to them there was a small leak of gas in the well, but it was not deemed to be dangerous. The one at the bottom said it was all right, and the other struck a light. Instantly there was an explosion of the gas which had escaped from the leaking pipe, and both men were severely burned and stunned by its force. Neither one knows just how they got out. The injured men were competently cared for by Drs. Nye and Witter, and made as comfortable as possible. Lynch had no coat on, and is therefore the worst burned about the arms. It was a narrow escape from death, and both men will necessarily be laid up for repairs for some time to come. Cuba Patriot, April 10, 1884 Trains commenced regular trips over the Cuba branch of the B., E. & C. on the 1st of April. The Cuba and Bradford Express, commencing last Monday, now makes trips only to the Big Bridge and returns each day, instead of to Johnsonburg as formerly. The day’s work is still hard enough. Rushford Spectator, Thurs., April 17, 1884 The Clarksville end of the B.E. & C. road is again running regular trains. Allegany County Democrat, Wellsville, Wed., June 25, 1884 JUMPED THE TRACK. _____ THE TRAIN ON THE B., E. & C. R.R., which left Cuba Friday afternoon, Conductor Mulcahy, met with a serious accident in a rock near Merritt Hollow, the engine and solitary coach jumping the track. As the car jumped over the ties Archie McCauley, boss carpenter of the road, who was standing on the rear platform of the coach jumped and received severe injury of the spine, resulting in partial paralysis. A young man named Hall sustained an ugly cut to the head. F. Carpenter of Bolivar, was cut about the head and breast. "Doc" Reed, of Bolivar, was cut about the head and chest. A passenger named Alexander was slightly injured, as was also Tom Love of Bradford. Had the accident occurred a short distance beyond the rock cut it would probably have resulted still more seriously, as the car might have rolled down a steep hill. The wounded were well cared for, and all, with the except of McCauley, who is very badly injured, are doing well. Allegany County Democrat, Wed., Dec. 24, 1884 The Bradford, Eldred and Cuba railroad branch, between Cuba and Genesee was run for the last time during the winter on Saturday. The time comes when the "great gridiron" of narrow gauges thoroughly roasts the stockholder. This seems to be the case in Allegany. Allegany County Democrat, Wed., Jan. 14, 1885 Why an Excited Bolivar Citizen Stopped an Express Train. _____ BOLIVAR, N.Y., JAN. 10. - Three weeks ago, "Bob" Mower, a one-tikme conductor on the "dinkey" that ran between here and Richburg, took a "lay-off." Such occurrences are common among conductors, and "Bob's" good reputation caused no suspicion as from day to day he walked up and down Main street as if anxious about something, and his looks were that of a man with an eye to business.
all was explained Monday morning, when he rushed out on the track near Main street crossing, in front of the express train and with both hands up yelled to the top of his voice: "Stop this train!" He turned a double somersault, lit square on his feet, and with had in hand screamed a second time: "Stop this train!" The conductor and passengers rushed out to see what the trouble was, when "Bob" whispered to the conductor, "It's a girl, and she's a daisy! Come in and have something, everybody." Rushford Spectator, March 18, 1886 A Narrow Gauge Sleeping Car The B., E. & C., under the efficient management of Mr. John C. McKenna, has become one of the best narrow gauge lines in the country. The way the road has been kept open and time made during the past winter speaks well for its officials. Important improvements are soon to be made on the road, among them, being a hoist at this place, and a through train for Pittsburg with sleeping car attached. A narrow gauge sleeping would be a great curiosity in this section, but there is no doubt that such a train would soon become exceedingly popular, as this is the only route by which changes would not have to be made. [Wellsville Free Press] Cuba Patriot, Oct. 18, 1888 The iron of the Bradford, Eldred & Cuba between Cuba and Little Genesee is being taken up. Near Obi about a mile of the track is gone, having been stolen. Rochester Democrat & Chronicle, Sat., Sept. 13, 1890 The Floods at Bradford. Bradford, Pa., Sept. 12. - Rain has been falling steadily all the week, and although no serious damage has been done, both branches of the Tuna River are overflowing many of the lower streets. No mail or freight came from the east has come over the Erie since Tuesday. The Bradford, Eldred & Cuba railroad is washed out at Wellsville, as are also the Wellsville & Coudersport and the Erie roads. Should the rain continue, serious damage will result in this vicinity. Buffalo Express, Oct. 23, 1890. Two Important Decisions The Court of Appeals on Tuesday (Oct. 21) decided two important suits under the titles of "The Bradford, Eldred & Cuba Railroad Company and Thomas C. Platt as receiver, against the New York, Lake Erie & Western Railroad Company, appellant," and "the Tonawanda Valley & Cuba Railroad Company and Bird W. Spencer as receiver, against the New York, Lake Erie & Western Railroad Company, appellant." Thee cases are identical in principle, and contracts between the parties being the same, with the exception of the name of the railroad company plaintiffs. The facts are also the same, except as to the amount of the bonded indebtedness of the plaintiffs and their deficiencies as to earnings. The cases were tried together. The suits were brought to compel specific performance of an alleged agreement by defendant to loan money. Each case had been twice tried. Both the roads plaintiff penetrated into the oil region and were used by the Erie as feeders. To render them permanently tributary, the Erie, in march, 1883, made contracts with them whereby they were to turn over all business to the Erie and to promote the Erie's interests, and to surrender to the Erie the majority of the capital stock as a protection against the latter. The Erie bound itself to make good any deficiencies in the earnings of these roads to meet the interest on their bonds from time to time. The bonded debt of the Tonawanda road amounted to $490,000, that of the Bradford, Eldred & Cuba Road was $560,000. The defense was that the contract was void, not having been ratified by defendants' stockholders, and fraudulent against the plaintiffs' non-assenting shareholders, and that in any event the defendants' liability was terminated by the appointment of receivers. The appeal in each case was from the affirmance of the New York Special Term judgment in favor of the plaintiff. The Court of Appeales reversed this judgment and orders a new trial. Ceres Mail, Jan. 14, 1892 Timetable on the B. E. & C. taking effect Dec. 29, 1890. Stations: Wellsville, Allentown, Bolivar, Little Genesee, Ceres, Eldred. Two trains each way daily. Running time, two hours. Ceres Mail, Feb. 4, 1892 We found time the other day to take a trip over to Bradford via the B. E. & C. and the B.B. & K. The grade of the latter road from Eldred to Bradford is something wonderful even for a narrow gauge. Kinzua Junction is the highest point on the road, and is 1050 feet above Eldred. Between Rixford and Rew City, the grade averages 156 feet to the mile. From Kinzua Junction to Bradford the descent is rapid. The distance is 10 miles and the grade is 100 feet to the mile. The little road winds around the mountain tops in a dizzy fashion. In the spring the view from the car windows is grand and inspiring. Allegany County Democrat, June 15, 1892 B.E. & C. R.R. _____ T. Platt, Receiver Leave Wellsville......................................8 a.m. " "..............................................1:45 p.m. Arrive at Wellsville.................................12:15 p.m . " ..............................................6 p.m. " "...............................................8:55 .m. Connecting at Wellsville with Erie trains both ways, and at Eldred with W.N.Y. & P. and B.B. & K. trains. W.W. Atwood, Supt., Wellsville, N.Y. N. Baker, Agt. Receiver Ceres Mail, Oct. 6, 1892 The Bradford, Bordell & Kinzua has been abandoned between Eldred and Kinzua Junction. The last train passed over this line Thursday. The B.E. & C . will make connections with the Kendall & Eldred and the mail car will run over that line. The B. E. & C. is advertised to be sold next month. Ceres Mail, Oct. 13, 1892 The B. E. & C. station at Eldred was closed on Thursday. From now on trains will arrive at and depart from the Western New York & Pennsylvania depot. BOLIVAR BREEZE Sat., Oct. 8, 1892
The B.B. & K. road has been abandoned between Eldred and Kinzua Junction. The last through train passed over the line Tuesday. The iron will be ripped up and dumped on the scrap pile. The glory of that portion of Israel has departed. The B.E. & C. trains will make connections with the K.& E. and the mail car will run over that line. The B.E.& C. is advertised to be sold next month and some new developments regarding the future of that road will probably be brought to light soon after the sale. Ceres Mail, Oct. 13, 1892 The W. N.Y. & P. engine now pulls the passenger train over the B.E. & C. The engines of the latter road are in the shops for repair.
Sat., Oct. 15, 1892
The B.E. & C. station at this place was closed on Tuesday and from now on trains will arrive and depart from the W.N.Y. & P. depot. Agent Holmes will be transferred to Allentown. Agent Heath will go from Allentown to the W.C. & P.C. office at Wellsville.
A W.Y. & P. engine now pulls the passenger trains over the B.E. &C. The engines of the latter road are in the shops for repairs. Oct. 22, 1892
Paymaster Baker and Supt. Atwood passed over the B.E. & C. Wednesday and distributed the monthly allowances among the employees. Oct. 29, 1892 All of the unused switches and side tracks along the line of the B.E. & C. are being ripped up and the iron sold for junk.
Nov. 19, 1892 A gang of workmen are engaged in tearing up the B.B.& K. track from Eldred to Rixford.
