First Railroad in Jane Lew
August 9, 1879
As described in "A History Of Lewis County" by Edward C. Smith in 1920.
Clarksburg, Weston and Glenville Railroad and Transportation Company was established on August 14, 1878. Five days later the lease of the Weston and West Fork Railroad was completed.
The small amount of grading remaining
unfinished (Weston and West Fork
Road) was soon done, the trestle work was
completed and part of the track was laid in the first half of
1879. On 9 August 1879, the first passenger train arrived at Jane
Lew from Clarksburg amid the cheers of a large crowd of citizens
who had gathered from far and near to celebrate its coming. Many
of the promoters of the road with their wives, who had come from
Weston in buggies for the celebration, were passengers on the
train when it returned to Clarksburg. The one passenger coach was
described by a newspaper man who was present as being "a
perfect model of convenience, and as far as style and general
appearance compares most favorably with any car we have ever seen.
It is divided into two compartments, the front part being used
for a baggage and express room." The rear compartment for
passengers was heated by a stove set in one corner. The car
continued for many years to do service on the road.
A stage line was established: on
the road between Weston and Jane Lew to connect with the new
railroad until September 1st, when it was expected that it would
be possible to run trains to the temporary station which was
being erected near where the entrance to Machpelah cemetery (North end of Weston) now is..
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