xxxxxxxxxxxxxCollection Home & HelpxxxEngineers' Garden Club Photos, 1980-82 xxxWx4 SP Railroader Pages / railroad genealogy

Index of Names + Biographical Information

Updated: 9-29-22

Additions, corrections, questions
? Contact us at: sprr.coast@gmail.com

Service (seniority) entry date acronyms
Note that these represent the date of entry into a craft, not necessarily an original hire date with the company.

ESD: engineer; FSD: fireman; YFSD: yard fireman; RFSD: road fireman; CSD: conductor; BSD brakeman; YSD: yardman (switchman); CLSD: clerk

Note: several of the engineers listed below also appear in Wx4.org's Garden Club Banquet Photos, 1980-82

Links in this column are to images external to the collection
Biographical Data
Alexander, M. "Alec"
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 226
ESD: 12-25-19
Allen, F? or M. D. ?
  • Pt. 4 pg. 2, 105, 106
  • Pt. 4 pg. 3, 122
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 209
M. D. - ESD: 5-14-17

F. - Either a misidentification, or retired prior to 1922. #105-06 show a different individual than #122
Allen, R. L.
  • Pt. 1, 147
FSD: 1-16-43
Off Coast Division roster by 1956
Altmeyer, Herman William
  • Pt. 4 pg. 3, 150
ESD: 9-5-11 - yard engineer

Biographical data and additional photos at Wx4.org
Awalt, T. H.
  • Pt. 4 pg. pg. 4, 216 (w/wife)
  • Pt. 4 pg. 5, 240
ESD: 7-4-17
Bacher, Frank (Fred?)
  • Pt. 4 pg. 3, 171
FSD: 8-30-12
ESD: 9-10-23

Retired after 1947

Baker, A. C.
  • Pt. 3 pg.1, 052
ESD: 4-30-07

Retired after 1947

Balentine, James
  • Pt. 4 pg. 1, 039, 069, 076
  • Pt. 4 pg. 2, 086, 087, 103, 104, 112
    Pt. 4 pg. 3, 122
ESD: 5-10-01

Retired between 1931 and 1935

Suffered burns in 11-22-22 collision with gas truck at College Park that killed Fireman W. Diercks.

Grandfather of conductor "Skip" Balentine?
Balzarini, A. M.
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 219, 220, 229
FSD: 7-15-15
ESD: 9-11-23

Retired after 1947

Barber, R. J.
  • Pt. 1, 036, 037
FSD: 7-7-23
ESD: 3-12-38

Retired: 8-30-68

Baumeister, William J.
  • Pt. 1, 004, 007; 009-011
  • Pt. 3 pg. 2, 014, 015
  • Pt. 3 pg. 3, 206
  • Pt. 4 pg. 1, 039, 040, 040b, 070, 071, 081, 090, 085
  • Pt. 4 pg 2, 086-089, 100, 101, 103, 105-107, 111, 112, 114-16, 128, 129, 136
  • Pt. 4 pg.4, 199, 210, 214, 217, 218-21, 222, 224, 225
  • Pt. 4 pg. 5, 208, 232-34, 236
  • Pt. 6 pg. 2, 271**
  • Pt. 7 pg. 1, 012 (mentioned), 013 (mentioned)
ESD: 9-20-06

Retired: 8-1-49

Birth: 3-6-1884
Death: 8-4-1962
Son of German immigrants
Wife: Gladys

He was involved in local union affairs no later than 1906, when he assisted the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers national General Chairman in earthquake relief efforts. No later than 1916 he became the long time Chairman of the San Francisco B&LE Division 161 Local Committee of Adjustment (the principle local union rep). This may account for why he appeared in so many photos. Recipient of fuel saving award for 9-23. Apparently spent the last decade of his career running the Noon Daylight.

**Standing in front of overturned Daylight locomotive at Gilroy, 1935

Bays, J. F. "Jim", "Big Daddy", "The Bear"
  • Pt. 1, 036
  • Pt. 4 pg. 5, 241
Yardman: 6-9-48

Retired: ca. 1986


"Big Daddy" or "The Bear", as he was called due to his large size, was Terminal Superintendent of San Francisco for more than 25 years.

Bell, J. B.
  • Pt. 4 pg. 3, 122
ESD: 6-27-98

Retired before 1935.

Benbow, C. C.
  • Pt. 3 pg.1, 047, 050?, 051?
  • Pt. 4 pg. 2, 106
ESD: 4-4-06

Retired between 1939 and 1944

Berkley, Jack?
  • Pt. 3 pg. 2, 159?
This name does not appear in Coast Division seniority rosters.
Berlin?
  • Pt. 4 pg. 3, 122, 128, 129
Either a misidentification or retired prior to 1922
Binns, P. V.
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 215
ESD: 9-12-20

Retired: 7-1-55

Bishop, F. B.
  • Pt. 4 pg. 2, 106
  • Pt. 4 pg. 3, 122, 128, 129
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 209
ESD: 9-10-06

Retired between 1939 and 1944.
Bishop, H. L.
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 216 (w/wife)
ESD: 8-12-10

Retired after 1947
Bittick, A.
  • Pt. 4 pg. 3, 128, 129
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 209, 216
ESD: 6-28-20


Retired after 1947

Blasdel, A. N..
  • Pt. 3 pg. 2, 156
  • GCP
FSD: 9-27-37
ESD: 12-25-46

Retired after 1980
Bohrmeister, W.
  • Pt. 4 pg. 3, 122
ESD: 1-16-03


Retired ca.1945

Veteran of Spanish-American War
Fireman of President Wm. McKinley Special train, May, 1901
Engineer during fatal pedestrian accident at Godola, Davenport Branch, 5-28-21
Engineer of last train on Bolder Creek Branch, 1-18-34.
Bongiorno, R. M. "Bob"
  • Pt. 4 pg. 5, 240
FSD: 7-18-52
ESD: About 1960

