Robbers

Who Tried to Wreck That L. & N. Train

The Obstruction Was a Heavy One of Ties

Which Were Wired and Securely Bolted in Position

The Wreckers Had Camped Near The Track

On a Hill From Which They Could See Everything

The attempt to wreck a pay train on the Kentucky Central division of the L. & N. R. R. at Steep Creek Bridge, three-quarters of a mile north of Visalia Station, Thursday, was one of the most daring attempts at trainwrecking in the history of that road.  Engineer Mauson, of through train No. 2, deserves credit for his successful effort in stopping the train in time, saving hundreds of passengers.  The obstruction was evidently put on the track by experts, but their plans were frustrated by the arrival of the north-bond express.  The ties were laid across the rails to the height of five feet.

Bolted Together

And then wrapped securely with telegraph wire, thus making a thorough barricade which would derail almost any train.  Engineer Mauson saw the obstruction when about one quarter mile away, and reversed his engine, but could not stop in time, and dragged the obstruction with him until the middle of the trestle, which spans a creek over 100 feet below, was reached.  Hade the pay car reached the curve first nothing on earth could have saved it.  This is the second attempt within a short space of time.

A Post reporter arrived on the scene a few hours after the attempted wreck and was accosted by a burly negro and a white man, who attempted to drive him from the scene, stating that they were tired of these reporters and detectives.  That they were the robbers is almost an assured fact, as they have been hanging around this trestle for several days. 

from the Kentucky Post, June 14, 1895