[the abbreviations and CAPS are mine] The first rail was laid within Daviess Co on the 5th day of Apr 1871, and great was the rejoicing thereat. It was on the St. Louis, Chillicothe & Omaha line. The track was then rapidly laid to Gallatin. A serious feeling against the road was caused by their failing to come across the river, and the belief won the part of the railway co. that they could build up a rival town at the crossing of the Chicago & Southwestern. They even went so far as to try and get the post office from Gallatin removed to that point. The destruction of $100,000 of Gallatin property, besides what the county had invested in public grounds and buildings, did not cause them one minute's halt in their nefarious work. The scheme was a failure, and the only success the company made in this job was securing the cordial hatred of the citizens of Gallatin. The 1st excursion to celebrate the opening of the Chicago & SWern arrived Sept 26, 1871, and quite a number of Gallatians were invited and were added to the excursion party. The ladies of Gallatin made a beautiful wreath of flowers and evergreens into an arch, under which the train passed, and were highly complimented by the members of the excursion. Generals Grant and Beauregard were on the train and of the party. The ladies were presented with several bottles of wine as a remembrance of their beautiful arch so appropriately arranged. The stay at Gallatin was short.