JOHN HAIRE, Hornellsville, New York.
John Haire, one of Hornellsville's prominent business men and politicians, is also one of the Erie's successful engineers. Born in Wheatland, Monroe County, New York, on May 30, 1849, he left school at the age of 14 and worked in a store until 1864. In that year he began to fire on the Susquehanna Division of the Erie, being promoted to engineer in 1877, and for many years afterward ran an engine in the freight service, having recently been promoted to the passenger department, and now runs trains 13 and 14. In 1882 Mr. Haire and J. B. Kennedy associated together in forming the firm of Haire & Kennedy, and engaged in the shoe business in Hornellsville. He was an Alderman for two terms, during 1892 and 1894, and takes an active interest in Republican politics of the city. Mr. Haire was married in 1874 to Miss Bridget O'Connor of Hornellsville, and they have eight children.

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

From the September, 1905 issue of Erie Railroad Magazine:
Engineer John Haire pulled the Pilot Train which preceded the Presidential Train carrying President Theodore Roosevelt over the Susquehanna Division on August 10, 1905.

From the July, 1914 issue of Erie Railroad Magazine:
John Haire, Engineer, Susquehanna Division, gets special recognition of having made 38,920 miles in passenger service, without an engine failure.

From the October, 1915 issue of Erie Railroad Magazine:
John Haire, Engineer, Susquehanna Division, was again recognized for having made 32,852 miles in passenger service between January 19, 1915 and September 16, 1915, without an engine failure.

From the Binghamton Press, July 6, 1918
Pay Tribute to Old Time Erie Engineer ___ Johnny Haire of Hornell Has Record of 49 Years of Continuous Service;
General Superintendent Mantell Writes Personal Letter of Commendation

"Johnny" Haire, of Hornell, old time Erie locomotive engineer, well-known in Binghamton, has been honored by the company after 49 years of continuous service. Since he entered the service of the company, Mr. Haire has run 71,772 miles without an engine failure. This is a record which can be appreciated only by expert railroad men.

In recognition of this service the company has inscribed his name on the engine with which he pulls the Erie's best trains, 6 and 7, and General Superintendent Mantell has written him a personal letter of commendation.

"Johnny" has innumerable friends in Binghamton, where he frequently stops, who will be mighty glad to learn of the tribute which has been paid to him. The Erie Railroad Magazine has this to say of "Johnny."

"John Haire is old of the old reliable engine men of the Susquehanna division, and has served the company well and faithfully for 49 years.

"On May 30 John was 70 years of age, and there seems to be no diminution in his energy and ability to handle an engine and get the train which he hauls over the rails on time.

"He entered the service in October, 1869, as fireman, and was promoted to engineer in February, 1877, thereby recording 49 years of continuous service. During this long term his record has remained, absolutely clear, and two meritorious mentions have been made for having run a locomotive 71,772 miles without an engine failure. This record is seldom achieved.

"In recognition of his faithful service, General Superintendent Mantell wrote him a personal letter of commendation, in which he advised him that the number of his engine was to be removed, and in its place "John Haire" would be inscribed. Instructions to that effect were at once given. John Haire's name has appeared on the Susquehanna division's 'Order of the Red Spot' report for a long time, he being a member." The above was transcribed and contributed to this site by Richard Palmer.

From the April, 1920 issue of Erie Railroad Magazine:
JOHN HAIRE�The death of John Haire, one of the oldest engineers on the Susquehanna division, is reported in the Hornell Tribune-Times, which stated that he was 71 years old, and died at his home in that city after a lingering illness, same being due to a general breakdown. He had resided in Hornell practically all his life. He became a fireman in 1869, and was promoted to engineer in 1877, having served in the latter capacity steadily until October, 1918, when ill health forced him to relinquish work. He had run the fastest passenger trains on the Susquehanna division, and was always a thoroughly trustworthy man. Being interested in the city's welfare he represented the fourth ward in the board of aldermen for two terms, and later was appointed police commissioner. Fraternally he was a member of Homell Lodge, No. 364, B. P. of Elks, Knights of Columbus and B. of L. E. Two sons and five daughters survive him.