From the Richmond Dispatch, 11/20/1861, p. 2, c. 2
Explosion of a Locomotive -
Engineer and Fireman Killed. - A lamentable
accident occurred yesterday, about 12 o’clock, on the Central Railroad, a short
distance above the depot in this city. The locomotive “Monroe,” which had come
down with a train yesterday morning, was run up the track to the tank where a
fresh supply of water was procured, and again starting, got as far as Victor’s
pond, when a terrific explosion took place. Mr. Nathan J. Davis, the acting
engineer, who was standing on the left side of the locomotive, was blown some
fifteen feet into the air, and fell dead by the side of the track, having
received severe internal injuries by the concussion. The fireman, a free negro
named Peter Franklin, was badly scalded by the steam, and apparently insensible
when found. He was carried to a house near the railroad, where he died soon
afterward. A little negro boy, belonging to Mr. Seay, was riding on the rear of
the tender when the explosion occurred, and a piece of wood struck him on the
head, fracturing his skull. He will probably die. The locomotive was thrown
off the track and turned completely round, facing the tender; two or three of
the trucks were broken apart, and the machinery in several places blown to
atoms. This shows the terrible force of the concussion. The “Monroe” is an old
engine, built at the Tredegar Works, and has been running on the road some ten
or twelve years. It would perhaps be imprudent to attribute the disaster to any
particular cause, in advance of an investigation, though it is thought by some
that the boiler was overheated when fresh water was let on, thus creating a
sudden generation of steam. The body of Mr. Davis was removed to his residence,
on 17th street, where an inquest was held last evening, and a verdict
rendered in accordance with the facts. He leaves a large family, whose present
situation is such as to excite commiseration and sympathy. He was a man of
exemplary character, and very popular among his acquaintances.
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