ABRAHAM JORDAN, Susquehanna, Pennsylvania.
One of the Erie's best freight engineers at this place, who is in line for promotion to the passenger service, is Abraham Jordan. He was born in England, September 18, 1857, and his father, Abraham Jordan, Sr., came to America in 1861, settling at Bonton, New Jersey. Two years later he sent for his family, and after residing in New Jersey two years they moved to a farm in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania. Here the young man attended school until he was 16 years of age, at which time he decided to make farming his vocation. This he did for six years, then accepting a situation with the Erie as a wiper. After a year in this position he was advanced to fireman, and then followed three years on freight and four years on passenger, between Hornellsville and Susquehanna. He passed a very creditable examination and was promoted to engineer in 1887, since which time he has won himself a place of high regard with his superiors by his creditable work, and has the esteem of his fellow workmen. His work has been in the freight service until recently, when he has qualified for passenger work, and is frequently called to make extra runs in that branch of the service.
December 31, 1895, he was married to Miss Rose Pierce, daughter of Sheldon Pierce, also an engineer for the Erie. They have two children--May, aged 3, and John, the baby. Mr. and Mrs. Jordan are two of Susquehanna's most popular residents, having a host of admiring friends in the city's select circle. Mrs. Jordan is a member of the Ladies' Auxiliary to the B. of L. E., while Mr. Jordan is affiliated with Starrucca Lodge, No. 137, B. of L. E., and Canewacta Lodge, No. 360, F. & A. M. He owns some finely improved and valuable property in Oakland, Pennsylvania.
Excerpted from: "American Locomotive Engineers, Erie Railway Edition," H.R. Romans Editor; Crawford-Adsit Company Publishers, Chicago, IL 1899.
From the September 16, 1887 issue of the Hornellsville Weekly Tribune:
Along the Susquehanna:
More fireman are being promoted to engineers this season than was ever known to be before during the summer months. Promotion usually comes in the winter, but this year has been an exception in his respect as promotions have occurred in nearly every month. The last men to receive this honor are P.R. (E.R.-ed.) Van Gorden, Volney Teets, John Lannon, A. Jordan, W. McGill and J. Elston.
From the November, 1913 issue of Erie Railroad Magazine:
The following engineers, employed on the Susquehanna Division, have received recognition for mileage made without engine failures, as follows:
J.J. Lyons, 21709; Michael King, 22152; S.F. Miller, 24679; D.E. McCarthy. 24810; J.M. O'Loughlin, 24988; C.H. Pettis, 23553; J.R. Saunders, 25820; T.J. Smith, 20223; J.J. Currier, 20056; J.W. Coleman, 21235, in switching service; J.W. McCarthy, 35847; Patrick Rohan, 29332, in ordinary freight service; Fred Miller, 24652; J.F. Hogan, 32440, in freight and switching service; C.F. Keeler, 26879, in fast freight service; A. Jordan, 58806, in passenger service.
From the December, 1915 issue of Erie Railroad Magazine:
Susquehanna Division engineer A. Jordan was commended for operating an engine in passenger service for 32,140 miles between March 14, 1915 and October 31, 1915 without an engine failure.
From the June, 1938 issue of Erie Railroad Magazine:
Abraham Jordan, 81, retired Susquehanna Division engineer, who began service with the Erie as a wiper at the age of 22, died at his home, 28 State St., Susquehanna, May 15 (1938). He was a native of England. He is survived by his widow, who was Miss Rose Pierce, daughter of Sheldon Pierce, former Erie engineer; a daughter, Mrs. Ernest Wayman of East Windsor, NY; and three sons, John Jordan, Asst. Electrical Supervisor, Eastern District, Walter Jordan, Perth Amboy, NJ, and Charles Jordan, Machinist, Hornell Shop. The Rev. Mr. Youngs, pastor of the methodist Church, officiated at the funeral. Burial was at McKune's cemetery.