Western and Atlantic Railroad » Key Figures in Railroad History

James D. Adams, affectionately known as “Uncle Jim” to generations of travelers, died at midnight on Nov. 12, 1914, at the home of his sister in Smyrna, Georgia. He was 67 years old.

Adams was one of the most seasoned railroad conductors in the South, with a distinguished career that spanned nearly half a century. He began his service with the Western & Atlantic Railroad around 1867. He spent the last 35 years of his career as a conductor, a role in which he became a familiar and respected figure to countless traveling men across the state.

He was survived by his wife, five sisters, and one brother. Six nephews, all employed by the Western & Atlantic Railroad, were chosen to serve as pallbearers.

The funeral procession departed Atlanta on the morning of Nov. 14, 1914, via the Western & Atlantic line, with interment at McDaniel Station, marking the final journey of a man who spent his life in motion.

R.A. “Bob” Anderson began his career with the Western & Atlantic Railroad in about 1856.

The Locust Grove native began his career as a clerk in the railroad’s Chattanooga, Tennessee, freight office. After two years in that role, he was promoted to general freight agent.

In 1863, he left the railroad to serve for the Confederacy, holding a role in the engineering department.

After the state leased the line in 1870, Anderson was named general superintendent, and he assumed the superintendent role in about 1882 after William MacRae resigned the post.

When the Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis Railway leased the line from the state in 1890, he was named general superintendent of the Western & Atlantic’s property. However, with his health failing, he resigned from the post after only a few months.

Charles Beardsley joined the Western and Atlantic Railroad circa 1869. He began as an operator on the railroad.

He resigned as a train dispatcher for the Western and Atlantic Railroad in about February 1891.