Casey Jones – Saves Passengers In Historical Train Wreck

In in’63 somewhere in southeast Missouri, a legend was born to Frank and Ann Jones. John Luther Jones was the oldest of five children blessing Frank and Ann

John was interested in trains early in life. Around- yrs of age… John moved with his family to C-A-Y-C-E Kentucky.

While in Cayce, John developed an ever deeper appreciation and knowledge of locomotives. At age 15 John determined that he wanted to be a life long rail man… which in those days was about as good a paying job as one could receive.

Johns dream came true when the M&O Railroad offered the devoted railman a position on their team. John took on the hard work with open arms.

In’81 John moved to Jackson, Tennessee… upon the request of the railroad. He lived in a popular boarding house while traversing in and out of Jackson. He was eventually asked where he was from……. John Sharply replied CAYCE, CAYCE Kentucky!!!

The tag was added… and John has been CASEY JONES ever scenes. Casey as we’re familiar is spelled C-A-S-E-Y… although the town Casey hales from is spelled C-A-Y-C-E!

Casey married southern bell Janie Brady in’86. The pair had three children. Helen, John, and Charles. In’90 Casey’s wish came true and he was promoted to engineer and given his very own route.

The Years Following Proved to Be the Foundations of a Legend

Casey’s punctuality was such that one could set their watch by it! Casey’s reputation remains iron clad, it’s his desperation to keep his reputation that seals his fate.

The Year is Nineteen Hundred and Casey Remains King

Trouble brews as Casey is asked to pull an additional run, his fellow engineer unable to make the trip Casey bravely steps forward. Behind when Casey takes over the mighty engine #382 is pushed to it’s peak. Casey and passengers are headed to Canton Tennessee when they discover trouble.

Casey Steamed Mighty #382 Passed 100mph

When taking over the run Casey was 40 minutes to the rear, although by the time he’d reached his destination he and fireman Sim Webb cut that time into 10 minutes. In a desperate attempt to maintain his reputation of arriving on time, Casey Pushed Forward at record breaking speeds.

There was trouble ahead as Casey and Sim where unaware of the broken switch at the stop ahead. The fouled switch caused two trains to be forced to rest back to back length wise forcing the end caboose and two other cars to hang out too far on the rails.

Approaching at 75mph Casey Sees Harms Way Closing

No chance of stopping as it’s… too late! Casey’s Engine #382 collides with a jammed locomotive. Casey’s last words remembered by those who can recount the story… JUMP Sim JUMP!

Later Sim recalled that day. Sim told of Casey’s famous last words… With his hands gripping the break for passengers in tow and those innocent ahead.

Casey saved everyone but himself as his engine crashed into the rear of a caboose staled on the tracks in Vaughn. Mighty Casey managed to slow the train to an astonishing 35mph, which prevented any passengers from dying and saved most of the cars.

When they found Casey he was no longer alive although reported to be still gripping the break. Casey Jones died an american hero!

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