CAPTAIN ANGELO J. ARATA
Captain Angelo J. Arata, a veteran employe of the Erie's marine department, died at his home, Hoboken, N.J., in the early part of last month, after a protracted illness.
Captain Arata was employed in the ferry service, which he entered on April 15, 1861, and rose from the lowest position to the responsible one of pilot. Two years ago his health waned and he quit work. Applying to the Employes' Relief Association, of which he was an old member, for relief, he was placed on the pension roll.
He was one of the organizers of the American Association of Masters and Pilots, and at the time of his death was a member of Harbor Number 1, of the Harbor of New York. He served as a school commissioner of Hoboken and was a member of the Masonic fraternity.
GEORGE BERGEN
Mr. George A. Bergen, coal traffic manager of the Erie Railroad Co., died at the New York Hospital, January 13 (1916), as a result of complications arising from an attack of the grippe. He is survived by his widow and three children. The funeral services were held at his late home, in Rockville Centre, L.I., Sunday, January 16, and were attended by a large gathering of company officers and other friends.
Mr. Bergen was 47 years of age and had been in the company's service for twenty-seven years. He started with the Erie in 1888 as junior clerk, with Freight Traffic Manager Valliant. The following year he was given a clerkship in the coal freight office, then under the jurisdiction of Mr. Valliant, with Mr. H.B. Crandall in charge. When Mr. Crandall was appointed coal freight agent in 1892, Mr. Bergen worked as clerk and stenographer until his appointment as chief clerk to the coal freight agent in 1893, serving in this capacity until Mr. Crandall resigned, ten years later.
The office of coal freight agent was then abolished and the department came under the jurisdiction of Mr. Chamberlain, vice-president, by whom Mr. Bergen was appointed chief clerk of the coal department, performing the duties of coal freight agent under that title, until May 9, 1904, when he was appointed assistant general freight agent, in charge of coal traffic of the Erie Division.
On March 1, 1913, he was promoted to the position of coal traffic manager of the entire system.
ERIE RAILROAD COMPANY. Office of the President.
Mr. George A. Bergen, coal traffic manager, who died January 13, was continuously in the service of this company for twenty-seven years. His unusual ability, coupled with a constant unselfish interest in his work, won the consideration of his employers, while endearing him to his associates and comrades, who join in this tribute to his memory.
F.D. UNDERWOOD, President.
New York, January 17, 1916.
FRANCIS BURNS
Francis Burns, employed at the Bradford, PA shops, was an unfortunate victim of a peculiar accident. Francis with two other companions went for a couple of days' hunting near the close of the season and stopped at a hunter's cabin a few miles from Mt. Alton. The third day of the hunting trip, Mr. Burns and a companion were found dead in the cabin, while the third member of the party was in critical condition, all having been overcome by gas. Mr. Burns was a young man of excellent qualities and was well liked by all who knew him.
J. CASSADA
J. Cassada, foreman of car repairers, Jersey City Freight Yard, died of acute pneumonia June 14 (1916), after four days' illness. Mr. Cassada was born in Kentuck, VA, in 1862. At the age of 19 he came to New York where he worked in different capacities until the spring of 1884, at which time he entered the service of the Erie Railroad in the Car Department. In May, 1911, he became foreman in the Jersey City freight yard.
GEORGE CLARK
The death of George Clark, one time engine dispatcher and later shop hostler at Marion, OH, was reported recently as resulting from a severe case of pneumonia. The sympathy of all the boys who knew George is extended to his wife and family. (P. 176)
CLYDE W. COLBY
Clyde W. Colby, manager Pacific coast traffic of the Erie Railroad Company, passed from this life at his home in San Francisco on the morning of July 31 (1916), after an illness of several weeks, as the result of a misplaced vertebra, which caused him intense suffering during the period he was confined in a hospital previous to his removal to his home.
Mr. Colby was one of the best and most favorably known employes of the Erie's traffic department and had a large acquaintance among shippers along the Pacific coast. He was a man of unusual versatility, and aside from his calling as a railroad man was handy with his pen both as a prose and verse writer; he was a clever cartoonist.
The personality of Mr. Colby was such as to win friends and hold them. He had a jovial disposition and was always popular with his associates and the business public. His word was his bond and he could always be depended on to fulfill all promises and obligations.
