Truesdell Bridge Disaster: Bessie Louise Rayne Victim

The Evansville Journal, Indiana, May 6, 1873

“DIXON, May 5. – Yesterday afternoon, about 1:15 o’clock, as the Rev. Mr. Pratt was passing a convert for baptism into the water of Rock River, just below the bridge, on the north side, there being a large crowd of men, women, and children witnessing the ceremony from the bridge, the iron-work gave way, and without a moment’s warning fifty or sixty souls were launched into eternity."

Of the 44 victims identified was my husband Bob's great great aunt Bessie Louise RAYNE who drowned at age 15. Bessie was the daughter of Robert Weir and Martha Louise [Woodworth] RAYNE. The family was living in Freeport, Stephenson Co., Illinois on the 1860 Census where Bessie is listed as 2 years old which in 1873 she would have been 15.

from Bob's family album. I am currently trying to secure
an image of her as a teen...if it exists at all.

from Bridgehunter.com of the Dixon Truesdell Bridge before disaster.
You can see the spectators looking at batism being preformed below.

from a postcard found online

from Bridgehunter.com Dixon Truesdell Bridge after collapse.

You can get more information on this disaster at Wikipedia or just "google" it.