ENGINEER E.W. JONES.
The picture above is that of another veteran engineer of the Erie Railroad. His name is Edward W. Jones, and he is now in charge of the engine that does switching in the shop yard at Kent, Ohio.

The engine that Jones handles is number 667, and she is a member of the famous "Order of the Red Spot," the honor having been bestowed because engineer Jones brought her up to the high state of efficiency that merits the red spot on the boiler head. Engine 667 has lately received a complete overhauling at Meadville Shops and is in fine condition.

Mr. Jones has been an engineer nearly 42 years, and enjoys the prestige of a fine record. He has been very fortunate in his calling, having never injured or killed a person, or caused damage to the Company's property. He began his railroad career as a roundhouse employe in 1865, working in various capacities and finally becoming a fireman. For awhile he served as engine despatcher, nights. He became an engineer on July 5th, 1870, after a term at firing; his first assignment was a switch engine in Kent yard. He also ran three years between Kent and Galion, but owing to failing health he asked to be transferred to a switch engine. In 1873 he joined the B. of L.E., Division 16 at Galion, Ohio, and in 1881 transferred his membership to Charles Miller Division at Meadville, Pa.

The memory of engineer Jones wanders back to the days of wood-burning engines, which were gaudily decorated with highgloss brass, which required lots of effort to keep them bright.

The first lieutenant of engineer Jones is fireman John Bechtle, who has been in continuous service as fireman for over 24 years. John is noted for the neat manner in which he keeps his engine, and the fact that engine 667 is a member of the "Order of the Red Spot," is largely due to his untiring efforts in keeping her spick and span. The use of small tools in the hands of engineer Jones and fireman (J.A.) Bechtle, has kept their engine out of the shop for long periods. Both are good citizens of Kent.
(From the September, 1912 issue of Erie Railroad Magazine)

From several 1914 issues of Erie Railroad Magazine:
Cincinnati Division Engineer E.W. Jones, running engine #667, was listed as being in the Order of the Red Spot for the last half of 1914. The Order was an honor bestowed on engine crews who operated efficiently with few engine failures.

From the January, 1915 issue of Erie Railroad Magazine
Cincinnati Division engineer E.M. Jones was commended for running his engine for 21,208 miles between April 1, 1913 and September 1, 1914 without any engine failures.

From the February, 1919 issue of Erie Railroad Magazine
Ed Jones, our veteran shop yard engineer, has last month completed his fiftieth anniversary as an employe of the Erie. During all these years of employment he has had a clear record. Ed is well liked by the employees for his kind and genial ways.

From the January, 1924 issue of Erie Railroad Magazine
Edward M. Jones, at the age of 74 years, is still running an engine hauling cars about the Kent, OH yard. He has been an Erie engineer fifty-three years, the first three of which he was in service between Kent and Galion over the old A&GW railroad, now part of the Erie. Altogether he has served the Erie fifty-eight years.