Manitowoc, WI Train Wreck, Oct 1919

TWO ARE KILLED IN RAILWAY WRECK NEAR OSHKOSH, WIS.

Manitowoc, Wis., Oct. 20. – Train No. 111, Milwaukee to Ashland, on the North Western railroad, was deliberately wrecked here late last night. The fireman and engineer were killed when the train jumped the track and plunged into a ditch. Steel coaches saved the passengers. It was the fifth attempt in the last five years to wreck the train.

The dead are:

ROBERT FITZGERALD, 50, engineer, Milwaukee. Scalded and head crushed.

ALBERT DUCHAISE, 30, fireman, Green Bay.

A watchman at a manufacturing plant who saw the wreck rang the fire alarm when a blaze from the overturned cars threatened to set fire to the factory.

The wreck occurred late last night. The switch had been thrown and the red danger light had been turned around so as to show only the green light. The engineer thought he had a clear track and went ahead. The engine jumped the track and dragged the mail and express coaches with it. FITZGERALD’S boy was found an hour later. It was almost unrecognizable. DUCHAISE’S body has not been found.

Railroad officials say they believe that the attempt to wreck the train was due to some discharged employe [sic] seeking revenge.

Grand Forks Herald, Grand Forks, ND 21 October 1919
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Transcribed by Tim Taugher. Thanks, Tim!