When Amtrak began running Commute trains for Caltrain in mid-1992, Bob transfered to Amtrak, where he was a "Special Duty Engineer", later a trainmaster. His job was to monitor weekday morning crews and trains, looking for problems. He often worked trains as an energency conductor, but refused to run one as an engineer. Because he so often fixed problems, often before they happened, he was known as "911". Regardless, the Joint Powers Board staff refused to rename Caltrain engine #911 as the Bob Bongiorno in appreciation after he passed away in 2002 from cancer while still on the payroll. His railroad career spanned 50 years to the day.
Boop, Irwin T.
  • Pt. 3 pg. 2, 146
ESD: 12-6-15 yard engineer

Retired 1945 or 1946

Bowser, Joe
  • Pt. 3 pg.1, 046, 052?, 056?
ESD: before 1900

Retired prior to 1922
Bradley, C. ?
  • Pt. 4 pg. 3, 166
No data
Brazil, T. E. "Tom"
  • Pt. 3 pg. 2, 152
FSD: 10-27-17
ESD: 9-2-26

Retired before 1960
Brown, J. R. "Bob?"
  • Pt. 4 pg. 1, 135?
FSD: 9-8-29
ESD: 9-10-44

Retired after 1960

Identied as "B. Brown" in photo
Bullard, Arthur W. "Squeak"
  • Pt. 1, 001
  • Pt. 3 pg.1, 044
  • Pt 4. pg. 1, 066?
  • Pt. 4 pg. 3, 122? 128?, 129?
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 209?, 224?
ESD: 9-20-06

Retired: 10-1-40

Presumed brother of Engineer W. C. Bullard

Bullard, W. C.
  • Pt. 4 pg. 3, 122? 128?, 129?
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 209?
ESD: 8-21-02

Retired 1945 or 1946

Presumed brother of Engineer A. W. Bullard
Burbank, George W.
  • Pt. 3 pg. 1, 055
  • Pt. 4 pg. 3, 128, 129
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 216, 226
  • Pt. 4 pg. 5, 240
ESD: 8-17-06

Retired after 1947
Bush, R. A., Sr.
  • Pt. 1, 004
ESD: 8-31-00

Retired 1927 or 1928
Caldwell, Stanley E.
  • Pt. 3 pg. 3, 253
FSD: 8-13-37
ESD: 11-24-46
Cannon, A. C.
  • Pt. 3 pg. 3, 259
FBSD: 11-15-41
CSD: 2-19-46

Identified as C. C. Cannon in photo, probably in error.
Cantwell, T. M.
  • Pt. 4 pg. 2, 106, 108?, 109?, 111
ESD: 9-8-02

Retired after 1939
Carey, E. E.
  • Pt. 3 pg. 1, 045
ESD: 5-23-15

Was restricted to yard service for all/most of his career and retired on a disability under age 65 about 1947
Carey, Howard R.
  • Pt. 3 pg. 2, 094, 095
FSD: 8-11-18
ESD: 8-5-27

Retired 1945 or 1946
Cassidy, B. J.
  • Pt. 4 pg. 3, 122, 128, 129
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 209
ESD: 7-3-17

Retired after 1939
Castlehun, F. J. "Fred"
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 172
FSD: 9-13-20
ESD: 9-26-36

Retired after 1960

Champlain, F.
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 216 (w/wife)
ESD: 2-1-99

Retired after 1939 - #1 on engineers' seniority roster no later than 1935
Chappelone, G. A.
  • Pt. 3 pg. 2, 097
FSD: 7-22-27
ESD: 10-3-42

Retired after 1960

Cherry, F. W.
  • Pt. 4, pg. 2, 106, 111
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 216
ESD: 12-20-02

Retired: 6-39 with more than 50 years total service
Childs, E. T.
  • Pt. 4, pg. 4, 229
SD:Hostler, Bayshore SD: 8-11-18

Retired after 1960
Christian, L. F. "Al"?
  • Pt. 1, 019
  • Pt. 3 pg. 2, 145
  • Pt. 4 pg 4, 126
ESD: 9-19-17

Retired 9-30-50

Clark, C.
  • Pt. 3 pg.2, 126
YSD: 9-26-16

Retired due to physical disability under age 65 in 1947.

Born 10-9-1881
Cleveland, Lyle H.
  • Pt. 4 pg. 1, 085
FSD: 6-4-25
ESD: 7-29-41

His timebooks from 1940 to 1962 and biographical data are available as PDF's at Wx4.org.
Clouette, (Herold?)
  • Pt. 4 pg. 3, 122
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 209
Herold Clouette signed in as an engineer on an 1899 South Pacific Coast Campbell station registry. This is the person presumed to appear in the photos. When the SPC seniority roster was dissolved in 1907, it may be that, instead of transferring to the Coast Division, he instead hired on with Northwestern Pacific, where a 1939 roster shows a H. E. Clouette with an ESD 4-21-07. He may have been invited to the retiree picnics by his fellow former SPC engineers.

