CNO&TP Engine 579 was photographed in 1896 when it was handling a work train engaged in
distributing the first rock ballast to be used on the CNO&TP. According to Ties informant,
Agent K. C. Gardner, Daisy, Tenn., it was the practice in those days for work trains to
have a fireman- telegrapher who tapped wires and got instructions for the work train "on
location." Fireman-telegrapher A. B. Willison is shown standing in the gangway. He
retired as a telegrapher and now is living in Science Hill, Ky. The engineer was John
("Uncle Jack" ) Tilford, now deceased. His son John E. Tilford is
now president of the Louisville & Nashville, Railroad Company.
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