Railroads in Antebellum America
Worksheet Three

Franklin Repository and Transcript, December 21, 1859, p. 4, c. 6 Distressing Casualty. --As the morning Freight Train was going to Harrisburg, from this place, over the Cumberland Valley Railroad, on Friday morning last, the 16th inst., about 9 o'clock, a sad and melancholy accident occurred which resulted in the death of a much esteemed ci tizen of Chambersburg--Mr. Henry Minnick. The deceased was on the Engine, and, as is the custom, while descending the River grade, went to the back part of the tender to cut loose from the cars so as to run them on to another track than that on which the locomotive is run. While in the act of unfastening the coupling he lost his balance and fell to the ground, the forward truck of the front burden car passed over his groin crushing him so badly that he died about 1 o'clock in the afternoon of the same day. His wife was telegraphed immediately of the sad news; but, the morning passenger train having gone, she could not leave till 2 P. M., not reaching Bridgeport, on this side of the Susquehana, where he was lying, till 5 o'clock. He was dead before she arriv ed.--He retained his reason till the last. The deceased has been in the employ of the Rail Road Co., for nearly eight years as a fireman on the locomotives run by Mr. William C. Murry, engineer. His habits were most exemplary. Everybody loved him for his many noble qualities of head and heart. He leaves a widow and four small children, as well as a large circle of sorrowing friends to mourn his sad fate. He was 37 years and 2 months old at the time of his death. His remains were brought to this place for internment, and on Sabbath afternoon were attended to their last resting place--Cedar Grove Cemetary--by an immense concourse of our citizens. At a meeting of the Engineers and Firemen of the Cumberland Valley Railroad, Company, held at the Office of the Superintendent, at Chambersburg, on Monday Evening, the 19th inst., William C. Murry was called to the Chair and George Wentz appointed Secretary. The Following preamble and resolutions were submitted, and unanimously adopted. Whereas, It has pleased an All-wise Providence, suddenly to remove from our midst our esteemed friend, and companion Henry Minnick, it is fitting that we, his co-laborers, should assemble to pay the last tribute of respect to his memory. Death is at all times gloomy and appalling, but on this occasion it has been rendered double so. Our friend was in the full enjoyment of health and in the vigor of manhood, when in the twinkling of an eye the grim messenger appeared and summoned him hence. The places which knew him on earth will know him no more forever. Resolved, That in the death of Henry Minnick, the Company has lost a faithful and efficient laborer, ever ready and willing to discharge the duties assigned him; we are left to mourn his sudden departure and to bear testimony to his goodness of heart, rendering him at all times a kind friend and pleasant companion. Resolved, That we sincerely sympathize and condole with the widow, family, relations and friends of the deceased in their irreparable loss. Questions 1.In the space below, write a four-sentence summary of this article. 2. According to the resolution adopted by the Engineers and Firemen of the Cumberland Valley Railroad, what or who was responsible for Henry Minnick's death?