CALVIN VOORHIS, Spring Valley, New York.
Calvin Voorhis is one of the competent young men who have recently been elevated to the responsible position of engineer. He was born February 6, 1872, at River Edge, New Jersey, and attended school there until he was 14 years old. He then worked in the grocery business a few months, leaving that to enter the employ of the American Express Company in New York City. Here he remained for three years, performing his work to the entire satisfaction of his superiors. In April, 1891, he began his railroad career as a wiper on the New Jersey & New York Railroad, and so well was he liked that on January 1, 1892, he was advanced to fireman, being assigned to engine No. 2 under George Nickleson, his run being from Jersey City to Spring Valley. On May 1, 1897, he was promoted to engineer and, being given engine No. 9, was assigned to a run between Jersey City and Haverstraw, New York.
On August 1, 1894, he was united in marriage to Miss R.A. Banta at Paramus, New Jersey, and they have two children, a boy and a girl, the boy being a fine little fellow of 4 years. Mr. Voorhis is the owner of fine residence property in Spring Valley and is a member of Hudson Lodge No. 135, B. of L.E.
Excerpted from: "American Locomotive Engineers, Erie Railway Edition," H.R. Romans Editor; Crawford-Adsit Company Publishers, Chicago, IL 1899.
From the June 15, 1912 issue of The New York Times:
Hackensack, June 14 -- Calvin Voorhis, and enginieer on the New Jersey and New York Railroad, was all smiles this morning when he drove his engiine into Hackensack shortly after 8 o'clock. On both sides of the engine his name was lettered in gold.
The Erie Railroad recently inaugurated the system of naming its locomotives after faithful employees, and though the main line and several branches have been so honored, this morning saw the first named locomotive on the New Jersey & New York branch.
Voorhis who has been in the employ of the Erie for thirty years, is well known as a careful engineer.
From the March, 1913 issue of Erie Magazine:
Calvin Voorhis, locomotive engineer on the NJ&NY Railroad Division, was listed as one of 19 out of 2,000 Erie engineers to be enrolled in the Order of the Red Spot, an honor given to engineers with exceptional service records and meticulous care of engines. This included having his name affixed to the side of the cab of engine 824, his assigned engine.
From the August, 1913 issue of Erie Magazine:
C. Voorhis, engineer, New York Division, rendered good service to the company when he brought his train to Jersey City on time, after engine 842 broke left front section of frame at Oradell (NJ & NY RR) on a recent trip.
From the October, 1913 issue of Erie Magazine:
C. Voorhis, engineer, New York Division, was in charge of train 279 on a recent date, when engine 838 developed a broken link hanger at Nanuet on the Piermont Branch. Notwithstanding this handicap, Engineer Voorhis brought his train to Suffern on time.
On another occasion while running train 279 with engine 824, the engine developed a broken frame at Blauvelt, and Engineer Voorhis succeeded in bringing in his train to Suffern on time.
From the April, 1914 issue of Erie Magazine:
Calvin Voorhis, engineer, New York Division, gets recognition for having made 30,000 miles in passenger service, from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 (1913), without an engine failure.
From the April, 1920 issue of Erie Magazine:
One of the nobbiest and best-kept engines on the New York Division is the 953, which runs on the NJ&NY RR, and is in charge of engineer Calvin Voorhis. Mr. Voorhis has reason to feel proud of the splendid appearance of this engine, and his efforts are deserving of the highest praise. He started with the road in 1891 as an extra fireman, and was given charge of an engine in 1897. On March 16, 1914, he was given a credit mark for making over 30,000 miles in passenger service without an engine failure for which he was responsible, same dating from January 1 to December 31, 1913. Engineer Voorhis comes from a family of railroad men, his brother Jacob being one of the most popular passenger conductors on the New York Division.
From the December, 1920 issue of Erie Magazine:
Engine 953 has recently come out of Susquehanna Shop with Class-3 repairs. This is one of the finest-appearing engines on the Erie road. It is in charge of Engineer Calvin Voorhis, and is one of the "Red Spot" engines. "Cal" takes delight in keeping the engine in fine shape, and he is deserving of the highest praise for his efforts in that direction. He is a member of a family of railroad men and has a record that he feels proud of. He runs on the New Jersey & New York Railroad, and on one occasion received a credit mark for splendid service and for running for a long period without a single engine failure.