18 HP Peerless Crashes Through Bridge

By Ralph Hussong
Published on September 1, 1972
1 / 6
AN ACCIDENT OF MANY YEARS AGO — First man from left behind the engine is Frank Greenlief, owner. Others unknown. Picture taken August 24, 1912.
AN ACCIDENT OF MANY YEARS AGO — First man from left behind the engine is Frank Greenlief, owner. Others unknown. Picture taken August 24, 1912.
2 / 6
The LaMoine River bridge with Mrs. Jackson and her husband standing where her father's engine went through in August of 1912.
The LaMoine River bridge with Mrs. Jackson and her husband standing where her father's engine went through in August of 1912.
3 / 6
Earl Brooks in his barber shop, November 15, 1971 — still very active.
Earl Brooks in his barber shop, November 15, 1971 — still very active.
4 / 6
The separate picture of the bicycle Mr. Jackson built has nothing to do with the story but is in quite an invention.
The separate picture of the bicycle Mr. Jackson built has nothing to do with the story but is in quite an invention.
5 / 6
Mrs. Mae Cowdery of Augusta, Illinois, who gave writer valuable assistance in story.
Mrs. Mae Cowdery of Augusta, Illinois, who gave writer valuable assistance in story.
6 / 6
Mrs. Omar Jackson and husband in double bicycle.
Mrs. Omar Jackson and husband in double bicycle.

This story will attempt to describe a traction engine accident, which happened many years ago.

I knew of the accident and have known the engineer who was injured for many years but never thought of sending the pictures and story to the Iron-Men Album, until I saw the account and picture of the bridge collapse of Earl Hayes on page 40 of the November/December 1971 Album, then I began to inquire about a picture of the one following.

I learned that the only picture known to exist was in possession of a daughter of the outfit owner and that she was a rather restive person and probably would not allow it to be sent away. She said that it was all she had left of her daddy’s steam engine.

I requested the aid of a neighbor of the owner of the picture, and so got the picture for a copy of the same, and I returned it to her again. She has become a very interesting person to know.

Online Store Logo
Need Help? Call 1-866-624-9388