Newspaper Items
Utah Western Railway
This page was last updated on March 21, 2004
6 May 1874
"New Car." "The Utah Western Railroad Company has just imported
from ' the East, a magnificent new passenger car, for use on their road. The
car is now at the Utah Central depot, mounted on a flat car, and will probably
be placed on the track where it belongs immediately." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Tribune, 6 May 1874)
30 August 1874
Article "Utah Western Railway", giving a brief history of the last
two years or so; says that passes over the SLSV&P were 'freely issued'; the
Utah Western has bought out the S. L., S. V. & P. R. R. entirely. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 30 August 1874)
31 August 1874
"Utah Western Railway." "Mr. H. P. Kimball, treasurer and
superintendent of construction of the Utah Western Railway Co., returned from the
east on Saturday night, where he has been with Mr. John W. Young, president of
the same company." "Mr. Kimball went east as agent of the Salt Lake,
Sevier Valley and Pioche R.R. Co., to settle up with the creditors thereof and
to assist Mr. Young in the business of the new company. All of the debts of the
old company have been assumed by the Utah Western, and the old company have
agreed to transfer to the new all of their claim to the rolling stock, grade,
bridges, &c., and receive therefore stock in the new company."
"Passenger cars have been chased, by Mr. Young, and are on the way. The
last named gentleman will remain east for a week or ten days longer, to finish
up the business for the new company." In connection with the SLSV&P rail,
this item comments that "the freight on the iron and rolling stock
remained unpaid, until the firm east who furnished the iron sold the whole of
it to Mr. Joseph Richardson, for the Utah Northern Railroad." (Pitchard, Deseret Evening News, 31 August
1874)
3 September 1874
The Utah Western grade is to be put in shape for the placing of ties and the
laying of track; the three major bridges (Jordan River, slough and canal) are
completed (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily
Herald, 3 September 1874)
11 September 1874
"Cars for the U.W. -- Mr. Thomas Green of Williamsburg, formerly of
Birmingham, England, arrived here last evening, with two cars for the Utah
Western. One is a smoking and baggage car, and the other a drawing room car,
named 'Mauch Chunk'. They were manufactured for the Utah Western by Jackson and
Sharp, Wilmington, Delaware. They were forwarded to Salt Lake today on the
special freight train." (Pitchard, Daily Ogden Junction, 11 September 1874)
12 September 1874
"Utah Western" "Yesterday two cars manufactured for the Utah Western
Railway by Jackson & Sharp, Wilmington, Del., arrived in this city. One is
a beautiful little passenger car, 'Mauch Chunk', and the other is an express
car. The first shipment of rails will be here in a few days." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 12 September
1874)
12 September 1874
"Splendid Cars -- at 8:15 o'clock this morning a couple of the neatest,
most commodious and elegant cars ever brought to Utah for use on any of our
home lines arrived at the depot for the Utah Western Railroad. At one end of the
passenger car there is a division seated with sofas and chairs, sufficient to
comfortably accommodate eight persons; the central division includes the
dressing compartment, with the necessary conveniences for performing ablutions,
and on the other side, a small sub-division with seats and hinged desk and
other accommodations for persons desirous of writing, while the other and
larger division at the other end of the car has a dozen seats, each large
enough to hold two persons, with crimson velvet cushions, and ornamented nickel
arms. The decorations of the car are as neat and tasteful as could be desired.
"The smoking and baggage car combined is in keeping with the other,
everything being neat, comfortable and trim, and both are self-coupling. "The
cars were manufactured by Jackson & Sharp Co., of Wilmington. Delaware, and
were sent on to Utah in charge of Mr. Thomas Green, of Williamsburg." (Pitchard, Deseret Evening News, 12 September 1874)
25 September 1874
"A number of hands commenced work yesterday on the grade of the Utah
Western railroad, putting in culverts and fixing it up generally, preparatory
to the laying of iron, which is expected shortly to arrive." (Pitchard, Deseret Evening News, 25 September 1874)
29 October 1874
Item reports that 11-1/2 miles of the grade is ready for iron, and by Tuesday
13 miles will be ready. The U. W. has put up a new water tank, on the southwest
corner of the Utah Central depot block, which is connected by pipe with the U.
C. tank. Twelve cars of ties have been received in past two weeks, and the
first part of the iron was shipped from Ohio on the 19th. (Pitchard, Deseret Evening News, 29 October 1874)
11 November 1874
Seven car loads of rail arrived yesterday in Ogden for the Utah Western, and
will be brought to SLC this morning. Tracklaying to begin tomorrow morning.
