File:First in America (Mohawk & Hudson Railroad, i.e. Albany & Schenectady Railroad). In Progress 1876. Clipped and collected by George E. Mansfield (1876-1877) The Billerica and Bedford Railroad CR.jpg

English: First in America (Mohawk & Hudson Railroad, i.e. Albany & Schenectady Railroad). In Progress 1876. Clipped and collected by George E. Mansfield (1876-1877) The Billerica and Bedford Railroad

FIRST IN AMERICA. In 1826 a Charter was granted to the Monews & Ronson R. R. Co. for a Railroad to run from Albany to Schenectady, N. Y, 16 miles. In 1830 work was eommenoed on the Road, which went through the populous towns along the open streets, without restrie-thin or fear of the consequences, and travelled across field, up hill and down. The land was either given to the Railway Company, or sold for a trifling consideration, and it was .finished in 1831. Both Locomotive Engines and Horses were used on the road, and the tickets were sold at stores or shops, or by the c.ductor, and the trains proceeded at a very slow rate. Stationary Engines were at the top of the hills, and the train was hauled up hill or let down bill by a strong rope. The brakemen used hand-levers to stop or cheek the train.

The first Steam Passenger Excursion Train in America was run on this Road in 1831. The Engine was named "John Bull;" it was imported from England; its weight was four tons. The Engineer was John Hampson, an Englishman. There were fifteen passengers on the Train of two coaches, among whom were the following (commencing at the rear of the train):

1. Unknown 2. LEWIS BENEDICT. 3. JAMES ALEXANDER, Pres. Com'l Bank. 4. CHAS. E. DUDLEY, Dudley Observatory. 5. JACOB HAYES, High Constable of N. York. 6. MAJOR MEGGS, Sheriff. 7. UNKNOWN, Brakeman. 8. BILLY WINNE, Penny Postman. 9. UNKNOWN 10. UNKNOWN 11. THURLOW WEED. 12. JOSIAH SNOW, Ed. Southbridge Register. 13. EX-GOV. JOS. C. YATES 14. UNKNOWN 15. BILLY MARSHALL, Conductor.

16. JOHN HAMPSON, Engineer.