The locomotive (tank engine) Reuben Wells and the Madison Incline were on the Jefferson, Madison & Indianapolis RR where Master Mechanic Reuben Wells (1829-1912) worked for 26 years before promotion/transfer to Kentucky and the Louisville & Nashville as General Manager. Certainly a major railroad personality in those parts.

Emry Arthur (1902-1967) was born in Elk Spring Valley, Kentucky and relocated to Indianapolis mid-1920s. He died there in 1967, the year before the Reuben Wells came to the museum. A major folk source for your sub-set of lyrics.

One of the reasons the locomotive was retired to Purdue U. was that Reuben Wells was a Trustee and help set up the mechanical – civil engineering departments in the 1870s.

The engine was brought out for the '33-34 Chicago World's fair which was announced about the time of Arthur's release date on Paramount Records.

Fun to speculate. Emry Arthur's great-grandson (Jeff Summers) was active on the genealogical websites at one time. You might try him.