The Train Wreckers Part IV

Part IV of the articles concerning the 1877 case of The Train Wreckers in Pulaski County, Missouri. Most of the records of this case were lost in the fire that destroyed the courthouse in Waynesville in 1903. Thankfully newspaper coverage of the events have survived, and I am posting them here so that others can read this colorful tale. The beginning of the story can be found in "The Train Wreckers Part I." and continues in “The Train Wreckers Part II”, followed by “The Train Wreckers Part III“. This story is mentioned in Goodspeeds 1899 History of Laclede, Camden, Dallas, Webster, Wright, Texas, Pulaski, Phelps, and Dent counties.


A Court Room Scene from the 1880's

The Trial of the Train Wreckers.

Phelps County New Era March 16, 1878 The trial of Gibson, one of the train wreckers, at Waynesville, Mo, drags it’s weary length along. The evidence in chief for the prosecution has been closed and evidence for the defence is being heard, the attorneys for the defense having omitted making a statement to the jury as to their line of defence. It is supposed that the trial will last a week longer before a verdict will be reached. So far on the direct examination the evidence has been very conclusive of Gibson’s guilt and it is the general opinion that he will be convicted.