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Kate Shelley And The Midnight Express: A Harrowing Tale of Courage and Survival

Ernest Powell

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Published in Kate Shelley And The Midnight Express (On My Own History)

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Kate Shelley and the Midnight Express (On My Own History)

by Margaret K. Wetterer

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	42491 KB
Print length	:	48 pages

In the annals of American history, the name Kate Shelley stands as a beacon of courage, resilience, and selflessness. At the tender age of 15, this remarkable young woman risked her own life to save a train and its passengers from a deadly crash on a stormy night in 1881.

The story of Kate Shelley and the Midnight Express is a captivating tale that has been passed down through generations. It is a testament to the indomitable spirit of a young woman who, in the face of overwhelming odds, summoned the courage to act and ultimately became a symbol of hope and heroism.

The Setting

The year is 1881. The United States is still a young nation, and the railroad is rapidly expanding westward. Moingona, Iowa, is a small town located on the banks of the Des Moines River. The town is home to a railroad bridge that spans the river, connecting the east and west.

On the evening of July 6, 1881, a violent storm descends upon Moingona. The rain falls in sheets, and the wind howls like a banshee. The Des Moines River swells, threatening to overflow its banks.

The Disaster

Just after midnight, the Chicago and North Western Railway's Midnight Express approaches the Moingona bridge. The train is carrying over 100 passengers, many of whom are sleeping in their berths.

As the train crosses the bridge, a section of the track gives way, sending the locomotive and several cars crashing into the raging river below. The impact is deafening, and the screams of the passengers fill the night air.

In the chaos that follows, one young woman emerges as a beacon of hope. Kate Shelley, the 15-year-old daughter of a local railroad worker, witnesses the crash from her home on the riverbank.

The Rescue

Without hesitation, Kate races to the scene of the disaster. She finds the wreckage scattered across the riverbank, and the passengers trapped inside the submerged cars.

Kate knows that she must act quickly. She runs to her father's shed and grabs a lantern and a rope. She then wades into the icy water and begins to search for survivors.

Kate's search leads her to a car that is still afloat. She hears cries for help coming from inside, and she knows that she must find a way to reach them.

Kate ties the rope around her waist and dives into the water. She swims to the car and climbs inside. She finds a young woman trapped in the wreckage, and she helps her to escape.

Kate then returns to the riverbank and helps to rescue several other passengers. She works tirelessly for hours, until all of the survivors have been brought to safety.

The Aftermath

The rescue of the Midnight Express passengers was a major news story at the time. Kate Shelley was hailed as a hero, and she was awarded a gold medal by the Congress of the United States.

Kate's story is a reminder that even the smallest of us can make a difference in the world. Her courage, compassion, and selflessness continue to inspire people to this day.

The story of Kate Shelley and the Midnight Express is a timeless tale of heroism and survival. It is a story that has been told and retold for generations, and it continues to inspire people of all ages.

If you are looking for a book that will uplift your spirits and remind you of the power of the human spirit, then I highly recommend Kate Shelley And The Midnight Express.

This book is a must-read for anyone who loves history, adventure, or simply a good story.

Free Download your copy today!