The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-06-22
THE FIRST LOCOMOTIVE.
An Iowa Man Who Was Engineer on
"The Rocket"

For 40 years Edward Entwistle has had
his home on a lot which he purchased for
himself upon his coming to Des MONIES.
Edward Entwistle was born in 1915 at
Tilsey's Banks, Lancashire, England. AT
the age OF II he was apprenticed to the
Duke Of Bridgewater, who had large ma.
chine shops at Manchester, IL miles from
the lads birthplace and home. Tbs first
railroad for general passenger and freight
business was completed I'm 1881, between
Manchester and Liverpool, a distance of
81 miles. "1he Rocket" the first loco
motive or passenger engine, was built
under the direction and according to the
plans OF George Stephenson, IN lhe works
where young Entwistle was serving as an
apprentice. He was to be an eng ineer,
and he closely watched the work.
When the road was built and the engine
completed, Stephenson looked about for
a man TO run The engine. The foreman
OF the shops was consulted, and after q
day or two reported that he had no man
to recommend, but, that IL Stephenson
would take the young apprentice, Ent-
wistle, ;he foreman would recommend
the lad. The Dukes steward was applied
10, and gave written permission tor Ent-
wistle to go with Stephenson. When he
was notified, after all these arrangements
had been made, 1t was the first intima-
tion Entwlstle had that he was to be
placed in the service. He did not finch
from 1t, but rather enjoyed the oppor-
tunity.
Tho formal opening OF the road was to
take place on Monday. and on Sunday
young Entwistlc and Stephenson took
the Rocket out for private trial trip.
They ran over about one-half the truck of
tie read alone. All worked well and
they had no fear as to the final result.
On the day of the formal opening OF the
road immense crowds gathered. not only
at Manchester and Liverpool. but all along
the 81 miles Of track. The Duke OF Well
ington, many other distinguished noble
men, members OF tire Cabinet, and stock
holders In the new road were present.
The passenger coaches were built ~.
compartments, somewhat similar to the
stage coaches OF those days, and three of
them were attached to the Rocket. They
were filled with distinguished persons,
stockholders and their personal friends.
Stephenson and young Entwistle took
charge of the engine, and successful
start was made toward Liverpool amid the
cheers Of the thousands OF observers OF
the new wonder. All was we'll until the
train was approaching Grand Junction,
from where branch road was building
to Bolton. Close to that point q terrible
accident hsppened. Among the distin-
guished passengers was Mr.. Husk isson, a
member OF the cabinet, n stockholder and
promoter OF the new road. While how
~ tef,Aea-t tt tire cheers of tnH nIufs
titude he In some manner slipped and
tell, and was run over and killed by the
coach following. 1he body was taken
mp and carried TO Liverpool In the train.
he hrst trip had been successfully
made After an ovation the train return
ed TO Manchester with EDWARD Entwistle's
hand upon the throttle. 1he railway for
the TRANSPORTATION OF freight and rassen-
gers hy steam power lad become liked
and demoBstrated fact.
The line being opened for general trsffic