A Turn of the Century contemporary of his was Coast Division trainman W. I. Clouette,
BSD; 9-24-97 CSD: 10-15-02. Presumably they were related.
Coburn, R. L.
  • Pt. 4 pg. 2, 105
ESD: 12-14-00

Retired between 1935 and 1939
Cook, B. T. "Ben"
  • Pt. 3 pg.2, 126
YSD: 6-17-13
Corbin, William S.
  • Pt. 4 pg. 2, 105, 106, 111
  • Pt. 4 pg. 3, 122, 128, 129
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 209, 226
ESD: 2-27-07

Retired before 1944
Cotton
  • Pt. 3 pg.1, 057
General Yardmaster at Mission Bay Yard in early 20th Century.
Courtermarsh, L. D.
  • Pt. 3 pg. 1, 043
  • Pt. 4 pg. 3, 122
ESD: 8-18-06

Retired between 1944 and 1947
Cox, C. E.
  • Pt. 4 pg. 1, 209
E: 4-5-17

Retired after 1939

Cox, C. E.
  • Pt. 1, 009
Likely a company official
Coughlin, "Pope"
  • Pt. 2, 165
Coughlin may have been the roadmaster at Bayshore in the middle 1950's. "Pope" nickname pointed towards presumed Irish Catholoc lineage.
Cron, E. C.
  • Pt. 4 pg. 2, 106
  • Pt. 4 pg. 3, 122, 128, 129
ESD: 9-1-06, yard engineer

Retired after 1929
Cunningham
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 209
No data
Dalton, J. W. "Jack"
  • Pt. 4 pg. 5, 243
FSD; 8-9-19
ESD: 7-11-36

Retired after 1960
Davenport, F. S.
  • Pt. 6 pg. 1, 263, 264
FSD; 8-6-19
ESD: 7-10-36

Retired after 1956

Fireman of the last regular passenger train on the Santa Cruz Branch, 12-2-37. Even though he had recently been promoted to engineer, he was "cut back to firing", due to the lack of engineer jobs.
Davis, H.
  • Pt. 4 pg. 3, 122
ESD: 11-4-07

Retired with disability under age 65 about 1947
Delves, F.
  • Pt. 3 pg. 3, 249?
  • Pt. 4 pg. 1, 085
Unknown occupation at Mission Bay, ca.1935
DeNoble, J. "Joe"
  • Pt. 1, 021
  • Pt. 3 pg.1, 051
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 226
ESD: 9-30-1919

Retired: 5-30-53
Deutcher, R. C. - see: Dutcher, R. C.
Dorey, C. L.
  • Pt. 1, 176
E: 10-4-14

By late 1940's was restricted to fireman and yard engineer. Probably person identified as "E. L. Dorsey" in photo #176.
Duceschi, J. D.
  • Pt. 3 pg. 3, 206
YFSD: 9-27-17
RFSD; 12-1-18
ESD: 10-16-27

Retired after 1960
Duncanson, E. A.
  • Pt.3 pg.1, 063
  • Pt. 4 pg. 1, 085?
FSD: 7-15-15
ESD: 9-11-23

Retired on disability under age 65 about 1947
Dutcher, R. C.
  • Pt. 4 pg. 3, 122, 128, 129
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 209, 216 (wife only, misspelled "Deutcher")
ESD: 4-19-07

Retired on disabilityunder age 65 about 1947
Earl, A. T.
  • Pt. 4 pg. 5, 240
ESD: 9-17-19

Off roster between 1929 and 1935
Elder, C. G.
  • Pt. 4 pg. 1, 039
  • Pt. 4 pg. 3, 103, 105, 106, 111, 112, 114, 117, 122, 128, 129
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 209, 217, 218
ESD: 6-27-98

Retired between 1929 and 1935
Eldridge, H. I.
  • Pt. 4 pg.5, 237
FSD: 8-27-52
ESD: Post 1960
Ewing, J. J.
  • Pt. 3 pg.1, 041
ESD: 5-6-07

In 1922 he was listed as restricted to yard service and was gone from the roster by 1926.
Farley, J. L.
  • Pt. 4 pg. 3, 122
ESD: 1-18-07

Retired after 1939
Farrell, J. M. "Jim"
  • Pt. 1, 004
  • Pt. 4 pg. 1, 085
  • Pt. 4 pg. 3, 171
ESD: 8-31-12 yard engineer

Retired after 1947
Fiddler
  • Pt. 4, pg. 4, 226
No data
Fifield, D.
  • Pt. 3 pg. 1, NIC-01
Active engineer in 1905, but retired before 1922

Presumed father of William Fifield, below
Fifield, William G.
  • Pt. 1, 004, 007, 075
  • Pt. 4 pg. 1, 073?
  • Pt. 4 pg. 3, 122, 128, 129
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 209
ESD: 5-28-03

Retired 1944-45

Road Foreman of Engines, San Francisco - ca. 1927 and again in the late 30's to mid 40's
Fisk, A. M. "Arthur"
  • Pt. 4, pg. 3, 166, 172
FSD: 7-5-15
ESD: 9-11-23

Retired before 7-1-55

Brother of W. M. Fisk
Fisk, W. M.
  • Pt. 4 pg. 3, 166
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 215
ESD: 6-28-20

Retired: 7-1-55

Brother of A. M. Fisk
Fitzgerald, Robert E.
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 226
FSD: 5-3-20
ESD: 7-30-36

Retired with disability under age 65 about 1960
Fleck, W. A. "Bill"
  • Pt. 1, 007
  • Pt. 4 pg. 1, 085
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 226
ESD: 4-22-17

Retired 1945-46
Foster, W. A. "Bill"
  • Pt. 3 pg. 1, 046, 048, 049, 051?, 056?
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 209
ESD: 7-28-13

Yard engineer

Retired after 1947
Fraser, V. W.
  • Pt. 1, 161
  • Pt. 5, 160
YFSD: 5-13-17
RFSD; 9-24-17
ESD: 9-1-26

Retired: ca.1956

Gadsby, Cecil
  • Pt. 3 pg. 3, 254
FSD: 9-8-27
ESD: 7-9-43

Off roster before 1956
Galbraith, R. B.
  • Pt. 4 pg.5, 240
FSD: 8-20-23

ESD: 6-25-41

Retired after 1960
Galia, M.?
  • Pt. 4 pg. 2, 106
No data
Grellman, F. "Fred"
  • Pt. 6 pg. 1, 263
ESD: 3-7-07

