Erie Railroad Biography - W.R. Benedict
THE WILLIAM R. BENEDICT.
Following a custom inaugurated on the New York Division of naming engines after the engineers that run them and keen them in good repair, as well as in an always cleanly condition, the Buffalo Division has caught on to this most popular idea, which other divisions have also adopted, and now one of its speedy engines runs between Buffalo and Hornell, being so spick and span in appearance that casual observers think the Erie has been adding new motive power to the excellent aggregation of engines now in service.
So far as engine 506 is concerned, this is a mere illusion -- an optical illusion, as it were -- for the bright and new appearance given this engine is due to the generous use of waste and cleaning material applied on her exterior by what is familiarly and suggestively known as "elbowgrease."
Engine 506, now the pride of the Buffalo Division, passed the rigid inspection required before becoming a member of the Honor Contingent, and she was found to be so good in all the essential requirements that the management ordered William R. Benedict, the name of her efficient engineer, to be placed in conspicuous letters on the sides of her cab, thereby honoring the tried and true old boy who handles her and is responsible for her becoming the pride of Superintendent Elston's 93 miles of Buffalo Division.
Master Mechanic Fred Tuma thinks a pile of "Bill" Benedict and was as pleased as the boy elected captain of his ball team, when orders came to shop 506, fix her up and paint his name on the cab. "Bill" was proud, too, and the happy feeling is still implanted deep in his system. The newspapers along the road have written the story of the Buffalo Division's first Honor Engine, giving it prominent head lines, and it has created an unusual amount of good cheer and feeling among the boys.
And this is the record of Engineer William R. Benedict; it's as bright and clean as the engine itself:
He entered the service of the Erie R.R. Co. in the year 1860, starting at the bottom of the ladder, as an engine wiper; promoted to locomotive fireman in 1862, and to locomotive engineer March 14th, 1869, since which time he has been in continuous service.
It is pleasing, as well as interesting, to know that, during the 30 years of Engineer Benedict's experience as a passenger train engineer, his continued close observation has prevented him from meeting with any serious accidents. His record is such that it not only reflects great credit on himself, but his employer and officials, who are in no small measure interested.
This mark of appreciation is most gratifying to Engineer Benedict, also to his associates and friends, all of whom are highly pleased with the honor bestowed upon a man whose principles and qualifications are of the highest, and all join in congratulating him on being the worthy recipient of such an honor, and sincerely hope for his continued success as an engineer, not only for his personal benefit, but the old Erie as well.
Engine 506 has been regularly assigned to Engineer Benedict, and with it he runs passenger trains 24 and 27, between Buffalo and Hornell.
From the May, 1911 issue of Erie Railroad Magazine.
Click here for more information on named engines and the Order of the Red Spot.
From the December, 1914 issue of Erie Railroad Magazine.
Engineer W.R. Benedict, "Owner of the Fast 506," who heads the Buffalo Division roster, was placed on the pension roll October 22, 1914. Benedict entered the service of this company as a locomotive fireman in October, 1862, and was promoted to the right side of the cab on March 14, 1869, in which capacity he has served with credit to himself and the company, his service record being unscarred and perfect. Although he has passed his seventieth milestone, he is a robust man. May he retain good health for many years to come.
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