WILLIAM H. CURRAN, Chicago, Illinois.
William H. Curran is the son of Thomas Curran, an engineer on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul, and was born in the city of Chicago, on December 15, 1863. He received a fine education, having attended school until he was 20 years of age, and then went to work for the Union Brass Foundry and Machine Company. He remained in this place for two years and a half and then began railroading, having secured a position as fireman on the Erie. He fired in and about the Chicago yards until 1887, when he was promoted to engineer, and has since run a switch engine at Chicago.
Mr. Curran was married August 13, 1883, to Miss Louisa Catherine Berge, daughter of Henry Berge of Chicago, and they have five children, Charles, James, William, Lulu and Jeanette. Mr. Curran is a member of Lodge 302, B. of L. E., and holds a subordinate office. He is also a member of the Royal Arcanum, and owns a fine cottage at 5231 Union avenue. Mrs. Curran belongs to the Ladies of the Maccabees.
Excerpted from: "American Locomotive Engineers, Erie Railway Edition," H.R. Romans Editor; Crawford-Adsit Company Publishers, Chicago, IL 1899.
From the May, 1921 issue of Erie Railroad Magazine:
Engineer Curran is suffering from a severe case of pneumonia. (Form the Chicago 51st St. Yard news column).
From the June, 1921 issue of Erie Railroad Magazine:
Engineer W. Curran, who was on the sick list, is now up and around, but as yet not able to go to work.
From the June, 1921 issue of Erie Railroad Magazine:
Engineer Curran who was on the sick list is now back to work.
From the June, 1931 issue of Erie Railroad Magazine:
The Chicago Terminal employees were saddened on April 24 (1931) by the death of W.H. Curran, who had been actively employed in locomotive service since October 27, 1883, almost 50 years. Mr. Curran was 68 years of age. For several years it was "Billy's" privilege as senior locomotive engineer to hostle the passenger engines between Dearborn Station and 49th St. Roundhouse, and he became a familar figure to the passengers arriving on Nos. 1 and 7. His long association with locomotives had built up an understanding of them, and the few engine failures he was required to report were due to conditions beyond his control. In his capacity as Chairman of the B of LE, "Billy" had the respect of his constituents and the officers of the Erie. His jovial disposition and keen sense of duty will never be forgotten by those who were fortunate enough to have enjoyed his acquaintance.
A small photo was also published