JACOB A. KUNKLE, Huntington, Indiana.
Jacob A. Kunkle was born May 19, 1858, in Galion, Ohio, and is the son of Charles Kunkle, one of the oldest farmers of Crawford County, Ohio. Despite Mr. Kunkle's broad acres, well-stocked and equipped with farming implements, he could not get his boys to "stick to the farm." One by one they left, and now all four are railroad engineers, three being on the "Big Four" Railroad, and Jacob A., the subject of this sketch, on the Erie. After leaving school Mr. Kunkle worked on his father's farm until he was 21 years of age, beginning his railroad career on the "Big Four" in 1882 as a fireman, running between Galion, Ohio, and Mason City, Indiana. In 1885 he resigned to accept a similar position on the Chicago & Atlantic under Master Mechanic Ackley. He fired freight five years and passenger two years, being promoted to engineer in 1889 by Master Mechanic Joehan. After running a short time he resigned, but in October of the same year he returned to the Erie and for the past nine years has run in the freight service between Galion and Chicago, now, however, running between Huntington and Chicago.
On September 30, 1880, Mr. Kunkle was united in marriage to Miss Maggie Rousch, daughter of Conrad Rousch, and they have an interesting family of five children. Charles Emmet, aged 16; Arkson Earl, 13; Maggie Edna, 10; and Louis Emerson, 7, are attending public school, while Paul E., the baby, is the especial care and pride of Mrs. Kunkle's motherly heart. Mr. Kunkle is a charter member of Tent No. 10, K. 0. J. M., of Huntington, and owns a fine two-story residence at the corner of Allen and High Streets.
Excerpted from: "American Locomotive Engineers, Erie Railway Edition," H.R. Romans Editor; Crawford-Adsit Company Publishers, Chicago, IL 1899.
From the May, 1906 issue of Erie Railroad Magazine:
Engineer J.A. Kunkle had the misfortune to lose his right foot in an accident in Huntington yard. He was under his engine adjusting some loose connections on the steam hose when a yard shift struck the rear end of his train. The Surgeons amputated the limb midway between ankle and knee and predict that Mr. Kunkle will be able to use an artificial foot to good advantage.
From the July, 1908 issue of Erie Magazine:
It is currently reported that the differences heretofore existing between the company and engineer J.A. Kunkle have been satisfactorily adjusted and this popular employe will take his place on the division roster and soon resume running. Mr. Kunkle sustained some injuries several years ago, resulting in the amputation of one of his legs just above the ankle. Road men generally will be glad to know that Mr. Kunkle's injury will not seriously hinder him in his employment, and will be pleased to see him back in the ranks, as he is a hale fellow well met, and a proficient engineer.
From the November, 1935 issue of Erie Magazine:
Marion Division engineer J.A. Kunkle of Marion was recently placed on the special allowance payroll and retired at age 76 after 44 years, nine months of service.
Also:
J.A. Kunkle, engineer, Marion yard, was recently retired on special allowance. Mr. Kunkle was born May 19, 1859 and began with the railroad as fireman July 4, 1882. he was promoted to engineer Sept. 12, 1886, and worked in Marion yard for the past number of years.