Retired after 1939

Enginner of train involved in fatal pedestrianaccident at Corcoran Lagoon trestle, Santa
xxxxxxxCruz Branch, 8-15-36
Engineer of the last regular passenger train on the Santa Cruz Branch, 12-2-37
Grieb, L. R.
  • Pt. 4 pg. 1, 135, 068, 069, 070
  • Pt. 4 pg. 2, 086, 103
FSD: 5-9-07
ESD: 6-24-20

Retired 1945-46

Note: Some photos may be of another engineer whose appearance is similar to Grieb.
Grove, E. C.
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 216 (w/wife)
ESD: 8-13-17

Retired after 1947
Gull, Leslie M. "Les"
  • Pt. 3 pg. 2, 094, 146
FSD: 9-13-28
ESD: 11-29-43

Retired after 1960

Haas, "Harry"
  • Pt. 4. pg. 4, 226
No data
Hamlin, L. A.
  • Pt. 4. pg. 3, 122, 128, 129
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 209,
    210 (w/grandson)
ESD: 8-4-17

Retired after 1947
Hammersley, Walter H.
  • Pt. 1, 054

ESD: 8-16-06


R
etired 3-1-25

Hammond, R. W. "Bob"
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 226
FSD: 9-15-23
ESD: 6-26-41

Retired after 1960
Hancock, A. J. "Bob"?
  • Pt. 3 pg. 3, 252
  • Pt. 4 pg. 3, 198, (136 - photographer?)
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 214?, 226, 219?, 220?
  • Pt. 4 pg. 5, 208?, 236
ESD: 6-18-20

Retired: 2-4-52

Hansen, William
  • Pt. 3 pg. 3, 250
E: 9-10-02

Retired 1936-38
Hecox
  • Pt. 4 pg. 3, 122
No data

May have been a relative of Ed Hecox, the SP engineer who was killed in the 1939 wreck of the City of San Francisco in Nevada.

Henry, Mervin (E.S.?)
  • Pt. 1, 054
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 226
No "Mervin" Henry appeared in SP seniority rosters, but there was an "E.S. Henry", with an ESD of 6-1-17, who retired 2-21-53
Heyden, E. M. "Ed"
  • Pt. 1, 029, 030, 032
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 172, 217
  • Pt. 4 pg. 5, 243
YFSD: 5-17-17
RFSD: 10-29-17
ESD: 9-3-26

Retired: ca.1962
Hiniker, E. F.
  • Pt. 3 pg. 3, 206
FSD: 9-27-26
ESD: 9-17-42

Retired after 1960
Hill, Dean C.
  • Pt. 3 pg.2
FSD: 7-17-53
ESD: ca.1960

Retired circa 1980's
Hirschier, T. A.
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 216 (w/wife)
  • Pt. 4 pg. 5, 240
ESD: 6-2-17

Retired after 1947
Hoffman, R.
  • Pt. 4 pg. 5, 237
No data
Hollings, R. B.
  • Pt. 1, 008
  • Pt. 4 pg. 3, 128, 129
ESD: 5-11-07

Retired: 9-30-46

Holmberg, C. G.
  • Pt. 1, 011, 163
  • Pt. 2, 169
FSD: 9-8-13 shown in 1922 seniority list, but not listed 1925 and afterwards

Road Foreman of Engines at San Luis Obispo ca. early 1950's.
Hoogendyk, Cornelius
  • Pt. 1, 007?
  • Pt. 6 pg. 2, 267-271 mentioned*
ESD: 10-10-19

Retired after 1939

* Engineer of 1935 Daylight wreck at Gilroy shown in photos, but not pictured.
Hoogendyk, W.
  • Pt. 1, 007?
  • Pt. 6 pg. 2, 267-271*
ESD: 4-29-07

Retired 1944-45

Relationship to Cornelius, above, not established - could be either in photo #007

Honn, John J. "Scotty"
  • Pt. 1, 003; 004
  • Pt. 4 pg. 2, 106, 107?, 111
  • Pt. 4 pg. 3, 122, 128, 129
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 209, 217-20, 226
ESD: 8-10-10

Retired about 1943

Honnert, E. P.
  • Pt. 1, 161
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 216 (w/wife)
  • Pt. 5, 160
FSD: 9-13-17
ESD: 8-5-26

Retired: Prior to 1956

Hoppe, Charles E. "Charlie"
  • Pt. 1, 018
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 226
E: 6-20-20

Retired: 6-26-50

Hoskins, J. W.
  • Pt. 3 pg. 3, 251
E: 6-20-20

Retired after 1947
Isham Earl
  • Pt. 3 pg. 2, 126
E: 5-15-02

Retired 1950 or later

Ivey, J. D. "John"
  • Pt. 5, 185
ESD: 10-10-19

Retired after 1947

Johnson, Ralph
  • Pt. 1, 002
  • Pt. 4 pg. 2, 106, 112, 114
  • Pt. 4 pg. 3, 122, 128, 129
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 209, 217, 221
  • Pt. 4 pg. 5, 232-34
ESD: 10-4-01

Retired: 7-12-42

Johnson, W. F.
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 209
FSD: 7-30-36
ESD: 8-25-45, retstricted to yard

Jones, H. E. "Harold"?
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 229
FSD: 6-16-17
ESD: 8-1-25

Retired after 1955
Jones, R. A. "Bob"
  • Pt. 1, 020 "R. A."
  • Pt 4. pg. 4 "Bob"
FSD: 6-11-20
ESD
: 8-13-36

Retired: 1-1-52
Jones, William "Billy"
  • Part 9, Billy Jones page
  • Pt. 4 pg. 1, 071
  • Pt. 4 pg. 3, 136
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 217, 218, 221, 222, 224, 227, 232-34
  • Pt. 4 pg. 5, 239, 243
First service: 1897, age 13 - engine wiper at Boulder Creek South Pacific Coast roundhouse
FSD: 1901, South Pacific Coast
ESD: 1-17-1907 Southern Pacific (uknown if promoted on SPC)

According to Los Gatos Historian William Wulf, who knew him: Billy did not transfer his seniority from South Pacific Coast to the Coast Division until well-after most men more senior to him had done so. Thus he went from near the bottom to near the top of the SPC seniorty roster before he was forced to transfer. Subsequently, he worked all over the Coast while climbing the SP seniority roster.