His association with the Erie was as follows: General Pacific coast agent, April 1, 1896; General agent, January 1, 1907, San Francisco; Commercial agent, Chicago, August 1, 1907; General Pacific commercial agent, March 1, 1909; Manager, Pacific coast traffic, August 1, 1913.
ORANGE S. CONKLIN
Orange S. Conklin, the first and only superintendent of the
Erie's Bergen tunnel, Jersey City, died at the home of his son-in-law, William W. Mabie, Ridgewood, N.J., Oct. 9 (1916), at the age of 75.
Mr. Conklin came from Olean, N.Y., and was at first night operator at Hohokus, N.J., in 1861. After six months he was promoted to station agent, at which time the road was single track to Suffern.
Quitting the Erie he accepted service with the DL&W, and became station agent at Chatham, N.J., for ten months.
In 1869 he was offered and accepted the position of superintendent of the Bergen tunnel, at which time both roads used it, each paying half his salary. When the DL&W opened its tunnel, he was offered the superintendency, but declined, preferring to remain with the Erie. During the arching of the Erie tunnel, and trains running single track through it for a year, he remained on duty twenty hours per day. He invented the lamp signals used so successfully to illuminate the tunnel.
Mr. Conklin lost his right arm in a saw mill at the age of 17, which misfortune caused him to take up telegraphy. He was a first class operator, an intensely loyal employe of the Erie and always worked hard for its interests.
His father, Luther A. Conklin, was an express messenger on the Erie in the gold currency days. He was related to the late Roscoe Conklin, U.S. Senator from New York.
GEORGE COOK
Conductor George Cook, employed on the Delaware division, died recently at his home on Hammond street, Susquehanna, Pa., of acute indigestion.
In early life he entered the service of the Erie Railroad as trainman, later being promoted to conductor. He ran on the Delaware and Wyoming divisions. He was a member of St. Mary's R. C. church and several societies associated with it; also Neversink Division, No. 253, Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen.
JOHN H. DARLINGTON
John H. Darlington, former chief clerk in the Tariff bureau, died June 6 (1916) at Saranac Lake, N.Y. Mr. Darlington was thirty-eight years of age and had been employed by this company twenty-five years, having entered service as messenger at 401 Broadway in 1891 and was successively connected with the Freight Claim department, Foreign Freights office, General Freight office and Tariff bureau. He was a Past Master of Normal Lodge No. 523 F. & A. M. His many friends at headquarters extend their heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family. (P. 295)
NED DOUGHERTY
Ned Dougherty, for about 40 years employed in the (Jersey City) Car Department, died at his home March 26 (1916) after a long illness. Mr. Dougherty was an old and valued employee and his death is sincerely mourned by his fellow employees.
THOMAS FEEHAN
The death of Thomas Feehan, for several years day engine dispatcher (at Hornell), after an absence of several months, caused a notable vacancy in railroad circles here where he had lived all of his life. His career as an employee of the Erie began as a caller when a boy. He succeeded J.W. Chapman as engine dispatcher and administered the duties of the position with signal success. Mr. Feehan is followed by John Burns.
A. FLETTERER
A. Fletterer, a popular employee, died Nov. 4 (1916). Mr. Fletterer resided at 165 Moselle street (Buffalo). He was respected by all who knew him, was a good man and first-class carpenter. The employees of the Passenger (Car Shops) department, and the Car Shop wish to extend their sympathies to the bereaved family. A floral wreath was sent by his shopmates.
J. C. FLOOD
J.C. Flood, division freight agent of the Erie Railroad company at Youngstown, 0., died at 6 o'clock P. M., October 24 (1916), at his home in Youngstown, after a prolonged illness which finally developed pneumonia. He had been in the Erie's employ thirty-three years.
Funeral services were held at his late home and were attended by a delegation of the Company's officials. Many beautiful floral offerings were given, in addition to those sent by Erie men who were closely associated with deceased. Interment took place at Cleveland, 0.
Mr. Flood was one of the Erie's most active and efficient officers in the traffic department and was always deeply solicitous for all matters that concerned the road. His pleasant personality and kindly nature endeared him to his associates and made friends for him both in and out of business.
He had a very firm grip on the territory that came under his jurisdiction and covered it faithfully, as becomes a man who owes allegiance to his employer and serves by giving the best that is in him.
A very interesting contribution to this magazine was written by Mr. Flood, covering his territory. It appeared in the November, 1913, number, and was widely read and favorably criticized on account of the authentic information it contained, as well as the many facts and figures it gave.
