Erie Railroad Biography - Michael Mast
Michael Mast, Huntington, IN
Reprimanded Dec. 19th for backing his engine against train preparatory to coupling on, hard enough to knock hole in tank. Engineer was depending on (reverse?) lever, did not use his brake. Accident occurred at Huntington, Nov. 24th. Was witnessed by Road Foreman of Engines Mr. Skinner, who recommends the reprimand as above. Suspended 30 days from March 15, 1891 for running train 3, March 8, 1891, by Crown POint 9 minutes ahead of time, meeting 1st 84 one-half mile west of west switch. No damage, conductor Burgess.
SOURCE: P. 215, Chicago & Erie Railroad Employment Summary Book, ledger book covering @ 1880-1905. Donated to this site courtesy of Nick Pappas. Transcription by Jim Sponholz (c) 2007.
From the December, 1907 issue of Erie Railroad Magazine (Huntington News):
Another Erie nobleman has made his final run. The long day's work of an industrious and faithful employee has ended and the spirit of a good man had gone to the land from which no man returneth. Engineer Michael Mast, for 27 years on the company's rolls in the capacity of passenger engineer, met a tragic and instant death October 3 (1907) at Leiters, IN, the place being identical and the circumstances very similar to those causing the death of engineer David Fredericks about ten years ago. At the time of his death, Mr. Mast was pulling train No. 23, popularly known as "the milk shake," and in some inexplicable manner collided with the rear of an extra freight train which was entering the siding at a fair rate of speed. A Fulton County Coroner's jury soon after the accident exonerated the company from blame and placed the responsibility for it on the dead engineer. Be that as it may, Mike Mast is gone and will be greatly missed among the fraternity which he honored with his membership and which held him in high esteem. Sorrow over his untimely demise is widespread, as his circle of acquaintances was large and everybody loved and respected the genial and noble nature of this man. Kind and helpful words came naturally from his lips and it seemed a pleasure for him to speak well of others. A fitting tribute to Mr. Mast's memory was seen in the cortege following his remains to Mount Hope Cemetery, it being very large and composed of many representatives from various fraternities, citizens and visiting friends. Mr. Mast is survived by a wife and ten daughters, who have the sympathy of the entire community in their bereavement.
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