PHILIP W. McGOVERN, Youngstown, Ohio.
The American youth, when thrown upon his own resources, rises to the occasion and acquits himself in a manner that gains the praise of the world. Philip W. McGovern is an example of this class. He was born in Washington, New Jersey, November 17, 1864, and was the son of Michael McGovern of that place. At the age of 7 his father died, and the boy was forced to leave school to earn his own living and help in the support of the family of five children and a widowed mother, who is now living in Cleveland at the age of 71 years. He secured employment as a bolt assorter in the Rogers Locomotive Works and worked there until he was 15 years of age, when he was given a position as brakeman on the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad. He retained this place four years, leaving to accept a similar position with the Erie in 1883. Eighteen months later he met with a severe accident, his left foot being run over and crushed while switching. He was laid up for over six months, and when fully recovered was advanced to fireman. In that capacity he served ten years on freight and two years on passenger. In September, 1895, his long and faithful service was rewarded by promotion to engineer, since which time he has been engaged in the freight department and running yard engine.

He was married on May 12, 1884 to Miss Margaret McCoy, of Nottingham, Ohio, and they have an interesting family of three children. Mr. McGovern belongs to Forest City Lodge No. 10, B. of L. F., and is a type of the self-made man that commands the respect and admiration of acquaintances, and he is esteemed by all.


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