DUNCAN G. MACDONALD, Susquehanna, Pennsylvania.
It is forty-eight years since Duncan G. MacDonald became an Erie employe, and forty-three of those years have been spent on the right-hand side of the cab. As he ran freight but seven years, that leaves thirty-six years he has presided over the destinies of Erie passenger trains, and at the age of 65 he still pulls a passenger, Nos. 15 and 16, between Susquehanna and Hornellsville. Of course Mr. MacDonald is well known in Susquehanna, for he is a property owner and public-spirited citizen. He is also almost as well known all along the line from Susquehanna to Hornellsville, for he has pulled an engine over that particular stretch of road almost since its first inception, and the traveling public has grown up with him. He has, of course, had his share of little accidents that are unavoidable, but his record is so clear that he stands not only at the top of the list in point of service, but is first in the confidence and esteem of the officials.

Mr. MacDonald was born in Delhi, Delaware County, New York, May 6, 1834, and, being the son of James MacDonald, a farmer of that county, he attended school and assisted on the farm until he was 17, when, having graduated from the Delhi Academy, he accepted a position as freight clerk in the Erie freight house at Susquehanna. This was in 1851, and two years later he left this place and went as a fireman. One year on freight and two years on passenger demonstrated his ability to handle one of the great "iron horses," and in June, 1856, he was promoted to engineer, and as above stated continues still in that capacity at an age when many men retire from active life.

In July, 1855, Mr. MacDonald was married to Miss Sarah Moore, daughter of Albert Moore, a speculator and dealer in real estate of Putnam County, New York. Seven children were born to them, two of whom, Walter and Jennie, died when quite young. Emma died aged 23 and Grace died at 20. Of those who survive, Belle, aged 38, is married and resides in Iowa; Minnie, a graduate of Susquehanna High School, resides with her parents; John, aged 28, is foreman of the Buffalo shops of the Lehigh Valley Railroad. Mr. MacDonald is a member of Starrucca Lodge No. 137, B. of L. E., and is a finely educated man, who has hosts of friends, all of whom bespeak many years of usefulness yet for him.


Excerpted from: "American Locomotive Engineers, Erie Railway Edition," H.R. Romans Editor; Crawford-Adsit Company Publishers, Chicago, IL 1899.

From the May, 1909 issue of Erie Railroad Magazine:
A veteran engineer who passed away April 7 (1909) at Holmesville, NY, in his 88th year, was Duncan G. McDonald. He began work with the company when 22 years of age, and after 50 years of service retired at the age of 72. During his long period of service in the cab he never had a serious accident.