M&StL in Illinois

M&StL

Illinois

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The following information was researched by Dave Armstrong arm22@maplecity.com

The Illinois side began operation in 1883 as the Central Iowa Railway Company (of Illinois). By 1883 the line ran from Oskaloosa to Peoria. Untill 1886 ferries were used to cross the Mississippi river. The first was the William Osborn which had a capacity of four cars, later another ferry was added. The Golden Eagle, this has two tracks and double the capacity of the first. The first bridge over the river was completed in 1886. On August 1, 1888 the Central Iowa Railway Company (of Illinois) became the Iowa Central.

Keistburg IL Was a division point on the Iowa Central. There was an interchange with the CB&Q. Its telegraph call was KD. It had a 39 car siding and capacity for 180 cars on other tracks. In 1935 the agents name was C. L. Grieman.

Seaton IL Telegraph call signal was JN. It had a 49 car siding and capacity for 24 cars on other tracks. In 1935 the agent was F. H. Smith.

Little York, IL The first train through town was on April 5, 1883. On July 1, 1883 was the first mail delivery by train. In 1908 there was two passanger and one frieght train daily in each direction. The telegraph call was RX, it had a 72 car siding and capacity for 29 cars on other tracks. In 1935 the agents name was Mike Ryan. Also there was a 15 m.p.h. speed limit thru corporate limits.

In Eleanor there was a stockyard, which was fairly busy and after the depot burned down the railroad converted a retired boxcar into a two room depot. One room was a waiting room/office and one for freight.

In 1951 the time table had listed six trains on the Illinois side. Eastbound- 1st class 20 daily, 2nd class 96 daily and 10 M W F Westbound- 1st class 19 daily, 2nd class 95 daily and 9 T Th S