BOLIVAR BREEZE
Ceres Mail, Jan. 5, 1893 The mail car has been taken off the B.E. & C. and the post offices along the line now receive their mail in locked pouches from Wellsville and Eldred.
Rochester Democrat & Chronicle, Friday, Jan. 13, 1893 A Railway Closed Special dispatch to the Democrat and Chronicle. Wellsville, N.Y., Jan. 12. - Frank M. Baker, of Addison, the agent for Receiver Thomas C. Platt, of the Bradford, Eldred & Cuba railroad, ran the last trip over the road this morning, and the road will be closed hereafter. The courts issued an order last Friday to close the road, owing to the fact that business has not been sufficient to pay expenses. Superintendent W.W. Atwood left Wellsville Wednesday for Syracuse, where he will enter the employ of the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western railroad. The Bradford, Eldred & Cuba railroad will probably be sold on January 25th. What disposition will be made of it is unknown. Weekly Auburnian, Auburn, N.Y. , Jan. 19, 1893 A Railroad Shuts Up Shop. The Bradford, Eldred and Cuba railroad that runs from Wellsville, N.Y. to Allentown, NY has been closed and traffic will be abandoned. The court issued an order last week closing the road as the business has not been sufficient to keep it in operation. The road will probably be sold to the highest bidder Jan. 25. BOLIVAR BREEZE
Ceres Mail, May 11, 1893 A special train on the B. E. & C. conveyed a large party of Maccabees to Eldred on Saturday evening. Ceres Mail, May 18, 1893 The work of ripping up the B.E. & C. goes steadily on. The line is already taken up between Allentown and Case's, one mile east of Ceres. The ripping up crew expect to complete the job before the middle of July.
Ceres Mail, June 8, 1893 The B.E. & C. right of way has passed into the hands of the former owners once more. Nearly all the farmers along the line have fenced in the railroad land, many of them plowing it up and seeding it down. In two or three years the only vestiges will be culverts and cuts. Wellsville Daily Reporter, June 17, 1893 Italian “Joe” the Gang Boss, Loses Both Legs and Dies From the Injury About 7 o’clock this morning the gang of Italian laborers which is engaged in taking up the iron on the abandoned B E & C R R left this station for their work near Allentown. When the work train was nearing the Main Street crossing near the Healy lot, the Italian boss “Joe” got off to scare some cattle from the track. Whole doing so he slipped and fell with both legs under the wheels, crushing the thigh bones and mangling the flesh. The injured man was picked up and taken back to the station and laid on a cot under the trees in Geo. McKenzies yard. Geo. Baker, of Addison, who is superintending the work, sent for Dr. Witter and Dr. Crandall and it was decided that the only chance to save the man’s life was to amputate both legs and this was accordingly done. “Joe” was unable to stand the shock of the injuries and died about 10:30 o’clock. The unfortunate man has a wife and four children in Italy, but no relatives in this country. Mr. Baker will have the remains cared for till it is known what his friends wish done with them. The man had several hundred dollars saved up and was the foreman of the gang. June 19, 1893 - Wellsville Daily Reporter Italian Joe Buried The Italian foreman, Joe, whose other name is not known, was buried from the Catholic church this morning a 9 o’clcok. Interment was held in the Catholic Cemetery. June 19, 1893 - Wellsville Daily Reporter Taking up the Last Rails Frank M. Baker, of Addison, was in the city Friday looking after the work on the B E & C. The gang of Italians are now taking up the rails this side of Allentown and the work of tearing up the rest will be soon completed. The trucks of the old flat cars have been sold to a lumbering firm in the South and the wooden parts will be burned.
June 23, 1893 Barney Dunn and George Andrews now put their spare time into farming. They have rented the B.E. & C. terminal and planted about two acres of Irish lemon, alias "Murphies." Barney has been reading up on farming and has it down fine as far as theory goes, but he finds practical farming different, quite different. He has hired a slave to do his share of he work and he is satisfied to sit in the shade and do the boss act.
Ceres Mail, Dec. 7. 1893 Train service on the Kendall & Eldred narrow gauge between Bradford and Eldred was abandoned Tuesday and chances are the iron will be ripped up. This leaves Duke Center and Rixford without a railroad. March 9, 1894 The old B.E. & C. trestle located just above the wagon bridge which spans the Genesee Creek at Case's, on the Bolivar road, was ripped up last week and the spiles which supported it were sawed off. The trestle had turned the channel of the creek so as to undermine the bridge abutments and threatened to seriously damage the bridge. Aug. 30, 1895
Wellsville Reporter: Frank M. Baker, of Owego, was in town Thursday looking after his interest in the defunct B.E.& C. railroad. There are still several engines and coaches stored here that have not yet been sold.