Deceased leaves his widow and one young son. Following is his record with the company.
Telegraph operator, Braceville, Sept. 1, 1883; Telegraph operator, Sharon, Feb. 1, 1884; telegraph operator, Sharon, March 1, 1885; Clerk, Cleveland, Sept 11, 1887; agent, Newburgh, July 1, 1888; contracting agent, Cleveland, June 20, 1893; contracting agent, Cleveland, April 1, 1896; commercial agent, Cleveland, Sept. 11, 1905; commercial agent, Cleveland, Feb., 1906, Div. Freight Agent, Youngstown.
ANDREW T. FOSTER
Andrew T. Foster, for many years station agent for the Erie at Bath, N.Y., died at his home Jan. 23 (1916), after an illness of several weeks. A friend of Mr. Foster at Bath writes:
"The death of Mr. Foster removes one of the well known men of Bath, where for many years he had been station agent for the Erie Railroad Company. Mr. Foster was a son of the late William Foster, and was born near Savona, in this town, fifty-nine years ago. He began service as a lad with the Erie Railroad Company, by his own efforts winning promotion, first to a clerical position in Livonia, then as station agent in Atlanta, then being transferred to Bath, one of the important stations on the Rochester division of the Erie. He had been in the Erie's service over forty years.
"He was married in 1885 to Minnie Tharp, of Campbell, besides whom he leaves three sisters, Nancy, of Savona; Elizabeth and Jennie, teachers in New Rochelle.
"Mr. Foster was a member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church and of the local Masonic organizations. He was upright in his business relations, commanding the general esteem of the community."
RICHARD A.C. FUREY
Richard A.C. Furey, former Erie Conductor, died at his home in Pompton Plains, N.J. on Dec. 9 (1916), in his seventy-ninth year.
WILLIAM GOODSPEED
Only on rare occasions is the Erie Railroad Magazine called upon to chronicle the death of an employe who has been in the service of the company as long as William Goodspeed, who passed away at his home, 493 Broadway, Paterson, N.J., the latter part of May (1916) from an attack of pleuro-pneumonia.
Mr. Goodspeed began his long career with the Erie as a clerk in the freight department about sixty years ago, and while affiliated with this department held the positions of cashier and freight agent at Long Dock station, Jersey City; also freight agent at Newark and Paterson. On the completion of the New Jersey and New York Railroad, he became superintendent of the eastern division, in which position he continued for several years.
About fifteen years ago, on account of declining years, he was given charge of the filing department at Duane Street station, New York, where he was located until three weeks before his death. Mr. Goodspeed was of great regularity and seldom missed a day from his work. He was born eighty-six years ago in New York City. He came of good, old New England stock, being a descendant of Roger Goodspeed, who located in New England in 1636, and also of Thomas Rogers, the thirteenth signer of the Mayflower compact. One week before his death, Mr. Goodspeed celebrated the fifty-fifth anniversary of his marriage.
THOMAS J. GORMAN
Thomas J. Gorman, assistant yard master at Hornell, N.Y., died at St. James Mercy Hospital, Hornell, recently after a brief illness of pneumonia. Mr. Gorman was born and always lived in Hornell. He entered the Erie service as messenger, April 3, 1889, and was promoted to car marker, clerk, chief clerk to the general yard master and assistant yard master.
For the past ten years he had been in charge of the important fast freight yard work. "Teddy," as he was known, was a favorite with everybody, both in and out of the railroad service. In his work he was always loyal and thoroughly dependable, and as an efficient unit of the Hornell yard force he will be greatly missed.
GEORGE GRANT
George Grant, at Gowanda, N.Y., Sept. 28 (1916), age 82. The Gowanda News says he was "one of the first overseers of the work in connection with the building of the Erie railroad between Buffalo and Jamestown."
ROBERT GUNN
Robert Gunn, consulting engineer for car construction of the Erie Railroad, died at his home in Hamburg, New York, June 15, 1916. Mr. Gunn was born Dec. 12, 1841, and descended from a pioneer family which emigrated from Holland and settled in New Jersey in the infancy of that state.
