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 HOMER ARTLIP BEGAN WORKING ON THE MILWAUKEE ROAD IN 1908 WHEN HE WAS 16 YEARS OLD.

IN 1947 OR 1948 HE WAS DISABLED IN A WRECK AFTER WHICH HE WORKED THE TOWER ON 70TH AND STATE STREET NEAR THE WAUWATOSA WI DEPOT UNTIL HE RETIRED.

MY GREAT GRANDFATHER JOHN ARTLIP WAS BRAKEMAN ON THE "SOUTHWEST LIMITED".

HE WORKED ON THE MILWAUKEE ROAD FOR 45 YEARS 1894-1936. HE WAS THE FIRST BELOITER TO RETIRE UNDER THE RAILROAD RETIREMENT ACT OF 1935. HE AND HIS SON HOMER ARTLIP

ALSO A MILWAUKEE ROAD EMPLOYEE WERE IN THREE WRECKS TOGETHER.

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.

Son of Deloris Barton Work at Bensenville for 1954 till 1978 I started at Bensenville as a PFI clerk,Put in for Yardmaster in June of 1987 And received my yardmaster date in August of 1987 Have been at Bensenville for 34 years and have seen a lot of changes in the yard now CP Rail 7 years to go.

A MRHA member

Hired as a 10% fireman in April of 1972

PAY TRIP MAY 1,1972 ON THE BUTTE HELPER(E-29)

PROMOTED JULY 9,1973

WENT TO Burlington Northern in December of 1978 because of the bankruptcy.

NOW RETIRED FROM MRL/BN/MILW

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.

Bill retired working the Sturtevant Patrol.

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 started off in Savanna Illinois as an operator clerk. I worked the Savanna tower, Sabula Bridge, Green Island, Nahant, Chillicothe, MO Dubuque Shops. I was one of the first females to be an operator in these areas. The last 2 years I was a brakeman out of Ottumwa. I was also the first female to be a brakeman in these area's also. When I quit I was working at Muscatine, Iowa.

I really enjoyed my years and could write a book!!!!

Love to hear from anyone who remembers me.

dreiteme@bellsouth.net

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

My father, Carl Andrew Blesch, told me many stories about his childhood riding in the cab with his father, Andrew Carl Blesch, on runs between Milwaukee and Ontonagon, his boyhood home. Best guess- late 1920s, early 1930s. I regret I have no further documentation of his life or career.

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

I began working for the Milwaukee Road on a surfacing crew on the old Trans-Missouri Division between Mobridge, SD and Miles City, MT in 1958. In 1972 I was appointed Roadmaster at Mobridge, SD replacing Joe Maunders, who retired. In late 1973 I was appointed Roadmaster in the Twin Cities Terminals, replacing Howard Von Haden who was transferred to the Milwaukee terminals in the same capacity. I remained Roadmaster in the TCT until my retirement in 2000.

My father also worked for the Milwaukee briefly in the early 1930's and an uncle Jake worked as a section foreman on the Faith/Isabel branch lines in the 1930's and early 1940's. Jake later moved to the West Coast and retired retired from the Milwaukee at Everett, WA in 1969.

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.

A am a 4th generation Conductor/Brakeman, Milwaukee Road. Soo Line-1985, and now Canadian Pacific Railway. Worked extra boards{Hog Board]First in First Out. Worked Amtrak in 1970's.Amtrak went with own employee's in 1985. I stayed with the Soo line.About 1991 CP took over and inter-divisional service was started from Milwaukee, Wis to Bensenville, Ill. Terminal at Milwaukee was moved to Portage, Wis, his included the LaCrosse Div.and the C&M Div. I worked the inter-divisional runs from 1992 until 1994.I then worked a mini-pool job from Milwaukee to Bensenville until 2000. Went back to Portage, Wis until 2008. Am currently working a way first out of Milwaukee, Wis [The old Tosa Patrol].

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

Electrical Helper, Electrical Apprentice, Outstanding Apprentice Award 1960, Journeyman Electrician

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

Grandfathers Robert A Burns and Roy Sager as well as father Eugene "Wimpy" Burns were Milwaukee Road employees.

My job was a summer position while in college. I did work through the winter of 1971/1972 and continued for the summers or 1973 and 1974. I have continued as an engineer for the BN in Alliance, NE and the Montana Rail Link in Missoula.

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.

Will was married to a Mary who a sister to Roman and John Farence and Aunt to Tom. Will had son Dick who worked a short time on the Milwaukee in the 60's.

George Collins was my grandfather who started with Milwaukee Road in Butte, Montana, which is where he retired. But during his career he also worked out of Deer Lodge, Montana, on the electric engines and out of Harlow, and Great Falls, Montana, on steam engines.

