From the June, 1915 issue of Erie Railroad Magazine:
Allegany Division Engineer W. Hurd, running engine #635 with fireman J.L. Furman, was listed as being in the Order of the Red Spot for June, 1915. The Order was an honor bestowed on engine crews who operated efficiently with few engine failures.

From the September, 1923 issue of Erie Railroad Magazine:
Engineer William H. Hurd, of the Allegany Division, has over fifty years of continuous service with this company to his credit, and a more faithful or conscientious man would be hard to find or one with a cleaner record, and while during these years he has served under eighteen different superintendents, his personal record has always been absolutely clear.

Mr. Hurd was born in Canandaigua, NY, August 10, 1853, and entered the service of the Erie as brakeman May 12, 1873, and was transferred to fireman March 1, 1875, and promoted to engineer September 22, 1881. He is still hale and hearty and works steadily, as his custom has always been. Mr. Hurd, or "Bill" as he is more familiarly known, has run the yard engine at Olean for twenty-six years, in which city he makes his home at 118 S. Second Street.

From the March, 1925 issue of Erie Railroad Magazine:
(A photo of the crew was also published).
The crew that does work in the Olean, NY yard is among the busiest on the road. It is composed of engineer W.H. Hurd, fireman J. Furman, brakeman G. Phillips and A.E. Rowe, and Conductor T.C. Anderson.

During last year this crew handled 28,768 cars, the largest recorded at this station in any one year, and was accomplished with twenty-three engine hours less, with an increase of 1,400 cars, as compared with figures for 1923. This creditable showing was made possible through the untiring interest and cooperation of the above yard crew.

From the June, 1928 issue of Erie Railroad Magazine:
Five veteran Erie employees were retired from active service with special allowances last month. They are (engineers) Ira Jones and Matthew Dewey, of Hornell, and William H. Hurd of Olean, Allegany Division; Andrew Showerman, train baggage agent on the Buffalo Division; and F.D. Acker of Bradford, PA, engineer on the Bradford Division.

Matthew Dewey has a service record of 58 years. "Mat" has been engaged for the last few years in switch engine service in the Hornell yards. He is a close friend of John K. Chapman, who had a 73 year service record when he was retired a year ago.

Ira Jones has a 56 year service record, Mr. Hurd a 50 year record, Mr. Acker 47 years and Mr. Showerman service of 41 years.

From the July, 1928 issue of Erie Railroad Magazine:
When William H. Hurd, veteran engineer at Olean, was retired the other day after 55 years' service and placed on the special allowance list by the Erie Railroad, he reluctantly broke up a partnership of 31 years with his fireman, J.L. Furman. They had been so long associated together as the crew of the Olean yard engine that it is said that they became very much alike in appearance and actions.

Mr. Hurd, who is 76, got his start on the Erie as a brakeman through J.A. Martin, conductor of Elmira. Shortly afterward he tried his hand at firing and was soon promoted to engineer, running between Hornell and Salamanca. He was transferred to Olean in 1897 and met Mr. Furman, beside whom he has worked ever since.

Mr. Hurd has seen many changes on the Erie. When he started, the road was broad gauge, the largest locomotives weighed only 35 tons and hauled 16 cars. Now they weigh 150 tons and can haul 100 cars or more. There were no air brakes or patent couplers in his early days. In all his long experience he has never injured anyone.

From the July, 19298 issue of Erie Railroad Magazine:
W.H. Hurd, engineer on the Allegany Division of the Erie, who was retired at the age of 75 on May 1, 1928, has died. He was born August 10, 1853, and entered Erie service May 12, 1873.