In 1862, when he was twenty-one years old, he entered the service of the struggling railway that is now the Erie, as a carpenter at Elmira shops. He was appointed foreman of Salamanca shops in 1865 and from that date his record is as follows: Master Mechanic, Hornell, 1882; superintendent, Buffalo car shops, 1883 to 1901; master car builder of the system, 1901 to 1903. In 1903 he was relieved, at his own urgent request, from the duties of master car builder and was again appointed superintendent of Buffalo car shops. He continued at this post until he voluntarily retired from active duty in 1911, after completing a continuous service of fifty years.
Mr. Gunn was a master car builder in a large sense and one who did an important work, during the long years of his active life, in keeping construction abreast of commercial requirements. It was natural, therefore, that upon his retirement the company should recognize his long faithful and honorable service, among other ways, by giving him the title of consulting engineer for car construction.
Mr. Gunn was a lifelong member of the institution of Free Masonry and he was an exemplar of its teachings. He is survived by his wife and two sons.
The finest tribute the writer can pay to the memory of Robert Gunn is to point to his splendid record of service. Through the vicissitudes of fifty wonderful years, he served the Erie Railroad company with purpose, fidelity and honor. Trusted and respected by each succeeding generation of officers and men, modest, industrious, he left a legacy that those who loved and and mourn him may well prize and cherish as a priceless heritage. (P. 344-345)
ROBERT HAUSH
Robert Haush, a former carpenter in the (Jersey City car) shop, was found dead in the old tunnel March 4 (1916). "Bob" had been working on a haul train as brakeman. Nobody seems to know how he met his death. He leaves a widow and four daughters. (P. 113)
PETER HEHN
Remembrance of work well done, will always be associated with the memory of Peter Hehn, Track Foreman, who was found dead in the station at Montgomery, N.Y. recently, as for fifty-seven years he had served the Erie Railroad and earned a reputation for loyalty that is unsurpassed.
Although over eighty years of age, he had steadfastly refused to abandon the work which had become a part of his life, and he was making his daily rounds when he was taken away by death, which found him at his work on the Erie, as he might have wished.
Born in Althausen, Wurtemberg, Germany in 1835, he came to this country in 1858 and entered the employ of the Erie the following year. Beginning work as a trackman on the Delaware Division, his reliability soon won him recognition, and in 1860 he was promoted to Track Foreman, continuing in that capacity for fifty-five years.
In connection with the development of the railroad and the construction of branch lines, he was entrusted with much of the responsibility of the track work. He assisted in the construction of the Hawley Branch and was transferred in 1876, to Sloatsburg, upon the order of Mr. Benjamin Thomas, the General Superintendent. In 1886 he was placed in charge of the Montgomery Branch, where he remained, being there nearly thirty years, as Foreman.
In all the years of his service as Trackman and Foreman, he was noted for kindliness in dealings with his associates and his memory will long survive with those associated with him. At his funeral which was one of the largest ever held in Montgomery, men who had been associated with him on the railroad and members of fraternities, of which deceased had long been a member, attended in large numbers to do him honor.
The loss of such a dependable and kindly member of the Maintenance of Way Department force, is sincerely mourned and all who have worked with Peter Hehn join with his wide circle of friends in extending heartfelt sympathy to his wife, two daughters and two sons, who survive him. (P. 723)
THOMAS HOLSON, Meadville, PA
Thomas Holson, engineer, passed away early in February (1916) after a long illness. Mr. Holson entered the service of the Erie thirty-five years ago. (P. 109)
W.W. INGHAM
On Tuesday, February 15 (1916), Mr. W.W. Ingham, superintendent of surveyors, Erie Railroad, met death in a tragic manner at Columbus, Pa., while in the performance of duty.
Mr. Ingham was working with a corps of seven men in inspecting the line. At the time of the accident he was standing on a high bridge elevation, when he missed his footing and fell a distance of about forty feet, landing on the rocky bed of a waterway below. His neck was broken and he was otherwise bruised. He died while being taken to a hospital in Corry.
The funeral was held on February 18 at a church in the upper part of New York City. (P. 38)
CONRAD KAISER
It is with deep regret we have to announce the death of one of our old-time and true friends, Conrad Kaiser, who passed away on January 6 (1916). Mr. Kaiser was one of the old-time employees on the Erie, having thirty years' service as carpenter in both the passenger and freight departments. Quite a few of the Erie employees attended the funeral, which took place from his residence on Sunday, January 26. His fellow shopmates sent a beautiful floral offering. The Erie (Buffalo, NY) car shop's men extend their sympathy to the bereaved family. (P. 750)
JAMES KEEGAN
James Keegan, forty-two years an employe of the Erie and a life-long resident of Suffern, N.Y., died at his home on Dec. 26 (1916). About a year ago he had typhoid pneumonia and he never entirely recovered from its effects. At the time of his demise he was planning to spend several months in Florida.