I obtained most of this information from his daughter, my mother. I have dedicated my model HO train set to him and Milwaukee Road buy purchasing Milwaukee Road engines and rolling stock.

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.

My father was a very conscientious employee and loved working for the Milwaukee. He worked mostly Passenger Trains (i.e. Hiawatha and UP City Trains)out of Perry until AMTRAK took them over in 1971. He once told me that he would have worked to 70 if the Railroad at Perry was not discontinued. He was proud of the Milwaukee and always held a spot in his heart for letting him raise a large family in relative comfort.

I worked 11 years with the Milwaukee from 1964 to 1975 and then worked on the UPRR in Omaha from 1975 to 2009. I think the one thing I remember most about the Milwaukee were its employees. A more dedicated bunch I have never seen. They knew their stuff and helped the Railroad last as long as it did.

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

Worked on I&D, H&D, D&I, RSW, I&SM, CH&SE, DRINW (East Moline)and places in between. Enjoyed it all and retired early never to regret. Many friends I will never forget. From Curly Lambert on the I&D to Boomer Baum on the RSW. From an operators nightmare at Davis Jct. to an Agents dream at Racine Wisconsin...it was all great. A "highpoint" was one of the Milwaukee's worst wrecks at Davis Jct with Chico Herring on 61 and Bud Winston on the switch engine, email me at MCROSON@wi.rr.com.

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.

Hired out June 1967 as section laborer until October 1968, then transfered to engine service as a fireman until February 1969. Young lad other things were more important at the time. Fortunately re-hired August 3, 1970 C&M District engine service. Promoted to locomotive engineer July 17, 1974. Retired (disability) June 1, 2006.

Coming from a railroad family, it was obvious I was going to eventually work for the railroad. The only question was when and which railroad.

Dad started out on the IHB in 1928 as a call boy and after his Army stint came to California where he worked for the Southern Pacific as a Conductor/Brakeman from December of 1946 until he retired on a disability in June of 1967. I later found out my dad worked in the yard at Bensenville as a clerk but not sure of the year. His father also worked for the IHB in Terre Haute until he retired sometime in the early or middle 1960's.

Though I worked only a short time on the MILW, the time spent there was a great experience for a young 19 year-old kid. I loved every minute of it.

The one company officer I remember in Bensenville was P.J. Rooney. Can't remember if he was a trainmaster or Asst. Superintendent.

When I left Chicago in late November to return to California, I brought along a friend of mine who also worked in the Bensenville yard with me. His name is Steve Chadwell. Steve eventually hired out for the Santa Fe in Needles, California and worked there for about 6 or 9 months. I stayed in contact after Steve went back to Illinois for a while but have since lost contact with him.

I started with the Southern Pacific in December of 1968 as a switchman in Colton, California, which is where I was raised, and in June of 1969 transferred into engine service. I was promoted to locomotive engineer in January of 1972 and also held jobs as a Road Foreman of Engines on the Los Angeles Division in LA and in West Colton. I also worked as an RFE on the San Joaquin Division in Bakersfield, California, which is where I am today working for the UP. I am eligible to retire in December of this year.

I still have my old timebook from 1968 while on the MILW and pick it up once in a while to look at it and remember some of the names of the guys I worked with back then.

Yeah, it was a great experience for a 19-year-old kid.

John Edwards

Bakersfield, Ca.

Charles Egge was born June 4, 1918 in Lavina Mt. to Charles Egge Sr. and Clara (Lehfeldt) Egge. Charles started school on the south bench near the family homestead, and graduated from Lavina High School in 1939. He married Virginia (Gin) Fern Brownlee on the Brownlee family ranch in Lavina on Sept. 13, 1941. Charles served in the army in Company B, 327th Engineer Combat Battalion in Germany during World War II, where he received the Purple Heart. In the fall of 1943 Charles and Virginia moved to Miles City, MT where he was employed by the Milwaukee Railroad until 1955.

Charlie Egge was very proud of the fact he had worked for the Milwaukee Road and you could tell it when he talked about. He bragged on everything from the white linen napkins on the passenger cars, to the Little Joe Electric Engines. This era runs very deep in the Egge family’s history, Not only was it an important memory to Charlie but it was as well it to his childhood sweetheart and lifelong partner Virginia, who stayed right there with him and lived in the old camp cars parked along a rail siding while he was running a dozer cleaning a cut along the right of way. And it still is to his son, who as a young child rode his stick horse up and down the camp cars handing out an occasional sandwich to a hobo. Charles And Virginia raised a son and daughter for several years in Miles City in a little house not much bigger then a two car garage, across the street from the Milwaukee yard. These times and events were a very pivotal part of our family's history. We are grateful to you for maintaining this website and keeping something alive that was such an important time, not only for our family but for many others as well.

btegge75@yahoo.com

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.

Milwaukee Road Freight car repair on rip track and Freight car shop entire career.

Roman was brother to John and passed away in the 80's. Son Jim worked for a short time alongside Dad.

Milwaukee Road 1966-1985

Soo Line 1985-1990

CPRy 1990-1997

IMRL 1997-2002

ICE 2002-2006

Summer 68 and summer 70 Keweenau Central Ry Steam Loco Fireman

Geismer RR industries NYC 1975 Sales Engineer

CNW Ry Clerk/Caller various depots. 1977-1981

Southern Pacific Ry Labor Relations 1981-1996 LR Examiner/Senior Manager

Union Pacific RR 1996-1998 LR Manager

San Francisco Muni Ry 1998 & 1999 Finance Manager

PGE 2000-2010

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.

Not a lot was known about him after he worked as a section foreman he was a cook for the section men in Manila Iowa. If there's any one with possible records on him please contact Jeff at 1140boxing@earthlink.net

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

Worked throughout IL, WI, IA.

Telegrapher, Clerk, Extra Board, Operator, Trick Operator, Ticket Office, Chief Dispatcher and Agent. His students were V. Rockwell, R. Cochran, D. Elder, H. Harris, M. Marske, M. Baum, M. Meyers, J. Elder, and E. Foltz.

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.

My grandmother(94yrs old)was recently given a picture of her father, who died working the railroad when she was only 7yrs old. We think that the picture might have been taken in Avery, ID. He is standing next to someone identified only as "Clif" in front of an engine numbered 5590. Would be very grateful for any further info. llkeisner@yahoo.com

After my dad retired from the Milwaukee Road he went to work on the Seattle NorthCoast Railroad for 3 years until it was sold.

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.

The post office and railroad station in Griffin, North Dakota was named after him on February 10, 1908 according to North Dakota Place Names, p. 81. According to the December 27, 1900 edition of The New York Times, he "has assumed the duties of Assistant General Passenger Agent of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway Company. His headquarters will be the general offices of the road in the Old Colony Building, and he will look after rates and general business pertaining to the department. Mr. Griffin has been connected with the St. Paul system for many years. The company now has four Assistant General Passenger Agents; three of these are located in Chicago, and the fourth in St. Paul."

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.

I first started working for the RR when I was 16. My step dad was a switchman in Stacey Yd, Seattle. I worked on the Rip track (box car repair)and then became a road brakeman and conductor. I loved my job. In 1979 the company tried to tell us they were going bankrupt. We knew better; we were working steady, hauling full tonnage trains. Turned out there was a plan to dump the RR and keep the right of way for an oil pipeline. We employees tried to buy the RR and run it; almost succeeded but we got sold out by one of our Union members who took a bribe.

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.

Alma was a secretary and clerk in the Baggage, Mail & Milk Department for 11 years at Chicago Union Station. She worked for Carl F. Rank, Bill Friend and others. This department also handled the lost & found items. She took dictation, sent letters and forms and also figured Post Office bills using the Comptometer. She commuted to Ingleside by MILW suburban service during that period. Married to Milwaukee Road Locomotive engineer Al Helms with one son, Tom, Daughter-in-law Carolyn, five grandchildren and many great grandchildren.

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

Dad was born County Mayo, Ireland came USA 1927 to start of depression, so he joined Army "to get a place to eat and sleep". Got out to land job with the Milwaukee Road only to be drafted into Army at start of WW II because was single and had experience. Returned to RR police after European Theatre. He loved going to work - you could tell. My fond memories of great vacations on train passes. I was able to return favor to him during his retirement as I worked 32 yrs w/Delta Air Lines, so Dad & Mom got to visit Birthplace Ireland several times. I worked six years part time for Milwaukee Road while in high school/college jobs e.g. dock hand (Galewood), gandy dancer (Western Ave), welders helper for welders who came down from Wisconsin with the Milwaukee weld truck to work Chicago area fixing track cracks, etc.. My experiences were wonderful. My younger sister, Patricia, work computers in office building at Galewood. Dad loved to work - retired age 65 from RR and worked another 10 yrs. bank and hospital security. James P. Hester

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

RAN PASSENGER TRAINS MOSTLY TO CHICAGO ALSO MARQUETTE, IA. EARLIER MINERAL PT. WIS TO MILWAUKEE, WIS. RAN GAS CAR JANESVILLE TO MILWAUKEE. RETURN ON THAT RUN ON ITS LAST TRIP.

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.

Operator telegrapher 1962-1967 then transfered into Operator Department as Fireman and promoted to Engineer in 1969 on South-Western Div Milwaukee to Savanna, Ill. Worked C&M Division, Metra, D&I Division, and Amtrak thru the working years. Loved the work but retirement is great.

