Bravery and heroism have in all times been extolled, and the praises
of the self-sacrificing men and women who have risked their own in the
saving of others' lives, been faithfully chronicled.
Railroad men, too long looked upon as the rougher kind of humanity,
have been the subjects of severe condemnation and reproach upon the
occurrence of every disaster, while their skill, bravery and presence
of mind have scarcely ever found a chronicler. The writer ventures to
assert, that if the record of their noble deeds were all gathered, and
presented in their true light, it would be found that these rough, and
weather-worn men were entitled to as high a place, and a fame as lofty,
as has been allotted to any other class who cope with disaster.
It has been the aim of the writer, who has shared their dangerous lot,
to present a few truthful sketches, trusting that his labor may tend to
a better knowledge of the dangers that are passed, by those who drive,
and ride behind the IRON HORSE. If he shall succeed in this, and make
the time of his reader not appear misspent, he will be satisfied.