Decedent started with the Erie at the age of 12 years, working around the station at Suffern and studying telegraphy. At the age of 14 he took a position at Coal Dock "CX" office, Newburgh. Subsequently he was located at Greycourt, Suffern and Weehawken, and later was assigned to the division superintendent's force on special work. In 1892 he became connected with the Land and Tax department where his extensive knowledge of land values and conditions made him an authority. His opinions were seldom questioned. His circle of acquaintances was a wide one and he was proud to number among his intimate friends, during their life time, ex-Governors David B. Hill and Roswell P. Flower. In 1893 he was a member of the Electoral college of the state of New York which cast its vote for Grover Cleveland.
He was a member of the Railroad Club of New York and the Hamilton club of Paterson. He was unmarried and is survived by a brother, John Keegan, and a sister, Mrs. W. H. Kearnan, both of whom reside at Suffern. The burial services were held Dec. 29, at the Church of the Sacred Heart at Suffern, and the interment was made the same day at the Hohokus cemetery.
CHARLES A. KELLEY
Charles A. Kelley, Erie Conductor, died at his home in Chester, NY on Nov. 16 (1916) at the age of 40 years.
HARRY H. KEYES
Harry Keyes, aged 44, at one time a foreman in the (Hornell) machine shop and later occupying a clerical position in the storeroom, died June 8 (1916). He is survived by a widow and four children. Mr. Keyes had been in poor health for more than a year, and for about a month had been confined to his home. He has held several responsible positions during his 15 years' service with the Erie and always with satisfaction. He had no enemies.
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Talbot of Youngstown, OH were called here on account of the illness of Harry Keyes. Mrs. Talbot is an aunt of Mrs. Keyes. (P. 304)
Also, from the August issue:
Harry H. Keyes, age 44, clerk, Rochester, NY, died at his home, 389 S. Division St., Rochester, on June 9. Survived by wife, parents and four children.
LOUIS KRAMER
It is with regret that we note the death of Louis Kramer, an old time employee of the Erie (Galion, OH) Shops, who was instantly killed February 7 by being struck by Train Number 3. Mr. Kramer was walking along the tracks enroute to his home when he met with the fatal accident. His position, as machinist helper, is now filled by J. Stevens. (P. 113)
WALTER W. LEWIS
Walter W. Lewis, for fifty years a station agent in the employ of the Erie Railroad, died recently at his home, Batavia, N.Y., at the age of 72 years.
Deceased had been station agent at Caledonia from 1869 until 1882 and at Batavia from 1882 until the year 1911, when he became general agent at that city. He was a veteran of the civil war in the telegraph service. He was also mayor of Batavia in 1912.
MICHAEL LONG
Michael Long. an Erie veteran, has passed away, after a very brief illness. Mr. Long was, without doubt, one of the oldest men in the Erie's service.
He began work at Piermont as a blacksmith under Supt. Babcock, July 16, 1850. In 1857 he was transferred to Jersey City shop, where he worked at his trade until 1907 under Master Mechanic Brown. Since 1907 he had been working in the car department in the Jersey Avenue yard.
At the time of his death Mr. Long was within about one month of 90 years of age. His total length of service was very nearly sixty-six years. (P. 225)
FRANK C. MARION
With a number of Erie Railroad officials and many friends in attendance, the funeral of Frank C. Marion, son of John V. Marion, one of Buffalo's well-known business men, was held Jan. 24 (1916) from the family residence, No. 96 West Oakwood Place, Buffalo, N.Y., from St. Vincent's Church. Mr. Marion was chief clerk to E.T. Campbell, general traffic manager of the Erie at Chicago and his death, which followed a short illness of pneumonia, came as a distinct shock to scores of friends in Buffalo, New York and Chicago.
