April 17, 1918
West Virginia Northern wreck at Marion kills three
A West Virginia Northern freight train ran out of control while descending the grade from Jessop toward Tunnelton. Just south of the Marion water station, the locomotive derailed on a curve and overturned into the county road, with three coal-loaded boxcars piling up behind it. Engineer Frank Pugh, fireman Patsy Hohman, and N. B. Johns, a friend riding on the engine, were killed. Conductor Scott Wilson and two brakemen jumped clear and escaped injury.
Research status
This entry has been checked against its named source.
The timeline wording accurately reflects the source listed below. This status does not necessarily mean the event has been independently corroborated against additional records.
Sources and further reading
Where this entry comes from
The Preston County Journal, April 18, 1918, p. 1, far-left column, “West Va. Northern Railroad Wreck”
Research notes
What the evidence establishes
The Preston County Journal reported the wreck the following day, describing the engineer’s unsuccessful attempts to regain control and estimating the train’s speed at 35–40 miles per hour. This contemporary account establishes the date, reported location, and fatalities, but does not establish a formally investigated mechanical cause.
Keep exploring
Related history
Help strengthen this entry
Have a correction, source, or local detail?
Share what you know. The contribution form will automatically include this entry’s title and reference.