Claude Cummins, Young Railroader, Honored with Memorial Headstone

By Con Trumble

Nevada Northern Railway Museum Archivist Con Trumble has been working in the museum’s archives for years. His research has uncovered many remarkable stories and has given us new insights into the railroad’s rich past. For example, he discovered that Locomotive 93 was converted to an oil burner for a year, and that our rotary snowplow—shortly after delivery—was used as a stationary boiler, caught fire, and nearly burned up.

Beyond the machinery, Con’s research also illuminates something even more important: the human side of the railroad. While our original steam locomotives, rotary snowplow, steam crane, freight and passenger cars, and buildings still survive as physical testaments to the Nevada Northern Railway, it’s the people behind them who brought the railroad to life. In the excitement of seeing a steam locomotive rolling down the track, we sometimes forget the hundreds of individuals who built and operated this railway. It’s their stories that truly make the museum come alive.

Recently, Con uncovered one such story—a poignant reminder of the dangers of early railroading and the personal cost paid by those who worked the rails. It’s the story of Claude Cummins, a young railroader whose life was tragically cut short in 1909.

Claude was just 16 years old when he began working as an engine wiper for the Nevada Northern Railway, following in the footsteps of his father, Herbert Cummins, who worked as the night roundhouse foreman. On the morning of June 11, 1909, after a long night of work, his father sent Claude to help move Locomotive #1 to the ash pit. While assisting the engine crew, he slipped while attempting to board the moving engine. He fell beneath the wheels and sustained critical injuries.

He was rushed to Steptoe Valley Hospital, where surgeons amputated his injured arm and leg in an attempt to save his life. Though Claude remained in high spirits following the operation, the trauma proved too great. He passed away just twelve hours later. Dr. Wallace, the attending physician, remarked, “The grit of the boy has never been exceeded in the hospital. The shock to his system was simply too much for him to overcome.”

Claude’s funeral was held at his family home. Schoolchildren sang in his memory, and his closest friends—many of them sons of fellow railroaders—served as pallbearers. The entire community came together in mourning. Railroad operations paused, and a scheduled baseball game was canceled so that everyone could attend the service. Claude was laid to rest in the Ely City Cemetery.

In researching this story, Con visited the cemetery to locate Claude’s grave. With the help of the cemetery staff, he was able to find it—but he was surprised and saddened to discover that Claude’s grave had no headstone.

In keeping with the museum’s mission to honor the railroaders who came before us, the Nevada Northern Railway Museum is now working with Mountain Vista Chapel and the Ely Cemetery staff to place a proper marker at Claude’s final resting place. After sharing the story on the museum’s Facebook page and suggesting the idea of purchasing a headstone, community members responded immediately. Within days, the funds were raised to purchase a headstone. A dedication ceremony will be held once the marker is placed on Claude’s grave.

This is just the beginning. While Claude’s story is tragic, it is not unique. We hope this effort will inspire others to help us commemorate additional Nevada Northern Railway workers whose contributions have been forgotten over time.

Claude’s story came to light thanks to Con’s diligent work in the museum archive. It illustrates the vital importance of preserving historical records—not just at our museum, but across the country. Con was able to piece together the story of Claude and his father using original payroll records and digitized historical newspapers. He also received invaluable help from the staff of Mountain Vista Chapel and the Ely Cemetery, who provided access to original burial records.

In the digital age, it’s easy to dismiss old, dusty stacks of paper as irrelevant. But Claude Cummins’ story proves otherwise. These records are the key to uncovering the stories of individuals whose hard work and sacrifice brought us to where we are today.

This important work is made possible thanks to the generous support of our Save America’s Treasures grant, the Nevada Commission for Cultural Centers and Historic Preservation, and our museum members. Thank you for helping us preserve and honor the human legacy of the Nevada Northern Railway. And a special shut out to the donors for Claude’s headstone – Matthew Dowd, Des Plaines, IL; David Zeman, Arlington Heights, IL; Linda Snyder, Phoenixville PA; Michele Miller, Highlands Ranch, CO; Bryan Broderick, Casper WY; Vicki Parke, Evansville, WY; William Megill, Henderson, NV and Patricia Karbs, Casper WY.

This is just one small example of how the teamwork of grantors, members, and donors bring history alive at the Nevada Northern Railway National Historic Landmark.