Here, a Midland train stops for its photograph at an unknown location. Judging by the rock work, it may be along the East Branch of the Delaware in the Catskills. Note the big stack on the engine and the freight on the flatcar. The coach and baggage car are truly 1860's vintage stock. Many locomotives purchased by the Oswego Midland lastest well into the O&W years. While the OM gave names to nearly all of its locomotives, the practice stopped before the change to the Ontario & Western name. Here are a few examples of locomotives that outlived their original owner.

The C. A. Wortendyke, #71 is purportedly on the first train to Oswego in 1869.

Engine #2, the "Madison," gleams in the sun as engineer Pat Fogarty stands in the gangway for his portrait. This engine was built by Rhode Island Locomotive Works in April, 1869 and sold in October, 1887.

The "Sullivan," #5, is seen here on the Weehawken turntable, probably in the late 1880's.

#7 was not really a Midland engine but came to the O&W in 1905 from the Port Jervis, Monticello & NY when the O&W bought the line from Summitville to Port Jervis. The sole resident of Class F, the 7 was in Middletown, apparently just before she was sold in 1916.

The "Courtland," originally numbered 78 by the Midland, was built by Rhode Island Locomotive Works in September, 1872 as a 2-6-0. She became second 68 in 1873 and renamed the "Utica." She was then rebuilt as an 0-6-0, seen here, and renumbered second 49. This view is probably in Middletown. The 49 was scrapped in March, 1903.

This Rhode Island product of 1873 was originally named the "Bloomfield" and was numbered 92. It was renumbered 103 in 1888.

John Minshull was the Master Mechanic of the Midland in the mid-1870s. He met an untimely death riding an inspection engine near East Branch. Find out more about the Minshulls of the Midland.

Railroading was hazardous in its earliest years. Link and pin couplers, wooden cars and long hours on duty all contributed to loss of life and limb. Witness Daniel Nichols, a Midland brakeman from Walton, laid low by Dame Fate. Perhaps he remained in the railroad's employ as a crossing guard or watchman. Without insurance, this was a typical way to help an injured employ support his family. Looks like Mr. Nichols probably earned a commission for allowing himself to be used in advertising for local doctors.