From the May, 1911 issue of Erie Railroad Magazine (New York Division News):
W.H. Hector, Engineer, received a letter of commendation from Supt. R.S. Parsons, for the good judgment he displayed in bringing in train No. 2, with engine 2510, after breaking off the relief valve of the front cylinder head. Owing to the judgment issued by Engineer Hector in the handling of the matter, he brought the train to Jersey City on time.

From the June, 1911 issue of Erie Railroad Magazine:
On a recent trip over the New York Division with train 2, the relief valve of the front cylinder broke off. It was an emergency where good judgment was required. Engineer W.H. Hector was the man for the occasion and his judgment was so good in handling the situation that he succeeded in bringing this important train in on time. Engineer Hector received a letter of commendation from his superintendent.

From the December, 1912 issue of Erie Railroad Magazine:
While in charge of Engine 2511 on a recent date, which was hauling train 2 on the New York Division, the engine had a broken link saddle at Tuxedo and the link shifted out of place. Notwithstanding this defect, Engineer W.H. Hector, who was in charge of the engine, succeeded in bringing the train to Jersey City on time. For this skill in handling the situation successfully, Hector has been awarded a credit mark.

From the June, 1914 issue of Erie Railroad Magazine:
The magazine carried an article about a Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers meeting held at the Port Jervis YMCA in May, 1914, which included an account of Chief Engineer William H. Hector of Division 54 welcoming out-of-town members.

From the March, 1925 issue of Erie Railroad Magazine:
From an official source the death of William H. Hector, a well-known and efficient engineer employed on the New York Division, is learned.

He died at his home in Port Jervis, NY of a complication of diseases after a brief illness on February 2 (1925). He was a native of Beach Lake, PA, and was born in 1852. He came to Port Jervis after working for a while at Cedar Rapids, IA, at the blacksmith and wagon-making trades, and entered the service of the Erie as fireman on the New York Division. When promoted to engineer he was assigned to trains 186 and 27. He was married to Miss Annie Oliver in July, 1874, and they celebrated their golden anniversary last July.

Engineer Hector was serving his second term as a member of the Port Jervis Board of Health when stricken with the illness that resulted in his death. He was also a member of the Official Board of Drew Methodist Church, the Masonic fraternity, and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. As an engineer he was among the most trustworthy and reliable, having had a fine and flawless record while serving the Erie Railroad.

Following is his railroad record:

June 25, 1879, commenced as fireman; September 19, 1879, left the service of the NYLE&W of his own accord and in good standing; October 11, 1879, re-employed; December 17, 1886, promoted to engineer; September 1, 1892, promoted to passenger engineer; December 23, 1908, letter relative to interest taken on train 3, engine 2532, Dec. 21; May 1, 1912, credit mark in stopping train 189, which would have otherwise collided with derailed cars from Extra 1872 East, near Tuxedo, April 23, 1912; Credit mark for discovering that engine 2511, train 2, had a broken saddle link bolt at Tuxedo, and for bringing the train to Jersey City on time.