More biographical info in Part 9, Billy Jones page

Jordan, J.J.
  • Pt. 1, 009, 018
  • Pt. 2, 149
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 203, 204, 226
Long time Superintendent of Coast Division ca. 1930's & 1940's
Jordan, S. D. "Sam"
  • Pt. 3 pg. 2, 155
BSD: 9-23-41
CSD: 2-19-46
Keany, J. J.
  • Pt. 1, 163
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 229
YFSD: 8-10-16
RFSD: 8-14-17
ESD: 8-8-25

Retired: ca.1956
Keller, A. L.
  • Pt. 3 pg. 1, 055
ESD: 9-6-06; yard engineer

Retired 1936-38
Kelley
  • Pt. 7, pg. 1 012 (mentioned), 013 (mentioned)
Mentioned, but not visible in photos, as fireman with Engineer W. J. Baumeister on train #96 in 1940. He does not appear in available rosters.
Kelsey, Edward Albert "Dad"
  • Pt. 4 pg. 1, 069, 070, 071, 038, 039, 040, 040b, 040c
ESD: 1888

Retired 11-1919, age 70; 35 yrs., 10 mos. service

Born 9-25-1849 Freeport, Maine; died 11-4-1941 SP Hospital, S. F. age 92 obituary member of the Masons

The engineers threw annual birthday celebrations for Kelsey, which may be one expalnation for his central position in group photos.

1870 Census - [stationary?] engineer at pipe works, Maine
1887 Portland Maine City Directory: Engineer (Boston & Maine R. R.?)
1897-10-7 Involved in accident on Walker St. in Watsonville, when his 5:00 pm Santa Cruz bound train hit a horse and buggy, killing an 11 year old boy and injuring his mother. San Francisco Call, 10-8-1897
9-21-1906 Apparently caused head-on collision at Aptos between his and another passenger train by misreading his orders, injuring 3.
October,1916 earnings for month: $119.83
Kennedy, D. "Dan"?
  • Pt. 1, 025, 029
This trainman's name is not in seniority rosters, so photo #029 may be a misidentification. The only Kennedy that appears in conductor seniority rosters is a 1943 seniority date named J. B. Kennedy, much too young to be the person in the photo.
Kiesel E. R. Ernie
  • Pt. 3 pg. 2, 092, 156 (mentioned), 179
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 181, 229
  • Pt. 7 pg. 2, 137, 138 (mentioned), 139 (mentioned)
  • Part 10 - Ernie Kiesel, 092, 154, 179,137, 183, 140a-140g
  • GCP
FSD: 10-2-23
ESD: 6-26-41

Biograhical information


Donator of Kiesel Collection

Labish, W.
  • Pt. 3 pg. 1, NIC-01
FSD: circa 1905
Off Coast Division roster before 1922
Lacey, H. R. "Bob"
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 226
ESD: 9-21-14; yard engineer

Retired after 1947
LaFrance, J. A. "Joe"
  • Pt. 1, 033
  • Pt. 3 pg. 3, 255, 261
  • Pt. 4 pg. 5, 243
YFSD: 11-21-17
RFSD; 12-1-1918
ESD: 9-1-28

Retired: 8-1-62

Lambert, Anne
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 181
Mission Bay engine crew dispatcher, ca.1950's

May have been the wife of Bayshore Carman John Lambert (John retired circa 1980)
Lamphier, F. E. "Fred"
  • Pt. 3 pg. 2, 155
ESD: 9-1-28

Retired 1954-56
Lang, C. C.
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 216 (w/wife)
No data
Lang, T. N.
  • Pt. 4 pg. 3, 128, 129
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 209
ESD: 1-16-02; yard engineer

Retired before 1935
Larson, O. N.? "Chet" "Lemmon Head"
  • Pt. 4 pg. 5, 242
FSD: 6-18-46
ESD: 5-11-55, Listed in 1960 as restricted to yard fireman

Chet Larson received the name "Lemmon Head" after shaving his head.
Lawrence, J. H.
  • Pt. 4 pg. 3, 128, 129
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 209
ESD: 6-1-17

Retired before 1935
Lawson, R. "Bob"
  • Pt. 3 pg. 1, 326
ESD: 9-10-86

Retired: ca. 1923-25

Father of Engineer C.C. Lawson?
Great Grandfather of Conductor Joe Lawson?

Leahy, R. J. "Ray"
  • Pt. 2, 026, 027, 028
CLSD: 3-19-21 as Clerk, Motive Power, San Jose

Retired: ca. 1968

Lee, J. J. "DeForest"?
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 226
FSD: 12-1-18
ESD: 9-1-29

Retired after 1947

#226 identifies a "DeForest, Lee", who may be J. J.
Leeper, R.
  • Pt. 4 pg. 3, 128, 129
FSD: 12-1-18
ESD: 10-16-27

Retired after 1947
Lindley, Walter E., Sr.
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 223
  • GCP
FSD: 8-26-25
ESD: 8-13-41

Retired after 1960
Lovejoy
  • Pt. 4 pg. 2, 105, 106
  • Pt. 4 pg. 3, 122
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 226
Retired prior to 1922
Lynch, E. D. "Ed"
  • Pt. 4 pg. 3, 128, 129
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 203, 204, 209, 226
ESD: 1-25-01

Retired after 1939
Lynn, L. J.
  • Pt. 1, 024, 025
ESD: 5-30-17

Retired: 8-1-54

Lyons, J. M. "Jim
  • Pt. 1, 147
ESD: 6-2-20

Retired: 9-15-54

Maddux, C. A.
  • Pt. 4 pg. 3, 128, 129, 198 (wife)
  • Pt. 4 pg.4, 209
  • GCP
ESD: 9-2-26

