Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1886-07-09
PETERSBURG.
uxporsx or AN ENGINEER "A sERI.
Gus ACCIDENT AvEaTyD.
Standing to BIS Post Amidst Escaping
steam saa Water A Pleasant
Bridal Tarty.

Bridal iarty.
,co,cpondence ofthe Kicnmond Dspatch.l
july 8, 1856.
The fast.mail train from the South,
dee in this city this morning at 5
o'clock, did not Ssch here until 9:SO
o'clock, in consequence Of an accident
which occurred about three miles be
yohd Pleasant Hill, on the Petersburg
railroad. The hcroism and GOODNESS OF
the engineer averted whs, might other
wise have proved q catastrophe. The
train left Weldon on time In charge OF
Engineer William McSwsin, Of Will
mington, N. c., and was travelling at
the usually rapid speed Of the - fast
mail" until within three miles OF Plea.
SAINT I'LL, when the connecting rods OF
The engine broke, throwing the run
n:pg gear out Of order and causing
the snsppipg OF bolts, which was
followed by free escape oil
steam and hot water, directly
in the face and upon the person OF the
engineer. His position was not only
dangerous bat extremely painiol, and
be was almost blinded by the steam.
The engineer, however, did not lose
his presence Of mind, and, thinking
moro Of the passengers 10 his charge
than OF himself. stood brsyely to his
post. The engine crashed along at un-
abated speed, and but two miles ahead
was long trestle-bridge. which II
reached would render donoly danger
Gus the risk Of accident. Suffering in
tenss)y from his scalds and his body
burning from the effects OF the hot
water which saturated bis clothes, En-
eineer MeSwain was enabled to find the
lever and reverse the engine. His fear
then was that an explosion might oc,ur,
and to prevent this he worked until
ne had flooded the furnace and extin-
gnisbed the fires. The engine was
stopped before reaching the bridge, and
tho train and passengers were saved
from accident. The passengers and OIL
oi.ls of the road were loud in praise OF
the heroic conduct Of the engineer. An
engine was sent to the assistance of the
disabled train, and it was brought here
about four hours late. Engineer Nc
Swain was brought along with it, and
was taken TO the Albemarle Hotel,
where he has received every possible at
tention., His injuries are painful, but
fortunately not dangerous.
The running Of trains on the Atlantic
Coast Line is conducted with such tho
rough system that an accident is Of very
rare occurrence.
Tie managers Of the Petersburg
Musical Association have issued circu-
lars TO the musical Of the State calling
attention to the movement inaugnra.ed
some months ago towards the erection
of fine music hall in this city, aud
announces kirmess to be held here in
October, for which contributions are
solicited.
A bridal party at the Albemarle Ho-
tel this morning attracted considerable
attention. They were Rev. I. A.
Wharton, Of Waynesyille, n. c., and
his wife. Mr.. Wharton was married
yesterday at Hampden-Sidney, Va, to
one Of the most accomplished young
ladies Of that town. The couple were
accompanied here by several Of their
friends, and among them was Rev. Carr
Moore, q distinguished young clergy
man, also Of North Carolina, who this
afternoon was united in marriage to
Miss Mamie Mcllwaile, lovely daugh-
ter Of J. Finley McIlwaine, Esq. of
Hog Island, on the James.
Scott Wood. young colored Demo
cratic lawyer Of Alexandra, qualified
to-day as secretary Of the COlcred Nor
NAL School.
II il learned from citizen Of Bruins
wick who was in town today that the
recent rains and floods did great deal
Of damage in that section. The freshet
in the rivers was the highest known for
many years. On the Nottowsy river
alone three important bridges were
washed aweJ--yiz., Kcnredy's, Har-
per's, ard the Jonesboro'. The de-
struction Of these bridges will not only
cause heavy loss, but great iacOnyc-
nience to the people Of the county. The
same gentleman also reports several
mills and dams washed away and much
damage to the crops in the lowlands.
Mr.. William ii. Baxter yesterday
qualified as FIRE commissioner for this
city, having been appointed to the Of
fee in place Of Mr.. II. G. Osborne, who
declined on account Of his election to
the Common Council. This is the first
officer OF this kind Petersburg has ever
had. In view Of the doubtful origin oil
many Of the fires that have occurred IN
our city during the past few years the
necessity for some official examination
into the causes has long existed. In:
appointment Of Mr.. Baxter is regarded
as most excellent one.
During the past two or three uay'
Superintendent Brown has oeen en-
gagged in the examination, as required
by law, Of all applicants for appoint
ment as teachers in our public schoo,
This examination includes all those wh
have been teaching for years as well a
the new applicants. There are twenty
one white and twenty-one colored teach
ers TO be elected by the School Board
The game of ball this evening betwee
the Richmonds and Petersburgs ri
suited in a tie-4 to 4. The game wa
called at the conclusion Of the eight
inning.
Mr.. Galloway, a citizen Of Richmond
died in the city to-day after long il
ness. RoBIN ADAIE.