From the May, 1925 issue of Erie Railroad Magazine:
Adam Heckman, employed as engineer on the Meadville Division, started railroading in 1867 on the section between Buchanan and Geneva, under Foreman Hollern, working two seasons. In 1869, he began working for Engine Dispatcher William Fuller at Meadville.

Later in the fall of that year he was employed as fireman under Engine Dispatcher Fuller, making his first trip with Engineer J.A. Quirk, with Engine 74. After firing about one year he quit the service to go with the Phoenix Iron Works. Returning to the railroad he helped build the shops on the site now occupied by the machine shop at Meadville. In 1880 he returned to firing, and in 1886 was promoted to engineer, which position he continues to hold.

Engineer Heckman was born in Steinalben, Bavaria, in 1851, and came to this country with his parents in 1863.

From the June, 1926 issue of Erie Railroad Magazine:
Gold honor buttons for 40 years continuous membership in the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers were recently handed to six Erie veterans in ceremonies at Meadville. Included among the honorees was Adam Heckman.