Erie Railroad Biography - Willis E. Luce


Willis E. Luce

WILLIS E. LUCE, Cleveland. Ohio.
The career of Willis E. Luce began in Troy, New York, June 22, 1859. He had attended school but a short time when his parents removed to Pleasantville, Pennsylvania, where they lived three years; then to Warren, Ohio, for a year, and finally to Cleveland. The young man did not miss any schooling, and at the age of 16 was possessed of a good education. He was given a situation in a furniture factory, where he learned the trade of designer, and then left to take a position as such with the White Sewing Machine Company. After three years of successful work he decided a more active trade would suit his health better, so he sought and obtained a position as fireman on the Erie. This was in May, 1880, and for the ensuing five years he worked as fireman, establishing an enviable record for ability and attention to business. In June, 1885, he was promoted to engineer, and for three or four years ran a yard engine, being then advanced to through freight, which he has run ever since. Mr. Luce has never had a serious accident, and his efficient and able career has won him the admiration of his fellow employes and the respect of his superiors.

He was married July 10, 1884, to Miss Katheron Hill, daughter of Robert Hill of Little Hocking, Washington County, Ohio. Mr. Hill is one of the oldest residents of the place, and very much respected by all who know him; he commenced life as a poor man, but by strict attention to business has gained the competence he now possesses. Mr. Luce is one of the ablest engineers on the Mahoning Division, and is a member of Devereaux Lodge No. 167, B. of L. E., and for the past thirteen years has belonged to Criterion Lodge No. 68, K. of P.

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




From numerous 1915-1916 issues of Erie Railroad Magazine:
Mahoning Division Engineer W. Luce appeared on the roster of the Order of the Red Spot several times in 1915 and 1916, an honor awarded to engineers with particularly well-maintained engines.




From the March, 1933 issue of Erie Railroad Magazine:
Five engineers who worked on the Erie a total of 270 years and eleven months have been retired on special allowance. They are John J. Brannen, Frank M. Dean, Willis E. Luce. Curtis L. Will and Joseph Gerlach, all from the Mahoning Division.

Mr. Luce, a native of Troy, NY, where he was born June 22, 1862, entered the service of the old Atlantic & Great Western in 1880, became a fireman the following year and subsequently engineer. He recalls veterans like Superintendent J.M. Ferris and President J.H. Devereaux and it was under the supervision of Nathan Wright that he began work on the 13th of the month which he believes was a lucky date for him becaues during his 46 years at the throttle he never had an accident.




From the October, 1944 issue of Erie Railroad Magazine:
Enjoying life at 85 in St. Petersburg, FL is retired enginer Willis E. Luce of the Mahoning Division. He was born in Troy, NY in 1859. In 1869 his parents moved to Cleveland. In 1880 he went to work for the Atlantic & Great Western (now Erie).

Recently, friends honored him on his birthday with a buffet lunch. He was surprised and delighted and told his hosts he will remain in "St. Pete" until he is 100. His hobbies are four: his pipe, his bulldog, a game of pinochle and his usual nightcap.





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