Bolivar Breeze, Jan. 24, 1896 Bolivar Breeze, March 13, 1896 The old B., E. & C. round house near the Erie station at Wellsville, went up in smoke Saturday night. four old engines and a quantity of junk was stored in the building and the loss will amount to several thousand dollars. The round house was a favorite hobo resort and the fire was probably started by a shivering wanderer. March 7, 1896 The Round House Burned. _____ The Last of Wellsville's Narrow Gauge Railroad Goes Up In Smoke.
About half-past eleven o'clock last night the old building used as a roundhouse for the B. E. & C. engines, was discovered on fire. An alarm was sounded by the Erie locomotives and the companies responded, but their services were hardly needed, for the building was burning in all parts and there was no adjoining property in danger. The building contained four locomotives, besides a quantity of junk that had been collected in from the defunct road. The loss on the engines will be considerable. The building for the past few years has been a great nesting place for tramps and the people in that vicinity feel relieved to know the place has been cleaned out. The fire is supposed to have originated from a fire started by tramps in the building. Cuba Patriot, Dec. 1, 1898 J.A. Lanning Recalls to the People of Cuba The Time When We Had Four Railroads _____ In watching Dunham & Harris break ground for their new cold storage, recall to my mind the time when trains on the B.E. & C. passed over this site, and cars were hoisted from narrow gauge trucks to standard gauge trucks to pass their destination on the Erie Railway. The men in excavating for the cellar are exhuming timbers, plank and other material that formed the "Erie Narrow Gauge" hoisting and truck turning tables. To explain this, so that all may understand the simplicity of this arrangement and how easily a 12 ton Erie car was changed from standard trucks to narrow trucks in about 20 minutes) this may seem a broad statement to make. But I have personally assisted two other men to do this work, which consisted of two small turn tables placed side by side is necessary. Over each one ran two tracks, one standard and one narrow gauge. The tracks over one table were connected at one end with the standard and narrow gauge switches. The tracks over the other table were for storing the extra truck, six pair of standard trucks and the same of narrow gauge being sent here before any hoisting was done. To hoist an Erie car, the switch engine placed the car with one end just over one of these tables. Two 20-ton jacks were placed on each side of the car under the sills, and two men worked the levers until the end of the car was raised high enough to let the center pin out of the truck frame. Two men then turned this truck half way around and passed it to the storage tracks. A narrow gauge truck was then passed to the table and went through the same process until it was under the car. The jacks were then lowered until the car rested on the narrow gauge truck and the work was half done. This may seem to many a slow way of doing this work, but it was far better than transferring the cars, which would take four times as long, as cars of grain could be transferred in 20 minutes, where it would take two men a whole day to shovel the contents into another car. Bolivar Breeze, Thurs., Sept. 13, 1906 GOES TO JUNK PILE _____ Famous Narrow Gauge Railroad From Bradford to Smethport is a Dead One Now; Train Service Discontinued. _____ Bradford Era: After an existence of 26 years the Bradford, Bordell & Kinzua Railroad, the narrow gauge line over the hill to Kane and Smethport - passed into a thing of history Sunday evening at 5:10 o'clock, when the last passenger train, a locomotive, combination car, and a passenger coach, left the Erie station. The departure of the train was witnessed by many people who had gathered at the station to see the last train leave, and quite a number rode to the top of the hill and walked back to town. The last train was in charge of Engineer John Donahue, Fireman Chas. Swanson, and Conductor Frank Richmond. A few minutes before the train departed, G. S. Burdick, a resident of Aiken, purchased a ticket for Aiken. It was the last ticket sold and was numbered 6,441. A few minutes before, M.G. Dennis purchased a ticket for Tarport. Among those who took the farewell ride were Ticket Agent Wells, of the Erie, and A. R. Campbell, who is now connected with the Buffalo & Susquehanna in Buffalo. He happened to be in the city and rode to the top of the hill. Mr. Campbell was formerly a general manager of the B., B. & K. As the train appeared on the side hill many people watched its flight. Much attention was attracted to the constant tooting of the whistle. The Bradford, Bordell & Kinzua railroad has been one of the most picturesque lines in the country. it was opened for traffic in June, 188-. During the busy oil times it was a money-maker and had much to do. It has been patronized extensively by Bradford people who have business at the county seat. People living along the line will miss it keenly. It was their chief means of reaching the outside world. The road for several years past has had a checkered financial career. It went into a receiver's hands a long time ago, and has since been sold out on mortgage proceedings. S.S. Bullis, its last owner, bought it at a bargain and sold it to the Buffalo, Rochester & Pittsburgh company at a fair profit. Among those who have had financial interests in the B., B. & K. was the famous Grover Cleveland, ex-president of the United States. |