Still in his twenties, Mr. Marion was looked upon as one of the "coming men" of the Erie Railroad. Leaving St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute with honors twelve years ago, he entered the office of Fred Singleton, division freight agent of the Erie at Buffalo. A few years later he was promoted and sent to New York, where he entered the office of D.W. Cooke, then general traffic manager. When Mr. Cooke was later transferred to Chicago, Mr. Marion worked in the office of Vice-President Chamberlain. Later Mr. Cooke had him transferred to Chicago. When Mr. Cookc was promoted to the vice-presidency of the Erie, necessitating his removal back to New York, he recommended that Mr. Marion be retained at Chicago because of his excellent work there and his general knowledge of the duties of the office.
The Buffalo "Enquirer" of Jan. 24 said: "High officials of the Erie and other roads displayed much interest in the career of Mr. Marion. He was a general favorite with the officials, traffic men and shippers in Chicago and New York and his death has brought expression of genuine sorrow from men high in transportation circles. In a telegram to Mr. Marion's bereaved parents, Vice-President Cooke stated that the Erie Railroad had lost one of its best employes. As a mark of esteem, twenty-five railroad men escorted the body to the train in Chicago. M.J. Mead of the traffic department came on to Buffalo with the body as the representative of the road.
"C. L Chapman, assistant general traffic manager at New York, and several other out-of-town and local officials, attended the funeral.
"Frank Marion was considered by all who knew him 'a real man.' His devotion to his parents was particularly notable. Possessed of rare ability and a charming personality, he enjoyed wide popularity and the ending of a most promising career has occasioned genuine sorrow and regret. Besides his parents, he is survived by three sisters and two brothers."
JOHN H. MILLER
John H. Miller, veteran Erie carpenter, 85 years of age, died at his home, 641 East Market Street (Huntington, IN) on March 2 (1916), after an illness lasting a week. Mr. Miller was actively engaged in work at the Erie car shop until his illness, and recently was given a feature space in the Erie Magazine as one of the oldest employees of the road.
Mr. Miller was born at Cassville, PA on Jan. 6, 1831, and came to Huntington in March, 1862. He has lived since November 8, 1868 in the house at 641 E. Market Street. He married Amanda Hazy of Middle Creek, PA, June, 1860. Mr. Miller accepted a position with the Erie Railroad in 1869 as a bridge carpenter, later helped to build the shop buildings and continued in the car department shops after they were built. According to the Erie Magazine, he had drawn $20,000 in salaries since he started to work. One hundred and fifty employees attended the funeral in a body. (P. 105)
FRANK H. MOREHOUSE
Frank H. Morehouse, veteran Erie Railroad employe, died early in October (1916) at the Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn at an advanced age. Mr. Morehouse had been in the employ of the company about forty-five years, and was one of the few remaining employes who worked for the company when the offices were in the Grand Opera House at Twenty-third street and Sixth avenue, New York. Mr. Morehouse had always worked in the car record office. He was a veteran of the Ninth regiment, N.G., N.Y., and served under the late Col. James Fisk, Jr.
ALBERT MORRIS
Albert Morris, for 45 years an employe of the Erie Railroad, died recently at his home in Port Jervis, aged 86 years.
In 1870 he started his long term of service with the Erie as car repairer, and was shortly after promoted to carpenter, in which capacity he served until the illness which resulted shortly after in his death.
Mr. Morris was a member of the Baptist Church of Port Jervis for over fifty years, and active in its work as a trustee. He was a member of Neversink Lodge No. 358, IOOF of Tri-States and of Carrol Van Etten Post, No. 279 G. A. R. of Port Jervis. He was an industrious and highly respected employe and was endeared to all who were associated with him. (P. 744)
Also, from Port Jervis Shops News:
Albert Morris, for forty-six years employed in the Car Department as carpenter, died at his home in Port Jervis, age 76 years. Mr. Morris was an old and valued employee of the Port Jervis Car Department and his death, after a short illness, is sincerely mourned by his fellow employees. He was a lifelong member of the Baptist Church and a member of the Neversink Lodge IOOF 358. (P. 748)
J. H. NELSON
J.H. Nelson, for many years a station agent of the Erie on the lines west, died recently at his home in Disko, Ind. Mr. Nelson was obliged to ask for an indefinite leave of absence in October, 1913, but he never recovered to the extent of being able to resume duty. The direct cause of death was arterio sclerosis. He was one of the best known agents on the Ohio division, and in his death the company has lost a faithful and loyal employe.
