W. E. KAUPP, Buffalo, New York.
One of the younger members of the engineering fraternity will be recognized in the features of William E. Kaupp. Born in Buffalo in 1861, Mr. Kaupp attended school at old No. 5, on Seneca street, and at No. 35, on Swan street. Even while at school, poring over the dull routine tasks demanded of his class, he had determined to take to the railroad life--that life of excitement, of bustle and life, and movement. Accordingly, upon leaving school, he went as train-boy on the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern, and Dunkirk, Allegheny Valley & Pittsburg Railroad, and others. After one year of this service he went into the shops as wiper, and from there went out as brakeman. While so employed he had the misfortune to break his shoulder in 1880, and was offered a place as fireman. He started firing on freight for John Vaughn, and later for H. W. Bartlett. Then he was put on a pusher on the hill at Gowanda, with Engineer W. B. Russell, and was finally given a run on a passenger train with Charles Weeks.

In September, 1882, while crossing a bridge at Waterboro, one of the leading truck wheels broke, precipitating the engine into a creek, where it turned completely upside down. Kaupp was severely scalded by the escaping steam, and his spine was injured so that he was compelled to go on crutches for some months after. Strange to say, the engineer escaped unhurt. Having nearly recovered from his injuries, and nothing daunted by his well-nigh fatal experience, Mr. Kaupp resumed his duties as fireman, this time on a switch engine, with Al Booth. About a year later he was able to resume his passenger run and returned to Mr. Weeks. With him he remained until the date of his promotion, October 13, 1885. Having at last become a full-fledged engineer, he was, of course, put on the rounds, where he remained until January, 1898, when he was given a regular freight between Buffalo and Meadville. For three years before his promotion on the rounds Mr. Kaupp had done the extra passenger work. On different runs he had aboard President Thomas and General Superintendent Fitch, who were on a tour of inspection. On July 23, 1891, he took out the first and only hard coal burner that ever ran over that division; that run was the Railroad Superintendents' Excursion to Chautauqua Lake, and on June 27, 1898, he took out the first "Mother Hubbard" compound engine, that run on regular passenger over the Baltimore & South Western Division. On December 8 of the same year he ran the first rotary snow plow used on the Baltimore & South Western Division.

Mr. Kaupp was married November 10, 1886, to Miss Sabina Becker of Buffalo. Two children have been born to this union, but one of whom is now living. This is their daughter Grace, a most attractive young miss, who is now attending school. Mr. Kaupp is a member of the B. of L. E., Division 15, holds the office of First Engineer, and for five years has been a member of the local Grievance Committee. He is enthusiastic in his work for the Brotherhood and thinks there is nothing like it. He still retains his membership in the B. of L. F., No. 12, and is also a member of Red Jacket Lodge No. 238, I. 0. 0. F. For so young a man, Mr. Kaupp has attained considerable prominence in his chosen career, and has a future of peculiar promise before him.


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