Excerpted from the February 8, 1889 issue of the Hornellsville Weekly Tribune:
Railroad men are always acknowledged to be large, kind and generous hearted men, esteeming the interest and welfare of one to be the interest and welfare of all. But among all the roads there cannot be a more warm hearted and loving lot of men than the ones on the Western Division, and especially the engineers and firemen. With them Mr. Hawthorne (the outgoing Master Mechanic - ed.) has labored hard for the past four years and has done all in his power for their safety and welfare. That they fully appreciate these efforts of his was shown by the large gathering of those bodies that assembled in the hall over Nicholson and Williams' store. The body was a jolly lot and could ably entertain one another with their recitals of the past and their trials with the "cold water" engines and other things most common to men of the road. At about quarter of nine, Mr. J.K. Chapman called the meeting to order and Mr. W.R. Martin was chosen Chairman, and upon taking the chair he briefly stated the cause of the meeting and why they had assembled together (to present a diamond stud to Mr. Hawthorne).

Mr. Hawthorne arose and accepted the gift with feeble words ... after he had finished and sat down every eye was fixed upon him, and all were thinking too deeply to speak of the esteem in which he had been held. They, however, soon recovered themselves and freely expressed their personal regret that he was obliged to leave. Appropriate remarks were made by J.K. Chapman, Charles Allen, Thomas Clark, W.E. Smith, W.H. Van Dusen, W.C. Galbraith, C.A. Bird, Dr. T.C. Green, and T.B. Welsh, after which the form of the meeting was changed to a social gathering and Mr. Hawthorne was kindly taken by the hand and old times were once more talked over.

From the May, 1912 issue of Erie Railroad Magazine:
HONOR ENGINE NO. 2543.
William R. Martin, who has but one record on the Erie, and that's first-class, is the proud possessor of a "Red Spot" engine. Its number is 2543, and she's a big K-l.

This is the second engine on the Allegheny Division to be decorated with a red spot, and those who peruse this little story, are assured that "Bill" Martin is a very proud fellow. The first train that 2543 pulled, after having "William B. Martin" inscribed on her cab, was number 7, and when it ran into Salamanca from Hornell, all the Indians on the scene gave vent to their feelings with a war whoop, and Bill smiled like a basket of chips.

Number 2543 has undergone a complete overhauling, and with her red spot and name attached, looks to be almost newly-born. These things considered, no wonder Bill is proud. The record shows that he came from the New York Division in 1870, and since then has been an engineer on the Allegheny Division, with a clean and first-class record.

From the June, 1912 issue of Erie Railroad Magazine:
ENGINEER W. R. MARTIN.
In last month's Magazine, there appeared an article about the name of Engineer W.R. Martin, having been applied to K-l passenger engine, number 2543 of the Allegheny Division. This engine has been kept in such excellent condition, that pride in her has spread over the whole division, and a photograph of her was taken. From this photograph a picture was made for reproduction in this Magazine.

Under date of March 23, Superintendent Mackrell, then of the Allegheny Division, addressed Mr. Martin the following letter:

Salamanca, N.Y., Mr. William R. Martin, Engineer.
Dear Sir:-It gives me pleasure to say to you that Mr. Laizure has been instructed to place your name on the cab of Engine 2543, which is now in Hornell Shop for general repairs. This in consideration of your long term of service and clear record. May you be spared to enjoy the honor and distinction of having this engine to point to with pride, while on trains of this division.

From the February, 1916 issue of Erie Magazine:
Engineer William R. Martin of trains 3 and 4 of the Allegany Division, has been laid up several weeks as the result of a fall from his engine. Later rheumatism has added its terrors to his other sufferings.

From the December, 1918 issue of Erie Magazine:
WILLIAM R. MARTIN�The Hornell Tribune-Times published an account of the death of William R. Martin, and referred to him as having been the oldest engineer in point of service running on the Allegheny division of the Erie. He was 70 years of age.

Mr. Martin passed away at his home in Hornell, N.Y., following an illness of six weeks. He had been in active service up to the time he became ill. For the past eight years he handled trains 6 and 14, with engine number 2543, which, with Engineer Martin, was a member of the Order of the Red Spot. He was a son of Joshua P. Martin, who was a veteran railroad man before him, running on the Erie before the line was built through to Hornell, and the first master mechanic at Hornell shops.

Although William R. Martin had been transferred from time to time to other Erie points, most of his life was centered about Hornell, which had been his home since 1877. He was a member of Division No. 47, B. of L. E., and for many years its secretary. Also he was a member of Park Methodist Church. Besides his widow he is survived by two sons.

From the February, 1919 issue of Erie Magazine:
William R. Martin, an engineer on the Allegany Division for many years, died Nov. 11 (1918) at his home in Hornell. Mr. Martin came to Hornell from Jersey City, having exchanged positions with engineer Charles George, a yard engineer of the freight yard here. Joshua Martin, father of the deceased, was Master Mechanic at Hornell Shops more than sixty years ago.