HARRY PARKER
Harry Parker, for several years an engineer on the Allegany Division, died in this city (Hornell, NY) January 19 (1916). He was incapacitated from the position of engineer by a fall from his engine several years ago. He has since, when his health permitted, held positions in the car shop and in the paint shop. (P. 749)
THOMAS PEARSON
Thomas Pearson, a machinist at one time employed here (Hornell, NY), passed away at his home in this city in January (1916). He came to this country from England about 30 years ago. It will be remembered that during the strike of the machinists a few years ago he was the responsible head and directed the activities of the organization in this section. (P. 749)
EDWARD PLANCK
As the result of being struck by an automobile, Edward Planck, veteran Erie man, died after being removed to his home on Saturday afternoon, June 3 (1916). Mr. Planck, accompanied by his grandson and granddaughter, were on their way to town and were crossing Jefferson Street (Huntington, IN), when an auto struck him. The machine was driven by James Robinson, an old school friend.
The two outstanding features of Mr. Planck's life were his devotion to the teachings of the Bible, and his devotion to his two young grandchildren who accompanied him on his fatal shopping tour. In his work at the Erie shops he usually carried about religious literature and always kept the Bible in his locker. On the closet where he kept his clothes at the shops many religious thoughts and expressions were pasted. He always read scriptures to his fellow shopmen during the lunch hour.
Mr. Planck was employed at the Erie shops for over twenty-five years and lived in Huntington county all his life. He was born August 3, 1859. The funeral was held at the Central Christian church and was in charge of the Rev. E.W. Cole. The Red Men, Forresters and Erie employees attended the funeral services in a body. Burial was at Mt. Hope.
ABRAHAM L. ROSS
Delaware Division Station Agent Abraham L. Ross, one of the best known men of the division, died at his home in Parkers Glen, Pa., recently, of pneumonia, after a week's illness. He was 51 years of age.
He became a telegraph operator on the Delaware Division December 24, 1890, and until July 17, 1901, was in charge of "OZ" tower, at which time he was appointed station agent at Parkers Glen. He had also served as postmaster
FRANK E. SANDS
Frank E. Sands, for many years first trick operator at Niobe Jct. (PA), passed away on February 14 (1916) after a three days' illness, of pneumonia. It was with much regret that this fact was noted, as Mr. Sands was highly respected and a faithful employee. (P. 109)
HENRY STRADER
Word has been received of the death of Henry Strader, a retired conductor of the Delaware Division, which occurred recently at his home in East Wilmington, Cal.
Mr. Strader had been retired from duty at the age of 70 and left his home at Port Jervis, N.Y., settling in East Wilmington, Cal., where he built a bungalow in 1913, and with Mrs. Strader resided there until the time of his death.
He had been a resident of Port Jervis since 1848, or when he was a child of 5 years. At the age of 10 he left school and became water boy on trains, carrying water to passengers from the baggage car in cans. He again returned to school, but volunteered to fight for his country in the civil war, with the Fifty-sixth New York volunteers.
After the war he resumed work on the Eastern (New York) division, but drifted West, later returning home and began work once more for the Erie. He went West again, but on his second return again joined the Eastern division forces and after three years shifted to the Delaware division, where he ran as conductor twenty-eight years of which he was on passenger trains.
Mr. Strader was deeply interested in the work of the Fresh Air Fund and in behalf of a New York newspaper was instrumental in providing summer homes for 2,100 children in seventeen years.
He was a well-known and highly respected citizen of Port Jervis, and made many friends in his California home, as well, from which sunny clime have been received words of praise for him as a man of superior character.
ZENOBE THIBAUT
Zenobe Thibaut, the veteran tool and gauge man (Meadville Shops), died on June 6 (1916). He is survived by a widow, son and daughter. Mr. Thibaut has been in the service of the Erie for thirty years. He was a kind father and loyal citizen of his adopted country, being a native of Belgium.
George Thibaut, master mechanic at Port Jervis, was a visitor to Meadville. Mr. Thibaut was called by the death of his father.
MARTIN TIGHE
Martin Tighe, a sweeper (Hornell Shops), aged 60, was killed by the fall of a steam dome casing Nov. 2 (1916). He was for many years employed at the coaling station.
HAROLD WILLIAM VATTER
On Saturday, July 22 (1916), Harold Wm. Vatter died in Lincoln Hospital, New York City, after an illness of nine weeks. The body was removed to the home of Mr. Vatter's parents, at Lancaster, Pa. He is survived by one brother, George C. Deceased was employed in the office of the Auditor of Freight Accounts, having entered the service of the company September 15, 1913. He gathered about him a large circle of friends who will greatly miss his cheery greeting and the influence of his spirit of clean good fellowship. A beautiful floral tribute was sent from New York by his associates in the Correction Bureau.
