The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1874-06-04
OBITUARY..
James D.. Bngiey. the Eminent
gridgc-Huiidcr.

The announcement of the death of Mr.
James T. Bagley, made in our columns of
Wednesday morning, recalls to the minds
of many readers both here and throughout
the country, his superior abilities in bridge
building. Probably no other man in this
country had achieved so great and deserved
a reputation in that profession as had the
subject of this notice at the time Of his
death. His deccasc mt this time, in the
very midst of his years and active labors,
calls for more than ordinary notice, and a
brief history of his labors cannot but be of
interest to the public.
His early life was spent in Massachusetts,
in the pursuit of his chosen profession, in
which he perfected himself by study and
persistent application. In 1852 he came to
Rutland and accepted an important posi-
ton upon the Rutland aud Burlington rail-
road, filling no less than three distinct po-
sitions at the same time, viz: road-maslcr,
bridge-buldcr and wood agent, and each
with signal ability.
lie renamed here twelve years, until,
| in the fall of 1864, he resigned his position
with the railroad company, and removed
| to Maryland, where he commenced Il con-
tract, the accomplishment Of which gave
him reputation that extended throughout
the length and breadth of the Union. This
was the building OF the celebrated llavrc
dc Grace bridge which was built across the
Chesapeake Bay between the towns Of
IIavrc de Grace and pcrryyillc, Nd. The
| bridge measured, when finished, 5000 feet
| in length, constructed Of wood, and under
| the entire management of Mr.. Baglcy.
From thence MI Bagley went to Quincy,
| H.. where he built an iron bridge across
Ike Mississippi. 600 feet long the long
est bridge on that river. He then built Il
bridge at Danvlle, H., 81 feet high lie
then returned east and took contracts for
the construction Of several bridges in the
eastern states. Two OF these were on the
| Air Line between New Haven and Will
mantle, Conn, one Of which was 1,40)
feet long and 50 feet high the other /, lS1
feet long, 1884, feet in height. both of iron,
and situated about thirty rods apart These
were built in 1872. Also about this time
he constructed bridge across the river at
Augusta, Me-, and the lower bridge across
the Hudson at Albany, situated in the rear
Of the Deayan House.
The next important contract was taken
at Buffalo, y. Y, which was to build the
International bridge across the Niagara
river, in the northern part of the city.
This was 3,,90 feet long, having 4 draw of
3GS feet in length and entirely Of iron.
On the 10Th of january, 1878, he began
the construction of bridge at Philadcl-
phia, which proved to be his last under
taking. and in IT'S erection he Won hard
earned reputation for the wonderful dis
patch with which he accomplished the
work. The contract gave him until No
vcmber Of the present year to finish the
bridge, and in March last, seven months
before the contract was 10 expire. the
work was finished, and the bridge compile
ted This bridge has five spans, is 3Gj
feet in length and 100 feet wide, combin-
ing tracks for horse-cars, and highway,
the roadway being g. feet wide.
On the completion of this enterprise Mr.
Baglcy was urged TO take an important
contract connected with the Centennial
work for 1876, but declined knowing that
he needed rest from his arduous years OF
toll. and in the furtherancc Of this object
he purchased residence on Grove street il
this village, where lie proposed to rest fol
year or more from work OF any kind
bringing with him his foreman, FOL
the past year and more, w. ii. Mo
ram. to attend to his business here
But an overriding Providence came be
tween. and even on his arrival in Rutland
some two months ago, he had already be
gan to suffer from the disease which ter
minated in his death.
His wife and two sons were with him Il
his death; the oldest son, Charles III
Baglcy, had worked with his father III HI
labors in the different parts of the country
and has acquired Il valuable experience il
his profession. a younger daughter
away at school.
The deceased was forty-eight years o
age; man of stalwart frame and pos
sessed of more than. ordinary strong col
stituton.
The funeral will be attended from th
Bardwell House this Thursday afternoo
at o'clock.
All masons in good standing are invite
= to join in the escort with Center Lodge
t No 81, of which lie was once membe
,
Runaway Accident,