CASEY JONES- EPIC OF THE AMERICAN' RAILROAD by FRED J. LEE. Originally published in 1939. FOREWORD: FRED J, LEE has given a full and correct account of the life o my husband and his friend, and it has been my pleasure to give him my unreserved cooperation and direct assistance in the preparation of the book Casey Jones. I have received many curious inquiries from all over the world and have taken part in numerous ceremonies, radio programs and dedicatory exercises in honor of my beloved husband. My chief purpose in the latter years of my life is to tell the world in every way I can how wonderfully he deserved every honor bestowed upon him in life and every honor accorded his memory since his death, 1 do not know as well as some his superior qualifications as a locomotive engineer for which he became so celebrated, but I do know that in personality, character and disposition he had no superior. It is my belief that this volume and the monument at Cayce, Kentucky, sponsored by the Hickman, Kentucky Lions Club and dedicated by Senator Alben Barkley to his memory in 1938 will be, throughout the years to come, the true permanent memorials to Casey Jones.
INTRODUCTION: THERE is a wide difference between the saturated steam locomotives of the late nineteenth century and the sleek aluminum, streamlined Diesel and electric engines of today capable of developing speeds up to two hundred miles per hour j but the technique, methods and personalities of the earlier romantic period com prise an essentially important and extremely interesting chapter in the history of the American railroad. From the vast army of workers who were responsible for the actual operation and maintenance of the railroad in the nineties one name has arisen that will survive in memory as long as the railroad in any form exists. It radiates the spirit of romance and adventure inherent in the American railroad. That name is Casey Jones. There must be some fundamental vital element in any ballad that is accepted as a folk song* The element assumes additional weight and significance when the hero of the ballad was a real living human being. It was such a person who inspired the song that has been sung around the world.
The author has gone to every known available source in order that historical accuracy might be pre servedj and has spared no pains to follow every clew that promised to throw light upon the life of Casey Jones, the man. Whenever possible, every story con - cerning him has been verified, and nothing of doubtful authenticity has been retained. An exact chronology has been followed, and although the story is told in fictional form care has been taken not to color the related incidents more than the known facts warranted. The purpose has been to recreate the scenes and make them live again. Most of the characters arc or were real persons, with whose names no liberties have been taken. It is only when names have been for gotten and no known record of them was to be found that fictitious names have been substituted...