JOHN KING. Susquehanna, Pennsylvania.
For thirty-six years the musical click of the wheels passing over the rail joints has been familiar music to John King, and as he is now but 52 years old, he will see many more years of active service. The son of Patrick King, a laborer in railway construction, he was born in County Clare, Ireland, March 17, 1847. In 1853, Mr. King's father brought his family to America, and settling at Gulf Summitt, New York, engaged in business there. After attending school until he was 15, Mr. King worked with his father a year and then in November, 1863, accepted a position as fireman on the Erie. For five years he fired between Susquehanna and Port Jervis, establishing a record that won him many commendations, and in the fall of 1868, when he was but 21 years of age, was promoted to the responsible position of engineer. For sixteen years he ran freight on the Delaware Division, and then was advanced to a passenger run. Two years later he was transferred to the Jefferson Division, where for the past thirteen years he has run the passenger known as the "Flyer."

On January 9, 1872, Mr. King was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Creegan, daughter of John and Eliza Creegan of Susquehanna. Five children have been born to them: Frank H., is a telegraph operator; John J. learned the machinist trade in the Erie shops; Gustave E. is an apprentice in the Erie shops; Laura, aged 15, and Gertrude, aged 12, are attending Laurel Hill Academy at Susquehanna. Mrs. King is a member of the Ladies' Auxiliary to the C.M.B.A., and a prominent figure in society circles. Mr. King is a prominent member of Susquehanna Lodge, B. of L.E., No. 138, and at present holds a subordinate office in that lodge. He is one of Susquehanna's highly esteemed citizens and has the respect of his fellow employes and the confidence of his superiors.

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

From the December, 1914 issue of Erie Railroad Magazine:
November 13th (1914) witnessed the passing away of another of the Erie's engineers, John King of Susquehanna. Mr. King's service as an engineer covered a period of over 40 years. For a great number of years he ran the Jefferson Division passenger train called the "Flyer." Mr. King was one of our most valued employees and his death was the cause of deep sorrow throughout Susquehanna.