The star of this morning's show is a railroad timetable published in The Chariton Herald of Dec.15, 1892, intended to illustrate the range of travel possibility for Lucas Countyans during the late 19th century.
Commencing in July of 1867, when the first trains arrived on the newly built Burlington & Missouri River Railroad line (soon acquired by the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy), Lucas County's seat developed into a rail hub where a trip to almost anywhere could begin at the depot northwest of the square. That continued into the first half of the 20th century, accelerating in 1913 when the Rock Island line linking Des Moines and Kansas City opened and a second depot was constructed.
This timetable reports only passenger trains and freights to which passenger cars were attached --- No. 91 and 92, for example, carried both freight and passengers between Chariton and Ottumwa only.
The Herald of Dec. 15 contained numerous reports of arrivals and departures for the Christmas season, but some departures were more permanent.
Albert Ulp McCormick and his family used a rail car to transport their household goods, horses and buggies to a new home in Los Angeles, for example, also reported (as follow) in the Dec. 15 Herald:
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Capt. A.U. McCormick and family (excepting Jim, who is employed in the American Express Company's service) left Saturday noon, on the south branch, via Kansas City, Mo., Albuquerque, N.M. and over the Southern Pacific for their new home at Los Angeles, Cal. His sons, Con and Bob, departed several days previous with a car containing six head of horses, buggies and household goods. This family has resided in Lucas county for many years, are well known, and many pleasant rememberances of the long ago associations will be cherished in the minds of our people. That the change of location may prove profitable is the wish of The Herald.
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Trains presented a variety of hazards, too, and The Herald of Dec. 15 also reported the death of Russell's Isaac Van Gilder, propelled into eternity by a C.B.&Q. freight:
At 2 o'clock last Friday afternoon, Mr. Isaac Van Gilder, an old and respected citizen of Russell, was struck by an engine while crossing the track. In the twinkling of an eye his spirit was ushered to its abode in the home beyond.
He was weightmaster at the stockyards and, in connection with this, bought and shipped poultry. The location of his business was such as to necessitate his crossing the track often, which he had done for many years with safety. But, at this time he was a trifle late in crossing and on leaving the track was struck by the engine of a freight going at great speed, breaking his neck, cutting a deep gash in his head and throwing him about 50 feet. Life was extinct when he was approached.
Mr. Van Gilder was 76 years old. He was born in New Jersey and moved with his family to Lucas county, Iowa twenty-four years ago, where he has continuously resided.
Deceased was a hard working, conscientious christian and an influential member of the Presbyterian church. He leaves an aged wife and six children, bereft of a loving companion and counselor.
Funeral services were conducted from the Presbyterian church Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock and the remains interred in the Russell cemetery.
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