Retired after 1947

His wife, Mary, is shown in #198
Malone, Clarence H.
  • Pt. 1, 031, 190
  • Pt. 4 pg. 1, 081, 090
YFSD: 5-17-17
RFSD: 11-9-17
ESD: 9-4-26

Retired: 3-62

Pt. 4 pg. 1, 081, 090 also show Mrs. Malone

Mason, F.
  • Pt. 4 pg. 3, 128, 129
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 209
ESD: 9-16-17

Retired 1945-46
Mathews, Charles T. "Pop"
  • Pt. 1, 016, 017
  • Pt. 3 pg. 1, 064?
  • Pt. 4 pg. 1, 081, 090
  • Pt. 4 pg. 3, 122
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 209, 214, 217, 218
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 236
  • Pt. 4 pg. 5, 208, 240
ESD: 6-28-20

Retired: 6-30-49

Pt. 4 pg. 1, 081, 090 and Pt. 4 pg. 3, 198 also show Mrs. Mathews

Mission Bay Garden next to M. B. Roundhouse was renamed Pop Mathews Garden ca. 1949 for unclear reasons.

McCarthy, J. F.
  • Pt. 4 pg. 1, 039
  • Pt. 4 pg. 2, 105, 106
ESD: 1-10-96

Retired 1923-24
McCurdy, A. W.
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 215, 216
  • Pt. 4 pg. 5, 240
ESD: 11-24-17
Retired 7-1-55
McGough, E.
  • Pt. 4 pg. 3, 128, 129
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 209
ESD: 2-22-07

Retired after 1947
McKenna, J. J.
  • Pt. 3 pg. 2, 099
FSD: 9-15-17
ESD: 8-6-26

Retired after 1947
McKenzie, George H.
  • Pt. 3 pg. 1, 043, 044
ESD: 8-23-00

Restricted to yard service as engineer, which meant that he also could work as a road fireman as seen in the two photos.

Retired: after 1939
McKittrick, J. E.
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 209
FSD: 7-8-23
ESD: 3-12-38

Retired with disability circa 1944?
Merrill, F. M.
  • Pt. 4 pg. 3, 122
ESD: 1-17-07, yard engineer

Retired 1944-45
Meyer
  • Pt. 3 pg. 1, 041
Conductor at Santa Cruz, ca.1907

Off roser before 1922
Miller, C
  • Pt. 3 pg. 1, 042
Fireman working ca. 1905-10, but not listed in available rosters.
Miller, R. A.
  • Pt. 1, 036?, 163
  • Pt. 2, 169?
Superintendent of Coast Division for decade prior to its folding into the Western Division in 1963; thence to General Office
Mink, M
  • Pt. 3 pg. 3, 206
  • Pt. 4 pg. 1, 085
FSD: 7-18-26
ESD: 10-2-41

Retired after 1947
Miramon, E. V. "Gene"
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 223
  • GCP
FSD: 10-7-26
ESD: 9-20-42

Retired before 1980
Moffat?
  • Pt. 4 pg. 3, 122
No data.
Mohler, John N.
  • Pt. 5, 260
FSD: 11-3-25
ESD: 8-29-41

Retired after 1947
Moore, J. T. "Thomas"
  • Pt. 4 pg. 1, 039, 069, 081, 090
  • Pt. 4 pg. 2, 086, 087, 088, 089, 100, 101, 103, 104, 105, 106, 112, 117, 128, 129
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 199, 203, 204, 209, 217, 218
ESD: 11-1-03

Retired after 1935
Moorehead, Clyde F.
  • Pt. 3 pg. 2, 168
FSD: 7-23-27
ESD: 10-9-42

Retired after 1960
Nesbit, W.G. "Butch"
  • Pt. 3 pg. 2, 120

FSD: 5-2-41
ESD: 5-7-51

Retired circa late 1980's

W.G. Nesbit spent much of his career in San Jose Yard, and in the late 1970's, early 1980's was the engineer of the self-described "Blue Angels" who worked the midnight shift at Cahill. When I was a new hire switchman, I frequently worked as an extra board helper on this crew, and Butch took it upon himself to take me under his wing - this by yelling at me from the cab every time that I made a mistake, which was frequently. Early on, he gave me as good of a compliment that a guy could get from one of the old school: You'd make a good switchman if you'd just learn to shut up. - E.O. Gibson, 8-2022

Neville, Lyle P.
  • Pt. 3 pg. 3, 258
    Pt. 4 pg. 4, 223
FSD: 9-26-25
ESD: 8-26-41

Retired after 1960
Nicholson, G. W.
  • Pt. 6 pg. 1, 263, 265
BSD: 3-24-06
CSD: 4-13-10

Retired circa 1938

Conductor of the last regular passenger train on the Santa Cruz Branch, 12-2-37
O'Lague, J. E. "Junior"
  • Pt. 5, 262
FSD: 8-13-46
ESD: 5-11-55
Page, L. L.
  • Pt. 4 pg. 1, 081, 092
  • Pt. 4 pg. 3, 122
FSD: 4-6-17
ESD: 7-28-26

Retired after 1947
Parker, Paul T.
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 186, 223
FSD: 8-28-28
ESD: 9-29-43

Retired after 1960
Peterson, Claude E.
  • Pt. 1, 004?
Long time official in passenger department, who served as VP System Passenger Traffic in the 1950's.
Phillips, J.
  • Pt. 4 pg. 1, 085
  • Pt. 4 pg. 3, 122, 128, 129
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 209
ESD: 8-16-10

Retired 1945-46
Proudfit, Lance E.
  • Pt. 1, 018, 021, 025, 030, 031
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 201, 209, 221
  • Pt. 4 pg. 5, 239, 245
FSD:11-8-23
ESD: 7-10-41

