Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1896-04-10
rhirty-one Years Passenger Conductor

| SOME OF CAPT. FITZ GOOD STORIES.
The Richmond State has sketch Of tina
popular Chesapeake & Ohio conductor
Capt. J. Edgar Fitz. After some expert
ence with freight trains, he was appointe
a passenger conductor in 1865. In tina
time he has had charge of some importan
trains, having been selected to run IN
train with officials and guests when th'
road was opened to the Ohio river in 1873
i He also had the train on which the Marquis
Of Lorne and Princess Louise travelled
when they went through Virginia. In
State gives some of the genial conductor
i TUNNEL STORIES.
On one occasion Captain Fitz had on
bridal party from Waynesboro to IfeVli
liam and it was the second marriage OF tne
gentleman, who was OF middle age. IL sc
hammered that there was an extra coach or
tbe train that was not in use. When the
connie boarded the train Captain Fltz
nsbered them into the extra car and told
them if had been added for their special
benefit. Just as the train reached the Blue
Ridge tunnel the conductor walked back
into the car and took a seat to see how the
connie would behave themselves in the dark.
/, He sat only a little way behind them.
There was only one light burning in the car
at the time, as the coach was used only by
the brakeman. who always has to ride in
the rear car going through tunnels. Very
soon the groom attempted to hug and kiss
the bride. and she demonstrated In this
wise:
"Oh, quit. don't you know the conductor
is sitting back yonder, and will see u.s.
The groom replied, being totally oblivi-
GUS of the captains presence in the car:
carr
The husband finally succeeded in kissing
his newly made wife, amid words of affec-
ton. When the train passed out of the
tunnel Captain Fitz approached the couple
and said to the groom:
Ibid you NOTICE that only one lamp was
burning as you came through the tunnel?''
Receiving an affirmative reply, the con-
ductor continued:
"Well this is always done for the benefit
of brides and grooms, and in consideration
of the favor you are expected to give the
brakeman dollar.''
The groom handed over the dollar to the
brakeman, who had come up, believing it to
be the custom.
The new hubby was made none the wiser
until he reached his journeys end. The:
he was told it was all joke and received
his dollar back. He enjoyed the pleas antry.
Captain Fitz knew the groom well OF he
would never have made him the butt of a
joke.
TELL-TALE COURT PLASTER.
The captain reports another amusing tun-
mel incident. A lady and her lover
wee on the train going from Charlottes-
Vile to Staunton. When passing through
the tunnel the swain kissed the young lady
and a piece of court plaster on her lip part
ed company with her and took up residence
on his face. The captain noticed it as soon
as they reached day light and began to poke
fun at them, knowing them well. The
learned of the couples doings,
and they had no peace until they left the train
the brides face a crimson red, and the
young fellow tanning himself with his hat.
WITH FLASK TO HIS LIPS.
One more Of the captains tunnel Incl
dents: A gentleman on his way to Staun-
ton had flask Of whiskey in his inside
pocket. He had an awful thirst when the
tunnels were reached. The train passed
through two before he got out the bottle.
AS the train entered the third he placed the
flask to his lips and the soothing draught
so occupied his attention that he was still
drinking when the train passed out of the
tunnel. AS he was in the ladies' car the
that was caused can better be
imagined than described.
HIS WATCH AN HEIRLOOM.
In closing these "reminiscences some men
tion will be made of the Captains watch
which has timed him safely through his
long railroad career and is considered the
finest one on the road. It was made ex
pressly for Captain S. D. Gooch. Of Louisa
Courthouse, who used to be conductor on
the road, by f. B. Adams & Sons, of Lon
don. This firm were noted chronometer
makers in their day. The timepiece was
imported by Mitchell & Tyler, of Rich
mond, in 1861. In April, 1865, Captain
GOoch let Captain Fitz have it, as be had
quit railroading. It cost $1S5 in gold. 1t
has silver case and has varied only thirty
two seconds in a year. Like the captain,
it is as good as ever, and if taken care OF
will Hast for many years yet. In these days OF
modern railroading when all conductors and
engineers are required tohave watches that
will run to seconds the captain is strictly
in 1t. There is not a "tlcker'' on the road
that can beat his. He will always wear it
as an heirloom that no amount Of money
could persuade him to part with.
Checks for Pensions.
Senator Echols has received the follow
ing checks for Virginia pensioners from
the State Auditor. and has forwarded them