Rome Sentinel, Tuesday, October 11, 1870
The New Locomotive Adams
Last Saturday afternoon the new and powerful locomotive Adams, of the Rome, Watertown & Ogdensburg Railroad, went to Watertown and back on a trial trip. The day was charming, likewise the engine, in its glory of bright metal and fresh paint, with Charlie Gillingham, an intelligent young engineer, at the helm, the iron horse moved slowly out of the depot. It was soon apparent that although new and stiff, the machinery of the Adams - Master Mechanic Jackson’s third and best - worked beautifully.
At each station the journals and running gear were carefully examined, and everything found in satisfactory condition. On our return the sun had long since disappeared below the horizon, and but the continual crash of machinery, and the sharp click of the switches as we passed over them, a transformation into and ideal world might easily be imagined.
It is growing darker, lights begin to twinkle brightly over the landscape. But a brighter light soon floods hill and dale, meadow and woodland, and the full moon of a glorious autumn day sails slowly up in the east. But we heed not the beautiful moonlight, nor the beautiful shadowy landscape on either side.
On we go, over bridges with the river coursing swiftly along nearly fifty fee below, and we wonder if the sleepy passengers behind think of the sleeplessness of a fellow mortal - he with right hand on the lever and the left on the throttle - he whose eyes are on the reflected head-long below him, and whose vigilance is unceasing - whose vigils are as constant as the succession of day and night.
The Adams was constructed under the immediate supervision of Mr. G. G. Armstrong, foreman of the machine shop.
Watertown Daily Times
June 17, 1871
“The John S. Farlow.” - In the June number of the Locomotive Engineers Journal we find the following description of this beautiful engine from a Watertown correspondent. The “Farlow” has lately been placed upon the Rome, Watertown & Ogdensburg R.R.
Its power and capacity may be gathered from the following summary: Diameter of boiler, 43 3/4 inches; cylinder, 15 1/2x 20 inches; capacity of fire box, 37x 46 inches; water space, 3 inches; diameter of driving wheels, 5 1/2 feet. It is a coal burner, and when coaled and watered weighs 32 tons. Makes steam charmingly, and when in motion moves like “a thing of life.” Is neatly and tastefully painted, and has the usual amount of “bright work,” which added to its beauty and general appearance, reflecting great credit upon those having charge of its construction, and upon the road to which it is now such an important acquisition.
The Farlow has been entrusted to the care of M. Asa Rowell, one of the oldest and most experienced engineers. He has been on the road over twenty years - is as honest and faithful as he is sober and gentlemanly -is a good mechanic and a member of the Brotherhood.
This mark of confidence on the part of the company has certainly not been displaced. “Asa” ran one engine, the Jefferson, thirteen years without meeting a single casualty. Indeed, it has passed into a proverb, that when Asa “holds the throttle,” ease, comfort and safety follow him. May he live long to enjoy the confidence of the public and the company, and never “run the Farlow into the ground.”*
*Built at the Rome shops, renumbered NYC&HR 234, Sold 9-13-1894.
