PHOTO COURTESY OF THE TRAER HISTORICAL MUSEUM

A drayman waiting for the train at the Rock Island Railroad Depot. Draymen loaded freight and delivered to Traer businesses. The low-sided wagon held crates and barrels used for shipping but still allowed unloading over the side. Draymen were like the delivery truck drivers of today. Some of the early draymen in Traer were George Armour, James Wilgus and Alvah Gates Sr.