On This Date in Minnesota History: January 17

January 17, 1910 – An extra freight train, in the charge of Conductor C. P. Upton of Minneapolis, was wrecked near Afton late this afternoon while en route for Hastings.

The caboose and five cars loaded with coal on the rear end of the train were derailed. The accident was caused by a flange of the fifth car breaking and tearing up the frog.

The caboose turned over twice and the occupants, Conductor Upton, John Black, brakeman, and Pat Staffen, proprietor of the Phoenix Hotel, Hastings, were injured.

Upton received a sprained back, and severe bruises and Black and Staffen were rendered senseless for a time. The former also sustained a scalp wound, and Staffen’s injuries are of a serious nature. Dr. L. D. Peck, surgeon of the Milwaukee Road was summoned and left on a special for Afton this evening.

Minneapolis Morning Tribune; “Train Wrecked Near Afton. Conductor Upton, of Minneapolis, and Two Others Are Severely Injured.”; January 18, 1910; p.1.

http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site569/2014/0511/20140511__140511_Afton_sign_skybox_300.jpg

               __________________________________________________________

If you are interested in finding out more about your family history in Minnesota, I specialize in researching  genealogical and historical records in Minn. and western Wis., including: census records,  birth records,  death certificates, obits, grave site photos, ship passenger lists, marriage records and declarations of intent/naturalization records.  I will visit locations to research local history and county records, as well as take photos. Quick turnaround on MHS records.  Both short searches and family history reports.

Website:  TheMemoryQuilt.com ®  click on Family History

Contact me at: pjefamilyresearch@gmail.com