The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

The Runaway Logging Train

From Maverick to McNerney, only sixteen miles away
Came a heavily loaded logging train one cold December day.
There was a fireman Pete O'Beuren, and Wayle Jones, the engineer
The conductor's name was Wesley Clark, a man who knew no fear.

'Twas on the Apache Railway Lines, the trip was a routine run,
"We'll be back home," said Wesley Clark, "before the setting sun."
But little did he know what fate had planned for them that day,
A few mile farther down the line, that's where the brakes gave way.

The logging train was gathering speed, her whistle pierced the air,
And though Wayley Jones threw on the brakes, they wouldn't take the air.
Then terror gripped those three stout men who were the engine's crew
"We'd better jump!" cried Wesley Clark, "there's nothing more to do."

He thought of all the folks ahead in that peaceful little town,
And he knew many would die that day if he couldn't slow her down.
He started to jump, then he changed his mind, as a thought raced 'cross his brain,
Though it cost my life, it's worth the risk, I'll stay right with the train.

The two men jumped, but Clark stayed on and breathed a silent prayer,
"Oh God," he thought, "Please give me strength," as he threw on the air.
The brakes at first did not respond, though he tried with might and main.
But his prayer was heard and the brakes took hold, and he stopped the runaway train.

Wes Clark was just a simple man, but his heart was brave and true,
With plenty of chance to save his live, he chose to see it through.
And though he's been rewarded with money and with fame,
His greatest reward is yet to come, for God will know his name. (alternate last line, depending on your mood)
His greatest reward is yet to come, when they get him out from under that train.

Submitter comment:

One of the camping "standards" that we sung every time we were out.

Data entry tech comment:

Informant and collector are the same person.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT