Twin brother to Max, brothers Dean, Carl, Max, Jack and sister Barbara Lee Allen. Son of Vaughn and Pearl Allen. Much loved. All men, trainmen on the Milwaukee Road at one time or another.

Youngest brother to Dean, Carl, Max, Don and Barbara Lee Allen. Son of Vaughn and Pearl Allen. Husband to Beverly Allen. Much loved. All men, trainmen on the Milwaukee Road at one time or another.

Hired at Mobridge, South Dakota in train service after being discharged from the U.S. Navy. Worked extra board off and on as well as furloughed on occasion. In the winter of 1948-49 was working #6 passenger train and was caught in a large snow drift between Lemmon and Thunderhawk, South Dakota. The Conductor cut the engine off from the train in order to proceed to Mooristown for assistance. I stayed in the Railway Express car with the messenger and two or three passengers and the the only heat we had was a small wood stove. We were stranded until help arrived several hours later and an engine could provide stream heat once again. All the steam pipes were frozen and had to be thawed out. I left the Milwaukee Road in late 1950 and eventually retired from former NYC(Conrail) in 1991 after 46 years.

I worked as a hostler helper until shop expansion in 1978 when I was set up to an electrician. Worked with several Deer Lodge men who came in 1976 after electrification was shut down. (On my birthday) Have put up some information about abandoned main line between Terry and Harlowton MT on 'Lines West' Milwaukee Road historical website. After the Christmas 1977 bankruptcy I went to BN where I now work in Gillette WY. If only the Milwaukee could have built their own line into the Powder River Basin!!

My grandfather was a switchman in the yard at Savanna, Ill. He originally hired out in Freeport, Ill and transfered to Savanna a short time later. He mostly worked in the yard but did work the road at times out of Savanna.

I credit him for getting me started on my interest for trains and the Milwaukee Road and the career I am doing in the railroad industry. I spent many a days in my youth riding the switch engine in Savanna yard and got to know many great railroaders through him and I got to grow up to work on the Soo Line with the same guys I knew when I was a kid.

I have photos of him taken with the crew on the 444 in the Savanna yard.

He retired in May 1980 just prior to the closing of Savanna yard.

He worked for the Illinois Central, Southern Pacific, Chicago and Northwestern, and served in a U.S. Army railroad battalion during WWII before he worked for the Milwaukee Road.

My address is Leo S. Baggs 6639 N. Dee St. Terre Haute, IN. 47805, e-mail llbaggs@verizon.net

I started as a lineman on a telegraph crew in 1970. Our crew maintained the telegraph lines, strung wire, cut brush, set poles, hung crossarms, replaced insulators. I bid a job in 1978 in Three Forks Montana, but only worked about eight months and all lines west of Butte were abolished and I had to bump back to Chicago to hold a job. I now work on a IT crew with the UP, climbing towers. Just found this site and would like to find other old com guys.

I was hired as a fireman at age 16 when help was desperately needed and worked school vacations and week-ends (except for when I was in a US Army Railway Operating Battalion) through High School and College. Following graduation from College I became a Special Assistant to the General Manager, Lines East. On August 1, 1952 I was assigned as Trainmaster, Milwaukee Division, Third District. I resigned from the Railroad September 30, 1953.

My father, C. Orville Balsbaugh and my uncle George C. Balsbaugh were engineers on the Iowa Div from before World War I to the 1950's. My grandfather Harry L. Balsbaugh was a Hostler at Perry roundhouse for many years. A cousin was a clerk in the Roadmasters office in Perry.

This was my grandfather. There is a newspaper account of a side spur coupling accident in which the brakeman was knocked under the train, amputating both legs and an arm. He was attended by a doctor on the train, who kept him alive long enough to get home and tell his wife and children goodbye. Would appreciate any other info.

I don't have the date of which dad had started with the railroad. Dad had worked for Milwaukee a couple of different times. His father and a brother also worked for the railroad. Dad was killed on the job, there was a terrible accident that had occurred in Wabasha, Minnesota.

If anyone want to contact me, do so at kelbeir@hotmail.com

Lee began working for the Milwaukee Road while in High School. During his employment in Dubuque he was one of four brothers/Sister who worked with the Railroad. He joined the U.S. Navy, and after completing his four year tour of duty, returned to the Milwaukee Road and worked at the Milwaukee, WI facility located behind the horticulture domes.

Not sure of start time. Worked in Melstone as a telegrapher until his death in I believe 1940. Bunkhouse is still standing and you can see old railbed along Hwy. 12.

C.M.St.P.&P./Soo Line/CP Rail/IMRL/IC&E/CP Rail same depot.

I am the daughter of a Milwaukee Railroad fireman and engineer. I am a recently retired teacher. Leo, who am also inquiring about, was my grandfather Oren (Orin) Blabaum's younger brother. If you have an address for Oren in Austin, will you please send it to me? The family story says that Oren returned after 40 years. I estimate that he started about 1918. Both Oren and his younger brother worked for the Milwaukee RR in Austin back in the 1930's. Leo was 65 when he died in 1960. What year did he last work for the Milwaukee in Austin? Thank you for any help you can give me. Sincerely,

B. Cox

(507) 388-2039

Ham worked for Milwaukee Road for 50 years. He lived in Canton, SD for several years. After he retired he moved to Sanborn, IA. I'm not sure of the dates he worked but he retired after 50 years. I believe he retired in the early 70s. If anyone has stories or pictures of Ham, his family would appreciate it very much if you would contact. slundstrom@iw.net

Bill Greenley, retired engineer from Ottumwa, noted to me that Don Boer died in Cedar Rapids here on June 15, 2005. Mr Boer hired on at Savanna, but then went to work at Ottumwa. He was one of the first crew to take a loaded coal train into the Fruitland Power Plant in Sept 1982. Bill Greenly was the engineer, can't recall who the conductor was.

Gilbert was a telegrapher at Madison Wisconsin before becoming a dispatcher in the early 1950's. In the late 50's he was transfered to Chicago and helped set up the computer system for the railroad. He stayed in Chicago in the transportation department until the Soo Line purchase. He retired in 1990 as a yard office supervisor in Bensenville.

He was my biological father and I know that he worked for the Milwaukee Line but I'm not sure when. I have heard that he loved steam engines but didn't care for diesels. If any one has information about Raymond E Boner, please email phyllis@bitstream.net

I started in the Madison division , transferred to the LaCrosse division 1953. Worked on extra board,until December 1955. Held Permenant position as leverman, Menomonee Bridge, Milwaukee until June 15 1956. Held position, telegrapher, Watertown, WI,June 1956-1967. Held position as Relay operator GO office, Milwaukee WI. until 1977. Held Position Agent Oconomowoc, until Dec 1979. Held Position Agent: Mayville WI until August 1980. Held position Regional Data Office- Customer Service Milwaukee until Retirement January 21, 1994.

Born in Laramie, WY; from U of WA 1913 as Electrician on construction Tacoma, WA; 1915 as Electrician Deer Lodge, MT; same 1918 in Avery, ID; 1921-3 Engineman Instructor Tacoma; 1923 Night, Day & Gen'l Roundhouse Foreman Deer Lodge; 1948 Divisional Master Mechanic Harlowton, MT to Avery, ID @ Deer Lodge; retired 1951

Third generation, grandfather; Edward Breeden, Father; Donald E Breeden (Both deceased.

Martin C. Brennan was my great grandfather, but little is known about him other than he worked for The Milwaukee Road (or perhaps the Chicago, Milwaukee & Gary, or both) in the Rockford area. Any information would be appreciated.--Mike Schafer, Lee, Illinois; e-mail Schaf4001@aol.com

Addendum

Martin C. Brennan was my great grandfather and was section foreman for the CM&StP in Rockford early in the 20th Century. He had a brother who was an engineer for the Chicago, Milwaukee & Gary out of Rockford.--Mike Schafer, TMR editor

Grew up living on railroad property. Used to watch trains and would ride on yard engine usually an Alco switcher as a kid. One day got called up on engine and engineer told me to sit down on seat. I ran engine in yard getting train together. It was an old C-Liner and I was about 12 at time. I was hooked after that. Father, grandfather, uncles, great uncles and great grandfather all worked on railroad. Will trade any all info/photos on Terre Haute Division. snurb51&sbcglobal.net

Father of Bob Bruns, son in law to Neal Exo. Also worked short time in early 50's for Rock Island and at Joliet Arsenal as switchman when steam was replaced by diesels and work became scarce. Lived on company property leasing land.

This is Larry Bunce-oldest son of Ed Bunce. My Bunce family contact is 608-455-4233. LARRY BUNCE--201 NORTH KERCH ST--BROOKLYN, WI. 53521. RRRELLMB@VERIZON.NET

Ed Bunce hired out as a fireman in the Milwaukee, WI. Terminal in 1940. Progressed to engineer after WWII. He was a badly wounded veteran in the Army--Europe. Trainmaster in the early 1950's. Transferred to Minneapolis in 1955. Horicon, WI. in 1956. Back to Milwaukee, WI in 1957 as a Travelling Engineer. Quit management in 1970 and went back to engineer the FM switchers, mostly at the North Milwaukee-A.O. Smith switch job. When he became #1 on the senority roster, Ed worked the Jones Island C&O carferry switch for most of the late 1970's. Returned to North Milwaukee after the carferry closed down. He worked one year with Soo Line to 1986 and said enough. He retired from the MR in 1986. He passed away in 1988 at Woods VA hospital(Milwaukee) from lung cancer.

His son, Larry Bunce, worked from 1973 to 1977 in the Milwaukee, WI. backshops. Blacksmith, B&B, MOW and Steamfitter. A;ways a RR modeller and RR artifact collector.

I will be happy to discuss the MR and Bunce family with anyone interested.

Bunce family questions, comments and discussions are welcomed. Contact--LARRY BUNCE--201 NORTH KERCH ST--BROOKLYN, WI. 53521--RAILROAD RELICS--RRRELLMB@VERIZON.NET--608-455-4233.

Frank hired out in 1914 as a caller for the CM&StP, Milwaukee., later machinist apprentice, machinist, gang foreman, and night roundhouse foreman until 1939. 1939-41 roundhouse foreman in Green Bay, WI. 1941-1942 day roundhouse foreman Milwaukee, WI.; successively, roundhouse foreman Ottumwa, Ia. and Milwaukee. Asst. shop supt., Milwaukee and Minneapolis, MN.; shop supt. Minneapolis; div m.m., Chicago and shop supt., Milwaukee; 1948-1950 mech. supt steam power-Milwaukee; 1950-1953, supt. motive power, Milwaukee. 1953-chief mechanical officer, Milwaukee. VP-Mechanical to 1963, Chicago. 1963 to 1965 a consultant, Chicago. Pasted away in 1987.

Larry Bunce, oldest son of MR employee, Ed-Eddy Bunce (engineer-Traveller). Always a railroad rat. Youngest memories of the shops in early 1950's when Great Uncle Frank Bunce, took us on tours of the Milwaukee Shops. He was the Chief Mechanical Officer and had the Private car Indianna. Pop, Ed Bunce, took me all over Wisconsin on the trains, Hiawatha, Chippewa, Etc. He also started my model railroading at age 5.

I worked for over 4 years in the Milwaukee shops in the 1970's. Mostly building maintenance in one way or another. I left when Pop told me about the bankruptcy filing.

I continue the RR interest with my railroad artifact business--Railroad Relics. I buy/sell all kinds of railroad timetables/paper, dishes, silver, signs, etc. from the RR's - full time. See me and Susan at RR shows. I help appraise artifacts for donations to museums and historical societies and purchase RR estates.

If others would wish to discuss the Milwaukee Road or about the Bunce family, contact me at 608-455-4233, E-mail at rrrellmb@verizon.net or visit in Brooklyn, WI. Best wishes to all. Larry

Milwaukee, WI. appreciticed machinist. He was injured on the job in 1928-1929. He had a boxcar roll over him. Cut off the right lower leg above the knee. He was paid $400 for the injury and released from the RR. No pensions or disability then.

John was an Irish immigrant at a young age,1880's. Moved to Buffalo, NY and learned RR. Moved to Milwaukee, WI. in 1890 and hired out on the CM&STP. Injured in 1900 in a train wreck. Lost his lower right leg at the knee. They paid him $1200 and advanced him to Engineer for the balance of his working life.

I actually started my career at the Milwaukee as a car host for Bob Hurlbut in Madison on a football special. In my senior summer (3 credits to graduation), I worked as a yard clerk in Madison, WI.

After four years as a Navy Supply Corps Officer, I joined the Milwaukee as a Market Analyst. In 1973, four "Profit Centers" (Grain and Food, Forest Products, Chemicals, and Manufactured Products) were created. It was a great marketing idea by Worth Smith, but it was to early under the ICC regulation.

Currently, I am working for Cendian, the lead logistics provider to the chemical industry. Many of the concepts that the Profit Centers thought of work today because of less regulation.

Rick Burn

e mail: rhburn3@juno.com

Mr Cassady was a longtime operator at Green Island, IA and was the last operator to OS the very last westbound train to Marion, IA on 2-29-80. After Green Island was closed, Mr Cassady worked at Savanna or Sabula Drawbridge.

He is now deceased.

Hired out in 1972 after high school in Savanna. Worked at many places some of them include Savanna, Sabula Bridge, Clinton, Nahant, East Moline, Green Island, Marion, Milwaukee, and B17. After the SOO line purchase I worked in Milwaukee at the Ops Control Center there. When the IMRL came in 1997, I went to work for them at Sabula Bridge, where I still work today for the ICE.

Began working summers working through college. Became a dispatcher 1972 in Tacoma and transfered to Deer Lodge.

JC Christensen passed away in the late fall of 2005. He was hired by the MILW in 1963 after serving on the Marion, IA police department. He became Captain in 1969 and worked from the Marion Depot. His territory covered most of Iowa and some in the Dakotas. After the MILW shut its Iowa line down, he worked for an Alarm company and worked as a security guard. Jim's wife Carol was a stenographer in the Cedar Rapids freight house.

My father worked here before going in the military. Anyone maybe having met, seen or photos please contact me

jeannie cisewski

j_cisewski@hotmail.com

My paternal grandfather. Born in the Polish province of Tsarist Russia, emigrated to the United

States ~1914. Worked in the Milwaukee Road Chicago Yards. Retired in 1958 with at least 25 years of service.

Artifacts are at:

http://www.ibiblio.org/cizewski/felixj/mr.html

Leonard H. Cizewski

cizewski@ibiblio.org

Began as roadman in Wisconsin after graduating from Northwestern in 1936, civil engineer, worked at Savanna, Bensenville, Chicago and other points, Division Engineer at Miles City (57-59)and Deer Lodge (59-65) before returning to Chicago. Retired in 1975 and died in 1992.

My dad loved the Milwaukee Road - it was a family railroad - no matter where we moved, we were welcomed into the Milwaukee Road community. It was sad to see the end of an era that I grew up in - but the fond memories will always endure. My dad was proud of his service with the railroad and I was proud of him. He was a great man, husband and father. His love of golf was only eclipse by his love for my mother. However, as a die hard Cub fan, he passed this mantle (curse) on to me.

He was the depot agent, Everly, Iowa 1916-1926, earlier in South Dakota.

This is for my father who was always proud to work for the Milwaukee Road.

Over all the years he worked In Iowa. First out of Des Moines - then Spirit Lake - then out of Perry & finally finished up back in Des Moines. The thrill of my life, as a child, were the times he took me with him on the runs. I loved the old steam engines, as did my Dad.

I will always remember the winter ice trains when they cut block ice at lake Okiboji & moved it to the box cars via a series of elevators & then to the various ice warehouses for home distribution. This was prior to & during World War II.

My father Jack Conley,a long time Milwaukee employee helped me get on board after high school & when I turned 18 in Aug of 1955 as a student brakmen (my long time ambition). I worked on the work trains to Tama,Iowa & the time freights east of Perry Iowa & was there during the Milwaukee & Union Pacific merger. After about a year there wasn't enough work for many of us who spent too much time on the extra board so alas I had to seek work somewhere else & to my dad's dissapointment I ended up in the trucking industry---Thus breaking the chain of approx 100 years of family railroading. I will always have fond memories of the times I went on the trains with my dad as a child & my short career as a railroad Man.

Lost his leg when switch engine turned over and he was pinned under it and, as I was told, had to be amputated on the spot. His fellow workers called him "Old Hickory" He was born in Harvard Illinois.

His last years as engineer he spent as engineer on the Hiawatha. He loved his work and when it was time to change from steam to diesel he studied and made the switch. He spent many years with the Milwaukee Road. I am going to an effort to find the dates he was with them.

Previously worked for Canadian Northern locating grade in British Columbia and later worked for Great Northern on reconstruction in Idaho and Washington.

Yardman, Seattle Yard. Extra Roadman, Tacoma Road. Worked every job available off the Tacoma Road board, plus Port Townsend Switch, Port Angeles Local, Bellingham Yard, and Sumas Local. Only two jobs available to Tacoma-Seattle Seniority trainman that I did not work: Longview Local and Bellingham Rock Train (Bellingham jobs were called off the Seattle Yard board). First Milwaukee to quit and go to the B.N.: 28 August 1978. Did this account of motive power disaster of winter of '77-'78.

J.P. Crosby

Seattle

canal1@earthlink.net

Patrick J. Cummins is my father's uncle. In the course of doing family history, I learned of his 57 year association with the Milwaukee Road. I have followed him in census records and other sources from 1880 until his death at age 79, still working for the CMStP&P RR. He came with his family to Missoula in 1909 from South Dakota when the connection to the Pacific was made.

His obituary says that he passed up many promotions so that his children could attend the State University. His son Edwin became an attorney, working for the Milwaukee Road in Seattle. His son Thomas (Deer Lodge, MT) and William (Spokane,WA) also worked for the railroad. I am looking to learn more of the family. rcummings4@juno.com

Lived next to the Milwaukee line south of River Jct. (Norma siding) growing up. Ate many of lunches with the Section crew under the big Elm tree in the front yard with Al Breitback and ended up working for him one summer. Hellva guy! Lots of fond memories of my younger years. Thanks Al

Lived in Mobridge SD when Bridge and town were founded and built. Worked on Milwaukee road with brother-in-law Fred Carnes, Fireman. Joseph was my grandfather he died in 1937 San Francisco CA.

During my college years I went railroading each summer in train or yard service. I spent the summers of '70, '71 and '73 on the Milwaukee Road, and the summer of '72 on the Alaska Railroad.

My family had a Milwaukee Road background. My paternal grandfather, Herman Decker, worked as a surveyor's assistant on the La Crosse Division at the time when the Chicago - Twin Cities main line was double-tracked.

My seniority date on the Milwaukee was established on the Milwaukee Terminals Division, and there's a bit of a story as to the date. Back in those days you were supposed to take 3 "student trips" without pay after you finished your classroom training. The first "trip" on the Terminals typically was to help out the switchtender at Five Rings, right in front of the Muskego Yard Office. After I had put in about 3 hours on that assignment, the trainmaster comes out and tells me to come into the office. It turns out one of the switchmen on the 3:59 Transfer had gone home sick, and the trainmaster wants me to take his place (for pay) on the Transfer's crew. The crew caller was hopping mad about the proposal, but the trainmaster got his way, and out to the Transfer I went. The Transfer crew was all a bunch of Old Heads who had worked together for years, and they really threw me into the deep end, but I survived.

For the summer of '71, I hired out as a brakeman on the Milwaukee Division. I was on the Extra Board most of the time, and worked all kinds of assignments, from Patrols (local freights), to the Bensenville Freight Pool, to the Fox Lake "Scoots" (commuter trains to downtown Chicago), to Amtrak intercity trains.

In 1972 I decided to do something a little more adventurous, and hired out as a switchman/brakeman/train baggageman on the Alaska Railroad. That was also an Extra Board kind of thing, and I worked almost every assignment they had in train or yard service on that railroad.

By the summer of '73 I was engaged to a Wisconsin girl, so I hired out again in train service on the Milwaukee Division. That girl, now my wife of 34 years, recalls how many times that summer she drove into Milwaukee to see me, only to find out that the crew caller had gotten to me first, and I was on my way to Chicago Union Station or Portage or something.

After I graduated from college in 1974, I had the chance to go into junior management in the Operating Department. But I could see the future didn't look too bright there, so I opted to go to law school. Sometimes I regret that decision, even in hindsight. Bar none, the Milwaukee Road was the best employer I ever had. Fortunately, I still have good friends from my days on the Milwaukee and on the Alaska Railroad.

And to MRHA, thanks for doing this "veterans" project. The stories are very enjoyable.

I'm submitting this in my dad's honor. He loved working for the Milwaukee Road and always talked about his time there fondly. He transfered to Minneapolis in 1985 to work for the Soo Line. We stayed there until 1989. He was always so proud to have worked at the Milwaukee Road. He would take his grandson to train shows, buy him Milwaukee Road model trains and shirts. He passed down his love of trains to his grandchildren.

Marketing was in the Traffic Department on the seventh Floor of Union Station. I left the Milwaukee to be the Manager of Market Research for the Rock Island until 1973. I am currently a Research Professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago at the Urban Transportation Center.

Was hired in 1965 to work in the Traffic Research Department on the seventh floor of Chicago Union Station. This department's name was later changed to the the Market Research Department. This department did in depth studies of various industries in hopes that this expertise would enable the railroad to attract new business.The company was risk adverse because of a poor financial position and did not aggressively pursue all but a very few of the proposals that resulted from this research.

Nearly dead, removed from the cab, died in Mason City after his daily run to Canton, South Dakota.

I am doing Genealogy research. Grant is my great uncle, and I was told he worked for the Milwaukee Railroad Roundhouse in Minnesota. I have limited information on him, so any information provided is most helpful! Thanks!

Was told my father work for the rail road in Austin, MN as a young man.

He moved to oregon, but wish he stayed with the railroad in Austin.

Looking for actual personel records to check his employment history.

From 1863-1874 worked full-time for Milwaukee Road as a blacksmith. Later in life, he was a "polisher" until his right arm was caught in a coupler and had to be amputated.

Worked in roundhouse nights cleaning fires from engines then went to school in mornings. Said he slept more than studied while in school. Quit school and went switching until 1952 diesels had abolished many jobs and went to California and worked on ATSF w/brother at Hobart yard as switchman.

Came back to Illinois in late 50's worked on railroad at Youngstown Steel in Gary Indiana until he smashed foot, then as engineer on railroad at Joliet Arsenal.

Grandfather to Bob Bruns. Grew up in Holland Michigan. Worked as a teenager at freight house for Pere Marquette R. R. Left home and found work as a cook at the beanery at Faithorn on the CTH&SE. Later worked short time as a car repairer and when a job opened up switching in 1917 took it. Had 5 sons all worked for the Milwaukee. Married Alma Seehausen whose 3 brothers and father also worked for railroad. Lived on railroad property renting a company two story house.

Son of Neal Exo. Uncle to Bob Bruns. When diesel took over steam in 1952 jobs became scarce and left railroad to California and worked on ATSF at Hobart yard as switchman.

Switchman at Faithorn. Son of Neal Exo, uncle to Bob Bruns. Prior worked as switchman on Rock Island at Blue Island and then at Joliet Arsenal Railroad.

Worked on section gang foreman Redman, then worked as fireman, switched to switchman left Milwaukee in 1950 went to Rock Island. Worked as switchman at Blue Island until 1980 shutdown. NS took over some RI jobs and worked there until retiring in 1987. On lack of work went to Aberdeen worked a while to Mitchell, later to Nahant for a short time.

Switchman, Faithorn. son of Neal Exo, uncle to Bob Bruns. Lived in company house at Faithorn.

My father, Thomas A. Fairhurst worked on the Jawbone Railroad at Lombard before the railroad was purchased my the Milwaukee Railroad. Moved to Three Forks from Lombard in 1908 and retired from the Milwaukee in 1960. I and my two brothers, also worked for the Milwaukee as well as three uncles.

If you have any pictures of Tacoma yard I would like to see them I am his youngest son Dennis e-mail bonddog1@yahoo.com

Les Field worked on the Soo Line in Kensel, ND in about 1912. His whole family (including in-laws)homesteaded near Melstone, Montana, in 1916. He became the Postmaster in Melstone in 1930 and retired in 1960. He always lived a block away from the Milwaukee Road tracks, and he checked his watch on each train coming through.

Les's brother Robert Field, and his son-in-law Jesse Snavely were also Milwaukee railroaders.

Robert Field started on the Milwaukee Road in Melstone, MT [Trans-Missouri Division]in 1920 as a Call Boy. He later became a Yard Clerk in Melstone.

He finished his Milwaukee Railroad career in Roundup, MT, in Dec 1959. he died in Roundup in 1961. His brother, Les Field, had been an early Milwaukee man, and other relatives too.

I've been a MILW fan for many years, ever since living nearby tower A-5 in Chicago. I used to watch trains at A-5 for many years, until one day when I was invited to watch from inside. That started a long term friendship with the second trip operator. I eventually hired on as an extra man to work vacations and holidays when I was 18. I worked A-3, A-4, A-5 (unofficially), Cragin Jct. (my first assignment), and B-12. After two Summers, I left to go to school.

I worked for the Milwaukee from 1955 to 1962 as a brakeman and switchman. My sister Virginia Fuller worked in the Tacoma Office and also in the Chicago office in personnel and my mother Fran Fuller who worked in Tacoma. My father Harold Fuller work 45 year in Miles City, Spokane, and Tacoma as a time-reviser. His brother Jack (John) Fuller work as the station-master in Mobridge. Their father Aggie Fuller work as a switchman in Mobridge and his brothers Wilbur Fuller was a conductor out of Mobridge and Newman Fuller was the superintendent for the Idaho division. My mother’s father worked in the roundhouse in Miles City Nic Weinchrott. My Uncle Karl Weinchrott worked as a carman in Butte and Morton until the end.

I am a Custer Creek wreck survivor.

Jim Fulton was my dad, and all my growing-up years I sat at (or on) his knees and listened to the fascinating tales of his youth, especially those of the years he was with the Milwaukee Railroad. He was reared on a farm in Wayne County, Iowa ("We could spit into Missouri," he used to say), ran away at 13, and joined the Milwaukee Line as a fireman, working out of Pierre, SD. He recalled his railroading days fondly and told of the wonders of the Badlands and the Black Hills -- as well as the backbreaking, sweaty work and Dakota's freezing winters.

He recalled being with the Milwaukee Road about four years. He was a farm boy, at 13 already over 6 feet tall, ending at 6"2". He left the Milwaukee Line before 1918, enlisted briefly, but because the war ended he never saw service and went back home in the early 1920s, to work in a men's clothing store in Corydon, the county seat. He met my mother (who worked for the rival clothing store) in 1924 and they were married in 1926 in Corydon's First Methodist Church. I was born in 1936. For several years he was a Maytag appliance dealer but got wiped out in the Depression. He then sold cars and looked for a chance to improve himself. Although an 8th grade dropout, at the onset of WWII he obtained a GED, went to Illinois Institute of Technology (then Armour) in an accelerated non-degree industrial engineering program. Working as a safety engineer until he retired, he was a member of many professional societies, along with the Freemasons and Elks, and was highly respected in his field.

His work took us all over the Midwest and South, and my parents became immensely sophisticated and well-read. Dad was a wonderful man, practical, amusing, warm, caring, and absolutely honest. At the time of his retirement he and Mom were living in south Florida, a climate they disliked, so they bucked tradition and retired to their home county in Iowa. One sour note -- he was a terrible golfer. Years after he died at 87, almost painlessly of a sudden heart attack, Mom said that her definition of "eternity" was the amount of time up in Heaven it would take Jim Fulton to learn how to play golf properly!

I started my railroad career as a fireman on steam locomotives in 1947, at Dubuque, IA. That was home terminal for most crews operating on the Dubuque and Illinois Division, Second District. We operated on the west bank of the Mississippi River, generally on a water level grade. Our road locomotives were L2b 400 series 2-8-2’s, with some L3’s. At that time the MILW operated two trains daily each way between St. Paul and Kansas City. We handled them from River Jct. to Dubuque, and Dubuque to Nahant. An important part of our traffic was meat trains, from Morrell at Sioux Falls, and Hormel from Austin. We got the trains at Marquette, and handled them to Savanna. From there they went to Chicago and beyond. There was also a large meat packing plant at Dubuque, and the meat trains always got a large fill there. Every day except Monday we had two morning meat trains, First and Second 62, and an evening meat train, No. 68. Occasionally we ran a Third 62 and a Second 68. Method of operation was single track Manual Block, timetable and train order, with small segments of double track Automatic Block and some CTC. We operated passenger trains between Savanna and La Crosse. Usually we did not have orders on the passenger trains, except “run ahead” orders, but cleared them on their schedule. In addition to the regular first and second class trains, we operated extra trains. It was an excellent place to become very knowledgeable on the operating rules.

In 1962 I took a leave of absence and accepted a position with the Interstate Commerce Commission, then later with the Federal Railroad Administration. Accordingly, I was not an active employee when the railroad started to deteriorate, but I was in position to see clearly what was happening. When I retired in 1988 not much was left of the original Milwaukee. There have been a number of explanations for the decline. The fact remains, at one time the Milwaukee Road was a great railroad, but now our memories are generally bittersweet. Looking back, those were among the happiest days of my life.

Grandpa invented the track dressing machine in 1920. It is registered in Canada - patent #202675. It is still in use today. I have schematics for it and other information if REQUESTED. Bill P. Geelhart 208 Hogan, Nevada, Iowa 50201 E-MAIL resichk45@mchsi.com

My Dad was an electrician at Galewood. My mother was a clerk at Bensenville. My sister was also a clerk in Bensenville

I'm not exactly sure of the dates he worked. But he graduated from Penn State as a Civil Engineer and then went out and worked as such. He ran a logging crew, designed and built railroad trestles. Don't know which ones.

AAron Gilbert was my Great Great Great Grandfather. I am trying to restore some family history so any references to him would be greatly appreciated. I can be reached at TEXELS1@aol.com My name is Karen. Thank you so much.

Worked the Bensenville Yard & Union Station. MOVED TO Milwaukee WI with the SOO Line and left for the Southern Pacific RR before the CP Rail take over. Now with the Union Pacific.

I hired out in June of '71 as a brakeman on the Middle Div'n, Ottumwa to Laredo, Mo. Went in Engine service in '73. Stayed in Ottumwa through the bankruptcy, with the Soo Line, CP, IMRL and went to Amtrak in 1999.

My Great-Grandfather worked out of Clinton, Iowa.

Tacoma News Tribune

28 Dec. 1945 (Friday) Obituary

Retired Rail Engineer Dies

James S. Griffith, 66, died Wednesday at his home, 1408 North Anderson street. Born in Babcock, Wis., he has lived here 26 years. Mr. Griffith was a retired engineer for the Milwaukee railroad. An employee of the road for 49 years he was serving as assistant to the superintendent of motive power at the time of his retirement on Nov. 1, 1944, and had served as chief fuel supervisor. He was a member of the First Methodist church, Mobridge Masonic lodge No. 164, Mobridge, S.D., of which he was a past master and charter member; Mobridge Commmandery No. 27, Afifi Shrine, and Tacoma chapter, O. E. S. Survivors are his wife, Mary L.; son, James; brother Amos E. of Merrill, Wis.; two sisters, Mrs. Eva Larkin of Los Angeles and Mrs. Lena Dinler of Chicago, and three grandsons. The Rev. Milton A. Marcy will officiate at funeral services Friday at 3 p.m. at Buckley-King chapel.

Submitted by William H. Rose, III great-grand nephew.

Friend & Fellow Traveling Engineer of Kenneth L, Shearer, Sr. Also Step-Father of Robert Berlin.

Bob Guse introduced Bob Berlin to his wife, Patricia Shearer, daughter of Kenneth L Shearer in Madison, WI at the football train stop near Camp Randall stadium in the fall of 1966.

My grandfather was first fireman on the H&D division. He was promoted to engineer in 1906. I have an original page from an article titled "Last Run" which appeared in a Milwaukee Road publication in Sept. 1942.

I started with the System Steel Bridge Crew Lines East in So. Beloit, IL, holding hot rivets in place as the old timers drove them. My first Foreman was Tom " Floyd " Wilson from Mazomanee, WI. Other members of the crew were Huck Cheney, Crane Operator, Bellevue, IA, Ken McCall, Savanna, IL, John O'leary, Savanna, IL, Cecil Nagle, Dakota, MN, Jim Vogle, Wells, MN, Dave Rach and Claire Mortenson, La Crosse, WI, Roy Jacobs, Emil Wagner, and "Red" Wagner the cook from Wabasha, MN.

I was raised along the River Sub at Kellogg, MN and currantly am a Construction Supervisor with the CPR Structures & Projects Group in Minneapolis. I recognize many names from across the system.

Also worked in Chicago Union Station Aug to Nov. 1968 as Draftsman in Signal Dept. Father was Ralph E. Hale, Agent Opr., Trans-Mo. Divn., 1928 - 1975

I got my start on Dan Hildahl's gang for a few years then went on to be a cat operator. Ronhardy@comcast.net

I started as a section laborer, working for Phil Young at the Gaines Street yard office. Laid off for the winter, but got rehired as a car clerk at Nahant, then reassigned to Dubuque Shops. Most unforgettable moment was when the Mill job returned from the Robin Hood Mill explosion with the train crew, including my dad, Earl Harper, shook up, but doing well.

Known as Rapid Robert around the yards at Council Bluffs. Almost everyone in the yards had a nickname and when he would come home, you knew who he was talking about when you met these railroaders. This town was about 50,000 pop. but it had railroads all over town. The Milwaukee Road, Rock Island, CNW, Illinois Central, Union Pacific, CBQ, and Wabash RR.

worked under Bob Allen and with Montana Lee Jim Cooper and other great guys

Married to Esther Riegel

In 1928 they lived in Hutchinson KS

anyone with additional info please contact kathylynn7@hotmail.com

My father was section foreman for many years. He became General Foreman. Worked all around central Montana, later in Idaho and the Pacific Coast Division. He worked with the crew that built the Eagle Nest Tunnel, Lombard Montana. Never missed a day of work

richard.antje@sbcglobal.net

I am Rays son. He loved the Milwaukee Road.

I have many memories of the road growing up. The flood of 1965, he put in a lot of overtime that year.

When we were young he would drive us around and show were he worked and the trains and such, it was great.

Also we met a lot of his work friends.

If anyone has any memories that they would like to share about my dad or any of the road they can email me at

thokkanen@comcast.net

Thanks for the great website.

Fred and Florance Hornig worked out of the Milwaukee Office. Would like more information on him. Was a family friend of our Geelhart, Percy family.

I first worked as a section laborer in the Savanna yards, then in the roundhouse as a machinists helper, electricians apprentice, then got set up as an electrician in 80. Went to Nahant Iowa after Savanna was shut down, as a electrician, laid off in March of 1986. Worked a few weeks at the Bensonville Diesel house in summer of 86. I now work for the UP in North Little Rock Arkansas locomotive facilities as a electrician. Over the years I've met a machinist and a electrician who worked for the Milwaukee, the machinists was from Savanna, what a small world! Things have changed I started on GP-8 & 9's and the old covered wagons, now I work with microprocessors and fiber optics, gone are the days when you could get the train into town with a pencil or a paper cup to hold in a relay. The Milwaukee is still my road what a joy to see the old emblem. My Grandpa Hoy had over45 yrs. as a section man, my Uncle died while on the job on the Eldridge branch line, my other Uncle worked on the section, my Dad even worked during his high school summers on the section to pay for dental work in the 50's.

He was the first engineer to drive the Milwaukee Road Hiawatha from Minneapolis to LaCrosse, Wisconsin. .

"uncle jim" was the conductor on the sw limited #26 from KC to Davenport passenger. When passenger trains stopped he returned to freight. Many wonderful memories of riding that orange train. Lights along the Mississippi river into Davenport, etc.

Fourth generation Milwaukee RR employee. Previous generations were all in Train & Engine service on Iowa Divn. I began as Agent/Operator on D&I Division as well as Relay Office in Savanna.

Promoted to Transporation Dept. in 1967, Power Desk in Chicago 1971-1972, Trainmaster Milwaukee Terminal, St. Paul Terminal and Spokane, WA. 1972-1977.

Transportation Dept. Chicago 1977-1985.

Ray worked for the Milwaukee Road for almost 50 years, starting as a yardmaster and working his way up to trainmaster and then Asst. Supt. of the Milwaukee Terminal. Our family home was two blocks from the RR tracks in Wauwatosa, so Ray could hear the trains pass (and, of course, look at his watch)At his funeral, several of his men commented that he was "the last of the old rails". Railroading was not his job; it was his lifelong passion.

I am not sure of the dates but I know that during the late 30s he moved from Perry IA to work at Bensonville and he was injured on the job and spent a longtime in the hospital.

Worked the stretch of track from Charles City to Mason City, Iowa.

Started as a signal draftsman working for Eugene R. Hubley, a great signalman who later became the Signal Engineer. Others in the department were Willie Anderson, Gunther Klein and Ken Akert

Started as office boy in Milwaukee.

Retired as Claim Aduster in Chicago.

We on the Chicago, Madison and Northern just knew him as Snitch. During 1980, he "snitched" enough supplies and parts from the Milwaukee roundhouse and Carknockers office to start his own rr repair operation. Crafty devil would snitch stuff even when we watched him. All he'd do was smile.

Name inscribed in his first copy of Consolidated Code of Operating Rule book, No. 9519, June 1, 1967 edition. Obtained this Rile Book at a Chicago suburban antique store, used book section. Mr. Janin's Gelnview address is/was 1210 Hutchings Ave.

He was my great grandfather. His obiturary states that he worked for the Milwaukee Railroad, as a veteran Engineer, from 1903 - 1942. He was also an Engineer for the Hiawatha.

He lived on West Kilbourn Ave, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

If any one has any information on him or reference books for the time period of 1903 - 1942 please contact me at mkriefski@shinenorth.com.

Thank you! Mike Kriefski

Carl, my Grandpa, immigrated from Sweden at 18 years old, changed the spelling of his first and last name to "Americanize". Immigrants sure had a different attitude back then. I have a picture of Carl and his work mates in Austin dated August 1940 in front of engine 1105 G-6 ps.

Jim worked on the Great Northern prior to going into the Korean War as an engineer. When he came out, he worked for the Northern Pacific as a brakeman. Jim started his career with Milwaukee in 1952 as an engineer and worked there for 34 years. During his career with Milwaukee he worked in St. Paul, MN & Eau Claire, WI

Hal Jordan learned steam at a rural co-op near Saint Martins's Fair, Wisconsin, then moved near the Menomonee River Yards of Milwaukee, and was soon piloting Hiawathas. I will always recollect a truck that skidded into his diesel locomotive January 15, 1950, damaging all braking systems, except the passenger car emergency, which he safely activated, as his loco started a wild runaway ride through Milwaukee. He got nationwide headlines, so Uncle Joe Flynn highballed over from Idaho, scared that this would happen in the West. Grandson Emmett Jordan was eventually sent to electrical engineering studies, but graduated into impending railroad bankruptcy, so he went into utilities and diesel buses.

I started on the Extra Gang under Stanley Smith, Foreman, as a laborer the summer between my junior and senior years in high school. We were replacing ties and working on the roadbed between Green Island and Dubuque on the D&I Division. By the end of the summer I had been promoted to Assistant Foreman of the gang which usually totalled about 40 (turnover was HIGH !!) I figured since I had such a good paying job and had been promoted, maybe I should make a career of it and not bother going back for my senior year of high school. My dad (by then a 32 year Milwaukee Road veteran operator) "informed me" otherwise, and I returned to school.

The next summer I got a job as extra operator on the Iowa Division, and worked "extra" filling in for vacations and leaves throughout college. Upon graduation from college in 1974 I bid the then open 3rd trick job at Sabula Drawbridge and held it for a little over a year. I saw the handwriting on the wall and decided to go on to law school as I knew I would soon be getting "bumped" by someone with more seniority, as consolidation was acceleratig. Within a year after I quit it took nearly 30 years of seniority to hold that job.

I have now been practicing law in Cambridge, MN for over 26 years.

Clark landed an Operator's job on the Iowa Division Extra Board in 1937 due to his knowledge of code and telegraphy skills gained as a "Ham Operator", a hobby he enjoyed from age 12 until his death.

He worked "extra" from 1937-39, then 3rd trick at Green Island, IA until bidding and receiving the 3rd trick job at Sabula Drawbridge in Dec. 1940. On Jan. 1, 1956, upon Ben Hafner's retirement, he took the 1st trick job (8am-4pm, rest days Sat. & Sun.), which he held until his retirement in 1979.

He was known as an excellent telegrapher until the end of the telegraphy era. At the time of his death in 2002, he had held an amatuer radio operator's license for 75 continuous years.

Milwaukee Road 11/74 Switchman Brakeman/CRO/Phone-Train Director/Hostler/Yardmaster/MYPM.

Chief cook and bottle washer.

Started as extra Opr for 7 years until Mary 62 to relay office Savanna, Office transferred to Davenport Apr 84 and closed Apr 86. Bumped to clerks position Nahant Yd retired June 96

Bill Keeney went from dairy farming in Enumclaw, WA to operating substations for the Milwaukee. He moved his family from Enumclaw to Renton in 1962 and for the next 2 years moved his family to Taunton, Kittitas, Doris and finally ended at Kittitas where he stayed until the mid 1970's.

My grandfather, Lee Roy Kelley and my father, Gordon Kelley, were also engineers in Milwaukee. After the Milwaukee Road went under in 1982, I worked for two Wisconsin short lines and retired from The Canadian National in 2001. I have written various stories about some of my railroad adventures for "The Villager", the official news letter of the Plasticville Collectors Assoc. I now spend my free time working on and operating a very large Milwaukee Road Lionel layout.

Ellis Schmitz worked with Thomas as I posted. My great great grandfather Ellis married Thomas Kelly's daughter so I guess he would be a great, great great grandfather on my great great grandmother Gertrude's side of the family. my email is pes_of_cgs@hotmail.com

He worked for the Road for 46 years, until the time of his stroke in or about 1968. After the Reeseville Station closed he had to work out of the Watertown station. His Section was from Oconomowoc to Columbus. He had also worked as a gang foreman in Red Wing, MN. During the time of the bad flood, he was the cook and also worked the line during that time.

He passed away at his home in Reeseville, WI from leukemia at the age of 77.

John Kleven (My Grandpa) worked for the Milwaukee Road in St.Paul for just over 40 years. He was a carman until becoming a supervisor for maintenance the last few years. He had a brief 3 year break away from the company while he fought in WW2 in all the major battles in Europe.

He died this past Christmas Eve at our home with our family while taking a nap. If anyone remembers him or has any questions please let me know.

While going through all of his stuff I found a ton of old Milwaukee Road items. Lots of Pencils, rags with the emblem on them and "safety first", and other good stuff. If anyone would like some pictures of this stuff let me know.

Jeremiah Johnson

bullfrogengineering@yahoo.com

Ron worked for the Milwaukee Road, as they changed to Sooline Line and were eventually sold to the Canadian Pacific Railroad. Ron had offices at Bensenville and at Union Station, as a Claim Prevention Manager, inspecting railroad box cars and freights. He covered territories from Chicago, to Duluth and to Kansas. He inspected freights in the popular Chicago rail yards of Galewood, Bensenville, Franklin Park and traveled throughout the Midwest in his company car, to inspect damaged freights and training railroad employees about damage prevention.

We can be contacted through the daughter of Ron Klish at bettyboxer@comcast.net

Worked out mostly of Portage and Madison WI.

I worked two summers and the Christmas rush while in college in the Chicago passenger reservations and information bureau. I grew up along the Milwaukee main line (Edgebrook) and watched the steam Hi's until replaced with the diesels.

My dad handled freight orders during the day, managed train orders using his skill as a wire chief or telegrapher for the Milwaukee Road servicing the "300" series trains operating out of Lewistown, MT. Trains came three times a day. Winifred was the end of the line.

-- Michael Koffler

This was my Dad. He began working in Wisconsin.

Then in early 30's worked Hudson S.D.,

Lesterville, S.D., Avon S.D., Sioux Falls, Geddes, S.D., Mapleton, Ia.

My father started working in the store department after school in Tacoma, Washington when he was 15 years old. His uncle, Joseph Soltis, a pipefitter for the Milwaukee got him the job. He worked various jobs from fireman to engineer (he worked on the Little Joe's and the Bipolars)until 1960 when he graduated from the Seattle Police Academy. He joined the Milwaukee's police force and transferred to Deer Lodge, MT. He became a Lt. of Police and worked the state of Montana, transferring to Miles City, MT in 1962-1963. In 1965 he transferred to Othello, WA and then in 1969 to Seattle where he worked until 1985. In 85' he joined the Union Pacific as a Special Agent until he retired in 1990.

My family loved the Milwaukee, especially Dad and I'm so proud of his career in the railroad. My father passed away recently before I could interview him about his years in the RR. I'm looking to correspond with anyone who may have worked with him. Thank you.

Carla S. Koval (carlakoval@juno.com)

My Dad, Edward, worked for the Soo Line and the Escanaba & Lake Superior before the war, learning telegraphy and railroading from a guy named Fred Lebeau. After he was discharged from the Army he worked in Pembine, WI as a telegrapher, and then in Chilton, WI as the station agent. I delivered Western Union telegrams for him when I was a kid, for a dime a wire - big money, then. I will always remember distintly the trips we took on the Milwaukee Road; one to Montana on the Olympian Hiawatha (REALLY first class railroading), and the short jaunts up to the U.P. on the Chippewa. Or the doodlebug rides I got from Otto Johnson, the section foreman in Chilton, or the summer I spent on the switch engine in Iron Mountain, MI with engineer Fritz Lindeman (I guess we can let the secret out at this late date. Yes, he let me ride along all summer of 1963.)

Dad got bad ordered in 1960 and we moved to Texas. I think the last time he sent code was in McNeil TX, when we walked into a deserted station that had a key in it, and he corresponded with someone down the line. I was just a boy at the time, and nervous someone from the Missouri Pacific would come and kick us out. But I guess there is a fraternity; Dad came away smiling, and I'll bet the guy on the other end of the wire was smiling, as well. I hope to fill his big footprints, as a conducter on the Union Pacific, where I am proudly employed as a second generation railroader.

Anyone who remembers Dad, let me know and we can get together with him. He still lives in Lampasas, Texas.

The UP engines are a little too yellow for me. Somtimes I kick back in the cab and imagine they are more of a burnt orange.

neilkrans@yahoo.com

was my father came from Greece worked for the milwaukee for 32 years retiring in 1952 in Blyn Wa. I and my two brothers grew up in the section house in Blyn. I am gathering information on the history of the Milwaukee line From Port Townsend Wa. to Port Angeles.If anyone can share information with me I would enjoy hearing about it. Contact me at bill@billkravas.com

Gordon Kuni was a Milwaukee Railroad Telegrapher. He worked as a "Relief Operator" for 15 years and then 'got on' as a permanent Operator in Melstone, MT. He always requested the '3rd Trick', the shift from midnight to 8AM. When the Melstone depot closed, Gordon worked at Roundup before he retired from the railroad. Gordon Kuni died in Roundup, Mt, in September 1970. His family was involved with the Milwaukee Railroad for many years. He was part of the Milwaukee family.

Gordon Ray "Gordie" Kuni was a telegrapher for the Milwaukee Railroad, in and near Roundup, MT. His father was also an Operator in Melstone and Roundup, MT. Gordie's uncle, Jesse Snavely, was also an Agent-Operator on the Milwaukee Road.

Gordie was a Telegrapher, and he moved to Tacoma, WA., where he worked in the Milwaukee Railroad building supplies warehouses, until the railroad went out of existance. Gordon Ray 'Gordie' Kuni still lives in the Tacoma area (2008).

I worked as a baggageman from September 3, 1968 until February 28, 1969 at Elgin Illinois. On February 28, 1969 I went into engine service and in March of 1973 I was promoted to Locomotive Engineer. I worked in freight service between Bensenville, IL to Savanna, IL until and after the Soo line took over in 1985. When the Canadian Pacific took over I stayed until 1990 then used my seniority to finish my career on Metra's Milwaukee's west line with full seniority. I left the railroad on April 4, 1999 with a disability pension. My seniority still applies and I would have 37 years service now.

He started as a brakeman when 18, was a conductor in 10 years, and later ran a passenger train ont he "H & D", Hastings and Dakota line, during the days of handbrakes, woodburning locomotives and fresh air vestibules. He had been on the run between the Twin Cities and LaCrosse for 27 years.

Originally worked for the Milwaukee in Marmarth, N.D., assisting Pump Repair Foreman Earl Corneil. Promoted to Pump Repairer at Mobridge on the Trans-Missouri Division in 1946. Worked as a Pump Repairer until dieselization in 1955, then transferred to Don McClain's timber bridge crew, working from the Twin Cities to Terry, Mont. In the stream days, he was responsible for water and coal service on the two branches to Isabel and Faith, S.D., and New England, N.D., as well as mainline infrastructure as far west as Lemmon, S.D.

I started as a Yard Clerk at Camp-20 in La Crosse in the summer of 1973. As lay offs and cut backs continued, I took the test and became a Train Order Operator so as to give me more opportunities to work. I worked extra in many different stations, including Medary tower, Grand Crossing, "AD" (Operator at La Crosse) Camp-20 (La Crosse Yard Office) Winona and Red Wing, Minnesota as a fill in operator. I loved it. I'd be there today, except I could see the hand writing on the wall.

I also worked as a section hand in the summer of 1968 between La Cresent and Winona as part of the Winona Section Gang. We rebuilt two grade crossings that summer and cleaned up a couple of wrecks. One, near the Whitman Dam was huge.

I also worked the summer of 1969 in the baggage room at La Crosse to earn money for school. There, we sorted mail and loaded and unloaded baggage. We still the RPO cars on the trains then.

My grandfather, John Lesky, and my uncles, Albert Lesky, and Rodney Smith also worked on the Milwaukee Road as did my father Donald Lesky.

He work for the railroad for 38 years. He was working in LaCrosse Wis, in 1911

Every month or so I find my self looking up your web pages. For me the pictures you have displayed bring back a lot of good memories.Who ever took the picture of the Malden depot was standing a few yards from the place I grew up at. You can't see it in the picture but the next building east of the depot was the bunk house my mom took care of it. My Dad was an engineer at the time it went under he was #3 on the Idaho division seniority his name was Dick Liberty. My brother Dale was a train order operator. My x-brother in law Wes Adams was a conductor working out of Alberton. I read somewhere one of you had a 78BN date I wasn't too far behind, June 79 for me it wasn't the same in 1985 I quit and moved to Vegas. E-mail is classicj@msn.com if any one would like to chat about the quickest railroad to the west coast.

Would love to talk about The Milwaukee. Have lots of memories. Give me a call sometime. I am listed at Worley, Idaho.

Worked for the railroad as a machinist from 1902 until retirement in 1937. Began working for the Milwaukee road when it was known as the CMSTP&PRR.(Chicago Milwaukee St Paul & Pacific Rail Road) Traveled to Idaho and points West with railroad. Settled in Minneapolis MN where he worked at the roundhouse as a machinist from 1910 thru 1937. Received 35 year CMSTP&PRR pin when he retired.

Don was a brakeman for 17 years then was a Trainmaster at the intermodal strip and returned to the ranks where he is still working today.

He was married to Antonia Aronica Loutsis. He came to America in 1906 from Greece.

Mr. Malek worked his entire lifetime working for the CMSTP&P with the last 25 years spent at Cleveland, MN, which was part of the Iowa and Southern Minnesota Division. This line ran from Farmington, MN to Wells, MN. He mentored many individuals in telegraphy and station operations. My recollection of him at work was wearing his visor, gray sweater, and sleeve protectors sitting in his wooden chair running a telegraph key and doing paperwork.

Certified to be an Engineer on April 22, 1900

My neighbor got me a job at the roundhouse right after I got out of the Navy and I would still be there if the Company hadn't quit. Love the Boxcab Electrics, but was to late to work on the Bipolars. I am presently operating locomotives for the Government at Ft Lewis WA. We are about to get a hybrid electric called the Green Goat.

Worked various positions throughout the Signal and Communication Dept.

Jesse Ambrose Michaels was married to my husband's grandmother, Ida Mae Williamson, from about 1918 to 1934, when she shot and killed him in "The Orchard" in Bensenville, Illinois. There were a number of witnesses to this murder. Ida operated the Green Street Inn which was across the street from the Bensenville Roundhouse. According to Jesse's death certificate, he was the Hostler Foreman at the roundhouse and had worked for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad for 20 years. They had no children together, and there is no record of children for him. Ida served about ten years at Dwight Reformatory and was subsequently paroled into the custody of her daughter, Mary Frances Shanahan (my husband's father). My husband's great grandfather was Gustov Seehausen, who was a telegrapher for the Milwaukee Road. Gustov's children were Albert Ernst (my husband Robert's father), Erwin C., Richard O., and Herbert. His two daughters were Olivia Alma Exo who was Neal E. Exo's wife, and Ruth Helene, who married Peter Metz. Anyone wishing to exchange information would be most welcome to contact me at rseehausen@new.rr.com.

and his father was Albert E

OTTUMWA, IOWA NEWSPAPER CLIPPING

Retired - Joseph Milburn of Mystic retired as Milwaukee railroad brakeman Tuesday after 42 years service. But the Milburn name has not been erased from the active list, for a son, Enzely Milburn of Cedar Rapids, is a Milwaukee railroad fireman. Joseph Milburn went to work as a Milwaukee brakeman July 11, 1898. He has lived practically all his life at Mystic. Temporarily, the Milburns are living at 3223 West Second street while a daughter completes a study course.

I worked for The Milwaukee Road starting as a fireman in 1967 at age 18. Was promoted to Engineer and worked freight and passenger. I now have 40 years seniority and continue to work for Metra on the Old Milwaukee suburban operation at Elgin. I sm a member of the BLE&T and was a Local Chairman, President, and Chaplain for many years. I love the railroad and while the work has always been very demanding it is a great career.

Retired because loss of legs due to sickness

Milo was my great grandfather who died at 27. According to the death certificate, he was crushed between CM & St. Paul engine and Northern Pacific car. (per death cert.) Information regarding Milo Moore is scarce within our family and I would welcome any contact regarding him. Thanks for a great website as well as providing opportunities to obtain railroad knowledge! (cross reference: see Edward James Moore who was Engineer with CNW)

Sincere regards,

Kelly Moore Harms

kelly.harms@dslextreme.com

My Dad worked from Agency, Iowa to Avoca, Iowa all up and down the line, ending up in Bayard in 1940 and worked there until his retirement, it was the only job he ever had.

Tom was hired at Minneapolis and patroled the Depot, Upper Yard and South Mpls Yard. Was promoted to Lieutenant in 1959 and transfered to Mitchell, SD, in 1962 transfer to Savanna, IL ,in 1964 transfered to Minneapolis as Asst.Captain, Promoted to Captain and transfered to Aberdeen, SD in 1969, Transfered to Deer Lodge, MT as Captain in 1977. When notified of the closure Tom remained as one of the last employees dealing with property transfer and security. He remaned in Deer Lodge after retirement and was involved in many community activities including moving the old BN depot to become Powell County Senior Citizens Center.

Tom was hired on the section crew at Pigs Eye in St. Paul. After military service hired as Electricians Helper at ST. Paul Roundhouse. Went into engine service and moved to Mobridge SD as Locomotive Engineer. Worked out of Mobridge & Aberdeen SD until closure of the Milwaukee Road. BNSF purchased the Milwaukee-South Dakota Railroad July 1, 1982 and hired out as track labor with 1966 date and used 1973 date for BNSF hire as locomotive engineer. Tom currently (05/2008) is a locomotive engineer for the BNSF living in Minot, ND. Tom is the son of Gordon W. (Tom) Neihart.

Jerry, worked for the Milwaukee Road & CP Railroad for over 40 years. He lived in Lowell, WI. He retired from the CP rail in 1992

Steve is a great carman. Hardest worker i ever met. Marv Gehrke, carman Bensenville

Dewey nicknamed Bear claw worked for the Milwaukee all his life and loved the RR. He gave me a job when I was only 17 and was a good man to work for. He told me once that if he had to he would work for the Milwaukee for free. Submitted by his old employee Rodney G. Skinner Ottumwa, Iowa

Whenever my father and I picked my grandfather up from work, in the mid to late 40's, we had to arrive early so we could walk the full circle of the roundhouse, primarily looking for Hiawatha locomotives.

I worked the summer and Fall of '6