Thomas Chain Gang 8:26:25 3.21 PM
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Thomas Chain Gang 8:26:25 3.21 PM
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About this listen
Story by: Gail Nobles © 2025
Cover Illus. by: Gail Nobles
There was a Black man named Thomas Miller Jr. who was incarcerated by two Black police officers based on a false robbery accusation, while the real culprit, who had committed a bank robbery, remained free due to their collusion. During his time in prison, the guards nicknamed him Thomas Chain Gain. He was tasked with making tools for the railroads and was eventually appointed as the leader among the chain gang workers. Despite having to endure harsh, cold conditions, he crafted a warm shawl for himself that gave him a more commanding presence. The wardens observed him closely to see if the role would inflate his ego, but he remained humble and true to himself. They didn’t comment much on his new appearance, understanding that he was simply trying to stay warm. However, there were times when he fell ill and became exhausted from the labor of swinging his pickaxe.
Many nights and evenings, as well as countless mornings, Thomas prayed for a way out of prison. As the years passed, he started to believe that God had a purpose for his incarceration. He became fascinated with the railroad tracks, studying the design of train wheels, which featured a slightly conical shape and a flange to ensure they stayed on the tracks while navigating curves. His thoughts wandered to roller coasters and vast holes carved into the earth, resembling underground tunnels. Thomas was ahead of his time, envisioning the possibility of tracks suspended in the air. He contemplated how to create a covering like a door to disguise the hole in the ground, camouflaging it with dirt. He also recalled stories of how people traversed mountains. In his mind, he devised ways to help fellow inmates who had suffered abuse, illness, and were innocent, just like him. Thankfully, Thomas had never faced abuse himself, as his skill in crafting tools for the railroad had kept him safe. Many nights, he sat in his cell, dreaming of inventions.
I’m Gail Nobles and you’re listening to “Thomas Chain Gang: The Railroad Story” by Gail Nobles copyright 2025.
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