Road foreman of engines at San Francisco, early 1950's to mid-1960's, then road foreman at San Luis Obispo until retirement ca. 1970-71. Known for his snappy dress.
Reilly, J. C. Jack
  • Pt. 2, 026
YFSD: 5-11-20
RFSD; 5-11-20
ESD: 7-30-36

Reitred after 1960
Resing, G. L.
  • Pt. 3 pg. 1, 052
ESD: 7-15-94

Retired 1926-28

Photo may actually be of Joe Bowser (see Pt. 3 pg. 1, 046)
Reynolds, F. E. "Fred"
  • Pt. 1, 006; 007
  • Pt. 4 pg. 3, 122
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 203, 204, 213, 218-222, 224, 226
  • Pt. 4 pg. 5, 208, 232-34, 236, 238
ESD: 5-4-01
FSD: (3-20-95?)

Suffered 1st & 2nd degree burns as engineer of Sunset Limited which struck gasoline xxxxxxtruck at Newhall St., San Jose, 10-0-29. Shock of explosion felt 8 miles away.
Retired: 12-29-44 as #1 man in seniority, with 49 years, 9 months, 9 days service

Robertson, ?
  • Pt. 4 pg. 2, 105?, 106?
Either a misidentification on the reverse of #106, or retired prior to 1922.
Robinson, Bill
  • Pt. 4 pg. 5, 242?
San Jose and San Francisco(?) roundhouse electrician
Roche, J. M "John"
  • Pt. 5, 167
ESD: 6-19-20

Reitred after 1947

Romer, Paul A.

  • Pt. 3 pg. 3, 257
FSD: 10-8-27
ESD: 8-4-43

Reitred after 1960

Rossi, A. A. "Al"

  • Pt. 3 pg. 2, 170
  • GCP
FSD: 8-18-23
ESD: 6-18-41

Reitred before 1980

Rubottom, George W.

  • Pt. 4 pg. 1, 081, 090
  • Pt. 4, pg. 3, 122
FSD: 7-7-13
ESD: 8-12-23

Retired after 1947

Wife: Nellie? Son: SP Fireman William "Billy"?

Rucker, W. W..
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 216
ESD: 11-2-10

Retired after 1939
Russell, Donald J.
  • Pt. 2, 169
SP president 1952-64; board chairman 1964-72
Russell, Harry E.
  • Pt. 1, 023
  • Pt. 4 pg. 1, 085
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 226
ESD: 6-18-20

Retired: 11-30-53
Ryan, G. W.
  • Pt. 4 pg. 3, 122
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 209
ESD: 3-7-07

Retired after 1939
Ryan, G. W. (Jr.?)
  • Pt. 4 pg. 1, 081, 090
FSD: 8-29-29
ESD: 8-29-44

Reitred after 1960

Pt. 4 pg. 1, 081, 090 also show Mrs. Ryan
Ryder, J. D.
  • Pt.6 pg. 1, 263
BSD: 11-2-17
CSD: 1-9-29

Reitred after 1947

Brakeman of the last regular passenger train on the Santa Cruz Branch, 12-2-37

Sall, Abe?

  • Pt. 3 pg. 2, 145?
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 217?
ca. 1950's

No data.

Sauer, Arthur H.
  • Pt. 3 pg.2, 098
FSD: 8-26-17
ESD: 8-11-25

Retired after 1947

Schlueter, George W.
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 223
FSD: 8-2-29
ESD: 8-13-44

Retired after 1960
Sethman, C. J. "Charlie"
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 219, 220, 226
ESD: 9-15-17

Retired after 1947
Shannon Arlon C.
  • Pt. 1, 176
  • GCP
ESD: 9-10-20

Retired: 4-1-55
Shaw, F. J.
  • Pt. 4 pg. 3, 122, 128, 129
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 209, 213?
FSD: circa 1900
ESD: 4-2-06

Retired: 10-45 - Involved in a Felton grade crosing collision that killed the driver of a car during the previous April.

Began firing career on South Pacific Coast narrow gauge Bolder Creek Branch

Skelton, W. A.
  • Pt. 3 pg. 3, 253
  • Pt. 4 pg. 1, 085
ESD: 12-21-19

Retired: 1-29-51

Shepherd, S. C.
  • Pt. 1, 148
ESD: 1-2-18

Retired: 7-27-50?
Simpson, Al?
  • Pt. 4. pg. 5, 243
No data
Simpson, F. B. "Frank"
  • Pt. 3 pg.1, 055
  • Pt. 4 pg. 1, 039, 081, 090
  • Pt. 4 pg. 2, 105, 106, 111
  • Pt. 4 pg. 3, 122, 128, 129
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 199, 203, 204, 209, 213, 219, 220, 226, 224
  • Pt. 4 pg. 5, 239, 243
ESD: 6-12-03

Retired after 1947 as #1 on seniority list
Sipple, E. F.
  • Pt. 4 pg. 1, 039
  • Pt. 4 pg. 2, 103, 105, 106, 111, 117
ESD: 9-29-99

Retired after 1929
Silva, Victor
  • Pt. 1, 034, 035
  • Pt. 4 pg. 3, 209
  • Pt. 4 pg. 5, 246
Yard & Road FSD: 9-29-20
ESD: 9-1-37

Retired: 11-30-53
Soderer, A. H. "Gus"
  • Pt. 4 pg. 1, 081, 090, 076
  • Pt. 4 pg. 2, 088
  • Pt. 4 pg. 3, 122, 128, 129
ESD: 1-19-01

Retired by 1929

Appeared as extra with Fireman Les Thompson in movie West Bound Limited at Zayante, May 1937.
Sophus, W. G.
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 209
Hostler, San Francisco - SD: 6-30-18

