So when did that first train steam into Chariton?

Hugh Larimer II

So I was enjoying my breakfast yesterday when three distinguished women sat down at a nearby table and began to discuss one of the trivia questions found on July's "table tent" --- a stand-up folder distributed to businesses by Chariton Area Chamber-Main Street that contains the city's monthly events schedule, advertising, and four or five local trivia questions.

My ears perked up. I'm responsible for churning out the monthly trivia questions --- and someone was questioning the accuracy of one of my answers: "On or about July 4, 1867" in response to the question, "When did the first passengers reach Chariton by train?"

Well! Rarely quick to anger, however, I smiled and walked away but now feel constrained to defend my answer. Although I'm willing to admit that the precise date seems to have been July 3. But I did say "on or about."

Actually, the history books are a little vague --- stating only that the first train arrived in Chariton on or about the 1st of July, 1867. Construction of the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad from the Mississippi to the Missouri rivers had begun at Burlington during the 1850s, but was stalled at Ottumwa by the Civil War.

As soon as the war was over, construction resumed and the tracks crept toward Chariton. 

I have a witness to call in regard to the precise date passengers reached Chariton: William McKlveen Larimer (1847-1922), son of Hugh II and Nancy, grandson of the venerable Hugh, 1780-1859, senior member of the Larimer tribe in Lucas County.

Henry Gittinger, editor of The Chariton Leader, ran into Mr. Larimer as he was preparing to report on 4th of July festivities in Lucas County during 1912 and included in his coverage in The Leader of July 12 this statement:

"W.M. Larimer: I celebrated the 4th of July in Chariton 46 (actually 45) years ago. The day before, the first train was run over the road. Naturally this was a big event and as many as could got on and rode to town. A train was scheduled for the 4th and when the people heard the whistle they forgot all about the whangdoodle procession and ran to see it. Chariton has been celebrating on the Fourth pretty much ever since."

"Whangdoodle procession" may need a little explaining. Fourth of July celebrations in Lucas County at the time sometimes featured two parades. The big one was serious: brass bands, contingents of veterans, carriages containing the day's orators and entries by churches, businesses and other worthy organizations. The other was pure silliness --- clowns, kiddies and costumed adults willing to play the fool. That was the whangdoodle parade.

The illustration here is a Burlington & Missouri River Railroad stock certificate owned by William M. Larimer's father, Hugh. Serendipitously, I found it for sale online while searching for an illustration to accompany this post.