Mud Run Train Wreck - Cast of Characters

Rev. E. J. Melley of St. Patrick's, Olyphant (1846-1935) (later transferred to St. John the Evangelist in South Scranton) - Rev. Melley was on Section 8, the last section in the excursion train. After learning of the accident, he granted absolution en masse to all the victims.

Father Crane of St. Mary's Pleasant Valley (1842-1921) was pastor to all of those from Moosic and Pleasant Valley who were killed at Mud Run. When the Lehigh Valley Railroad settled with the victims of the wreck, the money was given to Father Crane for distribution to his parishioners.

Father John Loughran (1831-1899) was the pastor of St. Joseph's in Minooka. He read the mass for the eight Minooka victims of the disaster.

Father John Vincent Moylan was serving at St. Peter's Cathedral at the time of the disaster.Upon arriving at Wilkes-Barre, he heard rumors that an accident had occurred on the LVRR road and asked to be taken to the scene so that he might administer the last rites of the church. He was refused.

Cornelius Smith

Cornelius Smith (1838-1901), Counsel for James and John G. Jennings

C. G. Boland

C. G. Boland - (December 16, 1854, Tullylin, Castle Connor, County Sligo, Ireland – June 17, 1924, Scranton) – Christopher G. Boland was riding in the third car of Section 7 when it telescoped the idled Section 6. He provided an in-depth interview to the New York Times on October 27, 1888, two weeks after the wreck. 

Patrick J. Mulkerin, brother of Festy Mulkerin/Mulherin and step-brother of Willie Cusick, and James Powell, son of Rose and Richard Powell

Walter Nichols
Founder of St. Paul's Pioneer Corps