CHARLES E. SYMONDS, Cleveland, Ohio.
Charles E. Symonds was born in Niagara Falls, New York, on April 27, 1845, and began his railroad career in June, 1866, as a fireman on the Atlantic & Great Western, being promoted to engineer in February, 1869. Since that time he has run an engine in the freight service and for the past twelve years has had the local freight.
Mr. Symonds was married on November 24, 1870, and resides in Cleveland, Ohio, at 19 Bridge street, being highly regarded by his many acquaintances, especially in railroad circles where he is best known.
Excerpted from: "American Locomotive Engineers, Erie Railway Edition," H.R. Romans Editor; Crawford-Adsit Company Publishers, Chicago, IL 1899.
From the August, 1908 issue of Erie Railroad Magazine (Cleveland News)
Engineer Charles Symonds, the victim of the wreck at Mantua, OH caused by the work of train wreckers, on the night of June 27 (1908), when he was crushed under engine 843, was a native of Niagara Falls, NY where he was born on May 27, 1846. He began work with the Erie on the west side in 1861 and in the fall of 1866 was serving as Yard Clerk and Car Checker. In the spring of the following year Master Mechanic Ford gave him a job as fireman and in February, 1869, he was given his first engine. Since then he has been in continuous service with the Erie and had a first-class record as a faithful and conscientious employe. He was a devoted family man, a true Christian, one who could be depended on at all times both by his employes and his friends. His untimely end is deeply regretted by all who knew him. His funeral was largely attended from the Gordon Avenue M.E. Church, of which he was a member.
From the August, 1908 issue of the B of LE Railroad Engineers' Journal:
Brother Charles Symonds of Division 167, cleveland, was killed in a derailment June 26, 1908. He was 62. He joined the Brotherhood on Dec. 6, 1870, and held a insurance policy for $3,000 payable to his wife, Mary H. Symonds.
From the June 27, 1908 issue of the Marion Daily Star:
The Erie Company Suffers Bad Wreck
One Trainman is Killed and Six Passengers Hurt -- Train Leaves Rails Near Garrettsville
A Cleveland special of this morning says: One trainman was killed, one probably fatally hurt and six passengers injured when Erie train No. 19, Pittsburgh to Cleveland, left the rails west of Garrettsville, Ohio. The dead: Charles Simon, engineer. Probally fatally injured: George Ikey, fireman. The engine jumped the track, where it ran off an embankment of twenty-five feet. It rolled down the incline, crushing the engineer and fireman. All the coaches were derailed, but did not follow the engine over the embankment.
A United Press wire from Cleveland today says: A reward of $500 was today offered by H.O. Dunkle, general superintendent of the Erie, for the apprehension of persons he declares guilty of causing the wreck at Mantua, near Garrettsville, last night. Dunkle's investigation has satisfied him the wreck the resulted from a misplaced rail or an obstruction on the track. All of the Erie's detectives have been detailed to work on the case. Other detectives have been called to their assistance.
"I am thoroughly convinced the accident was caused by train wreckers," said Dunkle, today. "It occurred at the same point where an attempt was made to wreck a train a year ago by placing ties on the track. I am at a loss to account for the motive back of it."
The train pounded over the rails 200 feet and then plunged down the embankment. The combination baggage coach, smoker and dining car followed the engine. The last car, a Pullman coach, filled with passengers, stopped at the edge.
Engineer Symonds remained at his post while the train took the wild flight. He was crushed to death.