Re: My Grandfather was Henry Watkins Willis

Conductor Willis was in charge of train 426 on December 18, 1940 when engine 471 went off the rails.



A posting by Jimmy Blouch for that date has the details.

December 18, 1940 (Wed.) Train No. 426 derailed at MP 383.5 (22.3 miles north of Santa Fe). Engine 471 turned over on side and 2 coal cars and 1 flat car derailed. Engine 470 on work train a few days picking up. Cleanup completed December 21st.

Train No. 426 with engine 471
Conductor Willis, brakeman Lewis
Engineer Arnell , fireman Owenby

Depart Santa Fe 10:15 AM with 4 loads 3 empties (1 empty flat, 2 empty gons, 129, 63, 320)
Dispatcher’s memorandum reads: “Espanola 11:40 AM, 426 has engine 471 derailed and over on side, and 2 coals and 1 flat across, 100 ties broken, Mrs. Carmelita Sanchez thrown against coach water tank striking on her cheek bone, she was taken to Espanola on motor car for treatment by Dr. Nesbit, speed of train about 18 miles per hour, track soft and slipped from under engine.”

Conductor Willis’ delay report reads: “11:15 AM Dec 18, MP 383½ (12 miles south of Espanola) derailed engine 471 – 2 coal cars 1 flat, engine on side, damage $850, 100 ties 12 rails needed to throw track over, RG 6219, empty flat on end down bank, coal car 1403 crossway on track, Mrs. Carmelita Sanchez, age 59, of Hernandez NM, thrown against water tank, struck cheek bone, take to Espanola, treated by Dr Nesbitt and later home, tool cars arrive 12:45 AM 19th.”