Rail for the balance of the road, 22 miles, is on the way. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 11 November 1874)
12 November 1874
Tracklaying to commence today on the UW, seven cars of iron having arrived
yesterday. Supposed to be done to Lake Point in December. (Pitchard, Utah County Times,
12 November 1874)
19 November 1874
Another 16 car loads of iron have arrived for U. W. in S.L.C. (Pitchard, Utah County Times, 19 November 1874)
19 November 1874
"The Utah Western's beautiful and substantial locomotive 'Oquirrh' had
steam up yesterday and was run out on the newly laid track about two blocks
down South Temple Street. Tracklaying was progressing…" (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 19 November
1874)
21 November 1874
Utah Western track reached Jordan River bridge yesterday, and will cross it
today. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 21 November 1874)
28 November 1874
"Lots of ties at the Utah Northern depot that came from Cache on the
narrow gauge road, which is doing considerable freighting. The ties are for the
Utah Western Railroad." (Pitchard, Daily Ogden Junction, 28 November 1874)
29 November 1874
The U.W. tracklayers are now out beyond Brighton field, and laying track down
at about half a mile per day. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 29 November 1874)
14 December 1874
The Utah Western ran an excursion, by invitation only, yesterday the 13th, 104
persons attending. Very long and puffy item, the only comment on equipment
being this: "The company was accommodated in two beautiful new passenger
cars, one a smoking and baggage car, and the other a first class car, elegantly
fitted up, with a drawing roam or saloon at one end with Brussels carpet,
lounges, chairs, lavatory and other conveniences, and private closet for writing,
etc. The company, however, filled these two cars, and an open observation car
also." (Pitchard, Deseret Evening
News, 14 December 1874)
15 December 1874
"Utah Western Railway - It is Now Open to the Public", as of
yesterday, the 14th, when the first regular passenger train departed Salt Lake
City, with 23 passengers; the mail; Wells, Fargo & Co.'s express; and two
cars of ore, at 7:30am. Item says the Utah Western was the sixth narrow gauge
railroad in Utah. (Pitchard, Salt Lake
Herald, 15 December 1874)
15 December 1874
Yesterday was the first day of regular business for the Utah Western Railway,
and while the item has a lot of the expected puffery, it also describes the
route of the road: "The line commences at the southwest corner of the
depot in this city, runs down South Temple street, across the Jordan about a
quarter of a mile south of the North Temple street bridge, and then over the
prairie westward to Chambers' stage station, at the foot of the West, or
Oquirrh, Mountains, and a mile or so south of the point, continuing on to and
around the Point, by Black Rock, into Tooele Valley." (Pitchard, Deseret Evening News, 15 December 1874)
10 January 1875
"The Utah Western track having been laid to Black Rock…" The U.W.
will be running to Black Rock on and after 11 January 1875. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 10 January
1875)
27 January 1875
"The Utah Western Railroad Company is about to commence the manufacture of
ten flat cars." The iron parts to be cast of Utah iron, and Utah lumber to
be used also. (Pitchard, Deseret Evening
News, 27 January 1875)
3 February 1875
A reporter of the Herald went over the line yesterday; ballasting has been
done; end of line now at Townsend's, but gap between end of track and Clinton's
Landing (Lake Point) is about 200 yards, which should now be filled, and trains
will run to Clinton's soon. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 3 February 1875)
7 February 1875
Trains to run today and after to Lake Point, or Clinton's. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 7 February 1875)
25 February 1875
In a longer item on the Utah Western: "We understand the company has
recently purchased two more passenger cars, two freight and also a couple of
flats, and that another engine for use on the line is now on the way." (Pitchard, Deseret Evening News, 25 February
1875)
28 February 1875
An excursion was run yesterday, over the U. W. out to Lake Point, for Ft.
Douglas personnel; the equipment used is mentioned as being "two passenger
coaches, two flat cars and a caboose." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 28 February 1875)
16 March 1875
Grading on Utah Western has commenced beyond the Half-way House; it is about 14
miles to the Sand Bar/Tunnel this side of Stockton, and is to be in operation
that far within three months. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 16 March 1875)
27 March 1875
W. C. Rydalch, contractor, has informed the Herald that the grade for Utah
Western is completed to Halfway House, 4-1/2 miles beyond Lake Point, and
tracklaying will commence at once. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 27 March 1875)
31 March 1875
The track is completed to Halfway House, on the U. W., and regular trains to
that point will begin running 1 April 1875, and after. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 31 March 1875)
27 April 1875
There is to be an excursion to Lake Point on 1 May 1875; fare is $5.00 for a
gentleman and lady, plus $1.30 for each additional lady! (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 27 April 1875)
2 May 1875
"The Masonic Festival." "A gay and happy concourse of
pleasure-seekers assembled at the depot of the Utah Western railroad yesterday
morning, and were soon thereafter whirling away behind the iron steed 'Kate
Connor," for Lake Point, where they arrived on time, and the diversions,
exercises, feasting, etc., began at once. The affair must have been seductively
enjoyable, as a member of our staff, who accompanied the fraternity, was still
missing from his easy chair in the sanctum when we went to press." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Tribune, 2 May
1875)
3 May 1875
"For the U. W. -- This morning there were at the depot two passenger cars,
two box cars and four flat cars, all new, for the Utah Western narrow gauge.
Also a new box car for the Utah Southern broad gauge." (Pitchard, Ogden Junction, 3 May 1875)
4 May 1875
"The Utah Western railway yesterday received from the east, two passenger
cars, two box cars and four flats." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 4 May 1875)
6 May 1875
"New Car" "The Utah Western Railroad Company has just imported
from the East, a magnificent new passenger car, for use on their road. The car
is now at the Utah Central depot, mounted on a flat car, and will probably be
placed on the track where it belongs immediately." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Tribune, 6 May 1875)
6 May 1875
"Utah Western Railroad. -- The Utah Western Railroad Company received the
other day three new passenger cars, two box cars and eleven flat cars, and this
morning they received another new locomotive." (Pitchard, Deseret Evening News, 6 May 1875)
7 May 1875
"Yesterday the Utah Western railway received a new locomotive - the
'Edward Hunter.' With the new passenger and freight cars, received this week,
the company is pretty well provided for the season's business." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 7 May 1875)
5 June 1875
General James A. Garfield arrived in Salt Lake City yesterday morning. A
special over the Utah Western left the city at 2:00 p.m., and arrived at Lake
Point about 3:30 p.m. The party, which included the General, sailed out on the
lake aboard the steamboat "City of Corinne" for about an hour,
arriving back at Lake Point at 4:30 p.m. Upon the return, an unnamed lady in
the party suggested that the steamboat be renamed the "General
Garfield," which charming idea was unanimously agreed to. The railroad's
ads show the new name starting with that of June 6th, 1875. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 5 June 1875)
16 June 1875
A fatal accident occurred on the Utah Western yesterday, in that a train of
gravel cars hit a bovine creature wandering on the track, which threw off
several of the flats of gravel, and one man was caught under the cars and
crushed. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 16 June 1875)
4 January 1876
The U.W. has opened a new ticket office, 15x25 feet in size, on the southwest
corner of the Utah Central depot block. Opened yesterday for public use. (Pitchard, Utah Evening Mail, Salt Lake City, 4 January 1876)
5 January 1876
In the City Council last night, the Utah Western petitioned for leave to erect
an engine shed, 20' x 35', on their property on 4th West between South Temple
and First South streets; granted. (Pitchard, Deseret Evening News, 5 January 1876)
16 March 1876
Grading on the Utah Western has commenced on the new line beyond Halfway House,
from which point to the Sand Bar Tunnel, this side of Stockton, is about 14
miles, and the road is to be in operation that far in about three months. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Herald, 16 March
1876)
20 May 1876
The boilers of the steamboat "General Garfield" have been
hydro-tested to 150 p.s.i.; the normal operating pressure seems to be 75 p.s.i.
(Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 20 May 1876)
5 October 1876
Jacobs City (in Dry Canyon) being rebuilt after a fire, per letter from there,
dated 1 October 1876. (Pitchard, Salt
Lake Herald, 5 October 1876)
17 May 1877
On the Utah Western extension, the grade has been completed to the site of the
Tunnel, and half of the necessary ties are on hand, and 13 miles of rail has
been ordered, by LeGrand Young, who is now in the East. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 17 May 1877)
6 June 1877
Four cars of rails for the Utah Western have arrived. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 6 June 1877)
24 June 1877
The 'General Garfield' beached for some weeks, floated yesterday at about four
o'clock in the morning. (Pitchard, Salt
Lake Herald, 24 June 1877)
4 July 1877
Tracklaying on the Utah Western will commence in a day or two. Tunnel is about
a mile and a half east of Stockton, via the proposed route; geographically, it
is almost directly north. (Pitchard, Salt
Lake Herald, 4 July 1877)
11 July 1877
The Utah Western is laying rail on its extension to Stockton. (Pitchard, The Utah County Enquirer, Provo,
11 July 1877)
4 August 1877
The Utah Western track is laid about four miles beyond the present official
terminus, and expect to be at Tooele Station, which is about three miles from
Tooele, in about a week; at Stockton a company has been formed to build a
two-foot gauge tramway up Dry Canyon, several miles being already built, and to
connect at Stockton with the Utah Western, should the U.W. ever get that far. (Pitchard, The Utah County Enquirer, Provo,
4 August 1877)
8 August 1877
The Utah Western has reached the Tooele station. (Pitchard, The Utah County Enquirer, Provo, 8 August 1877)
16 August 1877
First appearance of a Utah Western Railway schedule showing service, as of 18 August 1877 and thereafter, to Tooele Station. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 16 August 1877)
9 September 1877
A new timetable on Utah Western on and after 10 Sept 1877 - "The track has
been completed to the tunnel a short distance this side of Stockton, and
distant from this city about forty miles, which is the present western terminus."
(Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 9 September
1877)
18 April 1878
"The Eastern creditors of the Utah Western Railway took possession of the
road yesterday." (Pitchard, Salt
Lake Daily Tribune, 18 April 1878)
28 May 1879
The Utah Western does have some sort of open excursion cars in service. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 28 May 1879)
7 June 1879
A wreck yesterday on the Utah Western - four coaches, loaded, were blown from
the track while moving; brakeman Lorenzo H. Crockett died of injuries, and
conductor Charles Carrington was injured. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Tribune, 7 June 1879)
11 June 1879
Last Friday, the 6th, a train blown over on the Utah Western, and brakeman
Lorenzo Crockett later died of injuries received. (Pitchard, The Territorial Enquirer, Provo, 11 June 1899)
7 January 1880
"Our Railroads," The Utah Western does not contemplate many
improvements this year, but have ordered a new locomotive, with 44"
drivers instead of those with 36" now in use. The line is about 31 miles
long, ending about two miles short of Stockton." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Tribune, 7 January 1880)
6 April 1880
"A new locomotive for the Utah Western Railway was received in this city
on Monday." Monday was the 5th of April 1880. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 6 April 1880)
6 April 1880
"A new locomotive for the Utah Western Railway was received in this city
on Monday." Monday was the 5th. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 6 April 1880)
20 April 1880
An article on "The Bathing Points" contained this: "A few days
since the new locomotive for use on the Utah Western railroad was received and
a trial has since been made. The engine has been christened the 'Jonathan' in
honor of an engineer of that name on the road. The locomotive is of the
celebrated Baldwin make and cost over $6,000. It is described as a beauty and
is probably the fastest narrow gauge engine in the country, the driving wheels
having a diameter of forty-five inches. At the trial trip everything worked to
' perfection and the company are fully satisfied with the locomotive. The trip
from Lake Point to this city was made in thirty-seven minutes, and it is the
intention of Mr. Riter to give our public quicker transit between Zion and the
bathing points than they have hitherto enjoyed." Regular schedule time
between Lake Point and Salt Lake City has been one hour and ten minutes,
heretofore." (Pitchard, Salt Lake
Daily Tribune, 20 April 1880)
3 July 1880
"The Lake", a one-third column on the resorts; "The steamer
'General Garfield' still lies moored to the piles in front of the hotel at Lake
Point, and looks rather deserted; but it will shortly be removed to the new
wharf now being built for it at a point about midway between Black Rock and
Kimball's. Work was commenced on this structure some days ago, and Captain
Douris expects to have it completed within three or four weeks." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 3 July 1880)
1 September 1880
"Two observation cars, similar to those run to Coney Island, will be put
on the Utah Western next year. Each one will accommodate ninety passengers." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Tribune, 1 September 1880)
13 October 1880
"The sale of the Utah Western Railroad takes place to-day."
Purchasers will extend it immediately, or so says the paper. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Tribune, 13 October 1880)
4 November 1880
"Sale of Utah Western Railway" yesterday, for $36,000; new name will
likely be Utah & Nevada Railway Company. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 4 November 1880)
1 April 1881
"Territorial News" column notes that the 'News' [Deseret News?] has
recently had an article on the re-organization of the Utah Western as the Utah
and Nevada, its plans, and so forth. (Pitchard, The Logan Leader, 1 April 1881)
25 June 1889
Articles of Incorporation for the Utah Western Railway Company were filed
yesterday, term 50 years, capital stock $600,000, in 6,000 shares. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 25 June 1889)
