Disaster Victim. Was one of 34 people who were killed at the Gasconade Bridge train disaster. Hundreds of St. Louisans prepared for the excursion marking the opening of the Pacific Railroad from St. Louis to Jefferson City, Missouri on November 1, 1855. In addition to the people killed, about 100 were injured when the Gasconade Bridge trestle collapsed as the 15 wooden railway cars reached the first pier. Nine of the cars sank at the edge of the Gasconade River and dragged three other cars off the track. Washington King, mayor of St. Louis, was among those injured. The president of the St. Louis city council and the chief engineer were killed. The son of David Ables and Leah Bloch Ables, Adolph was married to Amalia Taussig, the sister of James Taussig, a lawyer and uncle of Charles Taussig and the mentor of young Justice Louis Brandeis. Their children were Julius David Abeles, Arthur Abeles, Robert Abeles, and Alice Abeles. Adolph and Charles developed a vertically integrated business around the Pacific Railroad supplying land, timber and capitol for its development. Adolph was elected state representative to the Missouri General Assembly in 1850 and served two years. Among other things, he promoted the Pacific Railroad's incorporation, which ultimately led to his death.

(Some information provided by JJ 3/19/17)

Disaster Victim. Was one of 34 people who were killed at the Gasconade Bridge train disaster. Hundreds of St. Louisans prepared for the excursion marking the opening of the Pacific Railroad from St. Louis to Jefferson City, Missouri on November 1, 1855. In addition to the people killed, about 100 were injured when the Gasconade Bridge trestle collapsed as the 15 wooden railway cars reached the first pier. Nine of the cars sank at the edge of the Gasconade River and dragged three other cars off the track. Washington King, mayor of St. Louis, was among those injured. The president of the St. Louis city council and the chief engineer were killed. The son of David Ables and Leah Bloch Ables, Adolph was married to Amalia Taussig, the sister of James Taussig, a lawyer and uncle of Charles Taussig and the mentor of young Justice Louis Brandeis. Their children were Julius David Abeles, Arthur Abeles, Robert Abeles, and Alice Abeles. Adolph and Charles developed a vertically integrated business around the Pacific Railroad supplying land, timber and capitol for its development. Adolph was elected state representative to the Missouri General Assembly in 1850 and served two years. Among other things, he promoted the Pacific Railroad's incorporation, which ultimately led to his death.

(Some information provided by JJ 3/19/17)

Bio by: Connie Nisinger