Evening Republican, Volume 18, Number 294, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 December 1914 — Real Father of Locomotive. [ARTICLE]

Real Father of Locomotive.

The right of Robert Stephenson to. the title, “Father of the Locomotive*” which has been bestowed upon him, is questioned in a book which recently has appeared by G. A. Sekon, editor of the Railroad World,' which gives the honor to Thomas Hackworth. The latter went to the Stockton & Darlington railroad as engineer and general manager in June, 1826. The locomotives the railroad • started with proved unsuccessful. The horses hauling the coal cars were doing the work of transportation cheaper than the locomotives. The directors decided to abandon the locomotives. However, before taking the decisive step, Thomas Hackworth, the engineer and manager of the railway, was asked his opinion upon the subject His reply was: “Gentlemen, if yon will allow me to construct an engine in my own way I will engage it shall work cheaper than animal power." After due deliberation this alternative was adopted, as a last locomotive experiment The engine Royal George was the result built at New Shlldon by. Thomas Hackworth, and tried September, 1827. It ■was a success in every particular and cut down the haulage cos't by more than half.