On December 29, 1876, the night was frigid and dark. The Lakeshore and Michigan Southern train had left Erie, Pennsylvania. The snow fell heavily in Ashtabula, which is in the northeastern section of Ohio. Winds blowing more than 50 mph and 20 inches of snow were punishing Ashtabula. Four days after Christmas, 159 passengers had settled in a for a peaceful train ride without incident. Celebrity gospel singer Philip Bliss and his wife were also aboard. At 7:30 p.m., disaster struck. While crossing the Ashtabula Bridge in heavy snow, the tracks buckled. The train plunged nearly 80 feet into the river. The wrecked train exploded and shattered the silence in nearby Ashtabula. Residents heard the loud explosion which sent rescuers and looters to the scene. They walked into an inferno. This true story has ghosts, murder, negligence and much heartbreak. To read my columns, please visit www.Clermontsun.com or my website at www.themarcabe.com. You can also find me on Facebook and Twitter, and if you are interested in sponsoring my podcast and column, please click on this link: http://www.themarcabe.com/donations.html