The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-08-23
lrNcoLN,s FUNERAL CAR
Now Used by the Section Men on the Kan
sas Pacific Railway.

Now Used by the Section Men the Kan
sas Pacific Railway.
Denver Tribune Republican.
There is on the Marysville & Blue Valley
branch of the Union Pacific road an old, dilap-
idated car Its exterior is sadly in need OF the
painters brush It's interior is rough and dirty
1t is fitted up with rough bunks and is used to-
transport section hands from point to point A
close inspection, however, of its present condi-
ton will reveal features which would puzzle one
who had seen it years ago. Here and there will
be discovered trace of gliding. The wood work
if you scratch off the SCOT and dirt, will be found
to be of solid mahogany and black walnut.
In short, it is relic of faded eentility. Al
though it now "takes in dodgers" like the tradi-
tional landlady, it has ''seen better days" This
poor old shabby genteel common carrier was
once considered the finest car ever built in the
United States. Mechanics from all parts of the
country, who were master workmen, were Sc
cured to work in its construction. Itonce shone
resplendent in red velvet and gliding. 1t is, in
short the famous car. abraham Lincoln"
This car was built in Alexandria, Va, in 1864.
It was intended for directors ear. to run on
the military railroads; that is, the roads which
ran into the section OF the country where the
heavy fighting was going on. These roads had
either been seized from the secessionists or APP
propriated by the federals, as the case might be-,
and this car was used by the directors of the
roads and by the military officials.
It was at the time considered par excellence.
and rank. 1t shone Respondent in scarlet and
gold. Soft Turkey carpets covered its floor vel
vet touches and chairs adorned its central re-
ception- room. At one end were state-rooms for
sleeping purposes. At the other was dining
room and Kitchen over which presided chef Of
supreme attainments in his profession
Statesmen famous over the civilized world,
reclined on its upholstered touches and dined at
its tables The original cost of this car was
something over $50, 900. When Lincoln was as
sassinated to this car, his nameseke, was en-
tailed the duty of conveying his remains to
Springfield
From the performance of this duty the car
attained a national reputation and spectators
at once began 10 make bids for it, with view
to putting it on exhibition in dime museums.
To prevent this the car was bought up by
Mr. Llncoln's old law partner, Mr.. Ward H.
Lamon now resident of Denver. He pur-
chased it at government sale, at Alexandria, in
1863 Shortly after Mr.. Lamon had bought it
Secretary Stanton wrote him letter begging
that the car be kept out of the hands of exhibit
ers. This, Mr.. Lamon assured him, was his
intention.
In 1866 the car was sold by Mr. Lamon to Mr.
Henry s. McComb, of Delaware, one of the
directors of the Union Pacific, for that road It
then was used TO bring out from New York Dir.
T. G. Durant and party who made trip to
what was then the western terminus of the road
At that time the different tribes of Indians
along the line were throwing distractions in
the way of the further progress of the road. end
in this car the officials met representatives of
the various tribes to discuss the matter. On
the return of the car to Omaha it was held
there, and was used as On officers car mp to 1869.