Retired after 1947
Sparks, C. M.
  • Pt. 3 pg.1, 063
FSD: 8-25-25
ESD: 8-13-41

Retired after 1960
Speaker?
  • Pt. 4 pg. 3, 122
Either a misidentification, or retired prior to 1922.
Spencer, H.S.
  • Pt. 4 pg. 1, 085
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 226
ESD: 6-25-20

Retired after 1939
Stine, O. L.
  • Pt. 1, 001
  • Pt. 4 pg. 1, 081, 090, 077, 078
  • Pt. 4 pg. 3, 128, 129

ESD: 2-1-07

Retired: 2-4-47

Mrs. Stine also shown in Pt. 4 pg. 1, 078

Sullivan, E. J.
  • Pt. 7 pg. 2, 137, 138 (mentioned), 139 (mentioned)
  • Pt. 10, 137
  • GCP
FSD: 9-6-41
ESD: 9-22-51

Retired after 1980

Summers, R. P.
  • Pt. 1, 036?
  • Pt. 4 pg. 3, 131?
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 217, 225, 229
  • Pt. 4 pg. 5, 232-34, 246
ESD: 6-28-20

Retired after 1947
Swain, "Jimmy"
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 219, 220, 226
No data
Sween, K. A.
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 216 (w/wife)
ESD: 5-31-17

Retired after 1947
Taylor, J. H.
  • Pt. 4 pg.1, 069
E: 4-3-99

Retired between 1925 and 1930
Taylor, T.
  • Pt. 6 pg. 2, 270
FSD: 12-1-18
ESD: 9-13-27

Retired after 1956

Fireman on 1935 Daylight wreck at Gilroy
Tenney, C. W.
  • Pt. 1, 004
  • Pt. 3 pg. 1, 041
  • Pt. 4 pg. 1, 039069, 070, 072, 076
  • Pt. 4 pg. 2, 086, 087, 103, 104-06, 111, 112
  • Pt. 4 pg. 3, 122, 128, 129
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 209, 217, 218, 221,
ESD: 3-31-02

Moved to Santa Cruz in Feb. 1910 to operate Mckeen Motor Cars from Santa Cruz to Davenport and Boulder Creek. Moved to Pacific Grove in Sep. 1910, possibly to operate motor cars on the Monterey Branch.

Retired between 1929 and 1935.
Thompson, J. R.
  • Pt. 4 pg. 2, 105?
ESD: 9-20-06, Restricted to yard

Retired 1936-38
Thompson, W. H.
  • Pt. 3 pg. 1, NIC-1
  • Pt. 4 pg. 2, 105?
ESD: 9-10-01

Retired after 1929
Thompson, William M.
  • Pt. 3 pg. 1, 052, 053
ESD: 10-18-17, Restricted to yard

Retired after 1939
Thompson, T. L.
  • Pt. 4 pg. 2, 104-06, 111
  • Pt. 4 pg. 3, 122
ESD: 9-21-06, Restricted to yard

Retired after 1929
Tisdale, C. K.
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 215
FSD: 7-14-21
ESD: 9-1-37

Retired: 7-1-55
Treacy, J. "Jack"
  • Pt. 1, 022
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 181, 226
FSD: 9-13-13
ESD: 9-2-23

Retired 6-12-53
Twaits, Tom
  • Pt. 3 pg. 1, 326
Engineer, ca. 1886
Umbertis, R. N. "Bob"
  • Pt. 4 pg. 3, 171
ESD: 6-21-20

Retired after 1947
Vanderwater?
  • Pt. 4 pg. 2, 106
  • Pt. 4 pg. 3, 122, 128, 129
Apparently retired prior to 1922. According to a news report*, an SP fireman at San Jose in 1882 was named Vanderwater, which may be him.
*San Jose Herald, 6-13-1882
Walters, R. L.
  • Pt. 3 pg. 3, 252
FSD: 8-21-25
ESD: 8-4-41

Retired after 1956
Watson, R. M. "Bob"
  • Pt. 3 pg. 1, 049
ESD: 8-3-90

Retired between 1929 and 1935
Webster, A.
  • Pt. 4 pg. 3, 122
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 209
ESD: 2-26-07

Retired after 1939
Weir, John Graham "Jack"
  • Pt. 3 pg. 1, 177
FSD: 1891 (Tucson Division)
ESD: 11-09-01

Biographic info, further photos and a sad tale are at Wx4.org HERE
Wells, D. J.
  • Pt. 3 pg.2, 155
FSD: 9-8-29
ESD: 9-10-44

Retired after 1960
Welt, [W. G.?]
  • Pt. 1, 007
Brakeman: 1-17-00
Conductor: 5-24-02

Retired 1926-28
Wenster, H. "Harry"
  • Pt. 4 pg. 5, 237 with wife Polly*
FSD: 7-10-23
ESD: 8-29-40

Retired after 1960

*Identified in error as Harry "Weston"
White, Arthur E.
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 172
  • GCP
FSD: 5-31-41
ESD: 5-7-51

Retired before 1980
Whitehead, E. B.
  • Pt. 1, 011*
ESD: 1-19-07

Retired after 1947

*ID as "Whiteman" probably in error
Williams, E.
  • Pt. 4 pg. 2, 103, 106, 111
  • Pt. 4 pg. 3, 122, 128, 129
  • Pt. 4 pg. 4, 209, 216
ESD: 7-23-07

Retired with disability circa 1944
Wilson, L. E. "Lou"
  • Pt. 3 pg.1, 042
    Pt. 4 pg. 3, 128, 129
ESD: 6-10-00

Retired between 1925 and 1929.
Wilson, W. G.
  • Pt. 3 pg. 1, 057
ESD: 6-14-07

Off Coast roster between 1922 and 1925
Worth, B. W. "Bert"
  • Pt. 1, 004
  • Pt. 4. pg. 4, 226
E: 10-17-17, yard engineer

Retired after 1947

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