THOMAS WALPOLE
Thomas Walpole, painter at Meadville Shops, died recently of heart failure. Deceased was an old employee of the company, having started work in the Water Department in 1871, where he remained two years, when he was transferred to the roundhouse as wiper, and afterward became cleaner for the painters. He was then placed in the shop as painter, where he was a faithful employee through the different changes up to the time of his death. Mr. Walpole was 59 years old and had been in the service of the company 45 years.
EARL ALDRO WESCOTT
Earl Aldro Wescott, consulting engineer for car construction of the Erie Railroad company, died at his home in Chicago, June 12, 1916. Mr. Wescott was born in Edgerton, Wisconsin, October 7, 1849. He received an academic education and at an early age entered railroad service in which he passed his active life. He began his railroad work with the C. M. & St. P. railway, November 3, 1872, and served as division master car builder from about 1874 to October 1, 1892. From this date until April 1, 1899, he was master car builder of the Great Northern Railway. On August 1, 1899, he was appointed master car builder of the Baltimore & Ohio lines west of the Ohio river. He left the B. & 0. on November 1, 1902, and entered the service of the Erie, January 1, 1903, as general foreman car repairs at Jersey City. On April 1, 1904, he was appointed superintendent of Kent shop and in February, 1907 he was made superintendent of the car department of the system. He held this position until failing health obliged him to retire on January 1, 1913. Upon his retirement from active service he was given the title of consulting engineer for car construction in recognition of his large experience and distinguished record as a car builder, not less than for the faithful and constructive service rendered the company.
Mr. Wescott became a member of the institution of Free Masonry at an early age and was a consistent and worthy member until his death. He leaves behind him his wife and five children. He came from hardy pioneer stock and he was worthy of its best traditions. He was a man of decided character. He loved his friends and was true to them. He had a kind heart and was responsive to every form of distress but he was extremely reticent about his good works.
Mr. Wescott was widely known and had devoted friends in nearly every state of the Union. On the sixteenth of June, with his bier deeply covered by the tributes of love, each blossom of which breathed a separate benediction, those among his oldest and dearest friends performed the last privileged office of friendship and laid him to rest in beautiful Rose Hill Cemetery in Chicago. (P. 344-345)
ROBERT H. WINANS
Robert H. Winans, office manager and service man for Geo. W. Roebling, died suddenly on July 8 (1916) of heart failure.
Mr. Winans had been with his last employer about two years and before assuming the position he held at the time of his death, had been successful in the advertising field. He was a man of rare business qualifications and from the fact that he had traveled extensively both abroad and at home, was possessed of a broad knowledge of affairs.
Deceased was an expert accountant and had a rare faculty of handling affairs to the satisfaction of his employer, while his judgment was keen and reliable. With those with whom he came in contact in everyday business life he was a favorite, being fair and just in his dealings. His office force, with whom he had daily intercourse, mourn a kind friend and willing adviser, whose advice, whenever sought, was given ungrudgingly and with a cheerfulness that indicated him to be at all times a gentleman. He leaves a widow and two young children. Funeral services were conducted at his late home; interment was in Greenwood Cemetery, Brooklyn, N.Y. The floral tributes from the bill posters and car carders on the Erie system were very beautiful. (P. 345)
DR. JOHN D. ZWETSCH
As the result of an automobile accident. Dr. J. D. Zwetsch, of Gowanda, N.Y., physician of the Erie Railroad Company at Gowanda, was instantly killed near the State Hospital, on the morning of May 6 (1916).
Dr. Zwetsch with a party of friends had been on a visit to a neighboring town and were returning home, when the driver of the car lost control of it and it turned turtle and rolled into a ditch, killing the doctor instantly and seriously injuring two others.
Dr. Zwetsch was the most prominent citizen of Gowanda, a physician of distinction and had been president of the Association of Erie Railroad Surgeons, where he stood very high in the councils of his brethren.
He was a man of kindly instincts, dignified and broad learning, who had many warm friends among the officials of the Erie Railroad and employes generally, all of whom sincerely regret his untimely death in so tragic a manner. He was 57 years of age and had been a resident of the thriving town of Gowanda about twenty-seven years. He leaves a widow.