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.

Fred has since past, but was a dedicated worker in the Milwaukee yards for many years. His son worked for the railroad for over 50 yrs and is now retired.

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

worked on the "O" line when no jobs in the yard. 1953 was a bad year with a beer and steel strike that hit Milwaukee hard. Was an Army railroad engineer Korea from 9/51 to 2/53 after being drafted. Attached to the 724th TROB while in Korea.

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

Started on the section for a summer job in Austin, Mn. Couldn't turn down the money. In 1974 minimum wage was about $1.80/hour. All my buddies were making $2.25/ hour and I was making the princely sum of $4.4991/hour. We weren't worth the extra .0009/hour I was told. Transferred to Heavy Equipment in 1979. Took a bid for trainman in 1984 and 4 months later the promotion to engineer. Son of Dick Johnson engineer out of Austin, MN.

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.

I started out as a mail clerk in the GFD Chicago, IL and worked up thru Rate Clerk, Meeting Representative, untill Appointment as City Freight & Passenger Agent, San Francisco, CA.

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

Started with the Milwaukee in 1870 as a water boy and worked for the railroad for 75 years (second longest service in the history of the railroad).

Nick Name (Shep)

We live in Spencer IA, my wife Jackie & I have had 2 motels since & I drove semi truck until I retired. Jackie was a checker at a grocery store for years. We were married October 2,1971. We have 6 grand kids & 9 greats. We enjoy retirement very much. Wally

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

Worked the Milwaukee Yard between the 16th and 35th Street viaducts as a gandy dancer on an extra gang. No speeder & trailer for this gang-- we carried everything. My foreman was Jerry Bingham. This was toward the end of the line for the Milwaukee-- no money for ballast so we raised sunken yard rails and tamped dirt beneath. First train over pushed them right back down again-- very frustrating. But I worked with a great bunch of guys, got to see some new SD40-2s, and, though I'd never worked so hard (or since), it was a great summer.

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.

George worked sorting mail for the United States Post Office Department. The family has a few pictures of him on the railcar. In addition, a 1937 passage identification booklet that shows him as an employee sorting mail between Chicago and Minneapolis. The family story states that he would simply jump on the train in Pewaukee as it passed by his house. His son George never worked on the railroad, but was facinated by trains and made several engines from the Milwaukee Road using the locomotive diagrams.

Annual dues card for 1905 for the Boiler Maker and Ship Builders union indicate Lorenz work with the railroad began as early as 1905. There are two cards the family has that show he and his wife Caroline had free passage on the Milwaukee Road in 1935-1938. The last card shows Lorenz as a veteran "Superann Boilermaker".

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.

He retired in 1971 after 41 years as a switchman for the Milwaukee Railroad.

Info from his obituary.

Submitted by his Grand Nephew, J.Lartz Moline, IL. E-mail yotdoc@qconline.com

He held many positions through his career with the Milwaukee Road. The history of which he has taken with him.

Submitted by his Grandson, John R. Lartz, Moline, IL e-mail yotdoc@qconline if you have stories or pictures to share of the Savanna yards.

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 am not sure on the month and date in 1940-1942. I had been told Dad worked for 36.5 years. Was in severs WWII 1943-1945 (18 Months) He was on the supple train in the mid-west. When he marred my mother in 1950. They moved to Cedar Rapids, Linn CO., Iowa he work in the Marion yard in Marion Linn CO., Iowa as a clerk putting the trains together to go out from there. July 21, 1912 Dawson, Dallas CO., Iowa - April 17, 1979 Cedar Rapids, Linn CO., Iowa

My Uncle Maynard F Leighty work for the Milwaukee but do not have the dates. His birth 8/31/10 Dawson, Dallas CO., Iowa – 1982 Farmington, San Juan, NM

Linda K Leighty

lkleighty@msn.com

Began my career on the Milwaukee Road as Secretary to the District Manager Sales, Mason City, IA. Promoted to Sales Representative, Union Station, Chicago, IL in March, 1971. The rest of my career was spent in Chicago occupying various positions including District Manager-Sales for the Milwaukee Road and successor companies Soo Line Railroad and Canadian Pacific Railroad until (ERIP)retirement on December 31, 1990. Mother Milwaukee was very good to me and my family.

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.

I am paying respect to my Grandfather. He was employed for 37 years with The Milwaukee Road. I would just like to say thank you for this wonderful association. It means a lot to me...

Sincerely,

Timothy Lorenz

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.

Worked the Chicago area. After one winter at Bensonville switching, transferred to engine dept. and fired rest of time while attending college. This was an interesting transition era. Commuter trains were steam, freight primarily diesel I would rather work steam, quite, warm, no diesel stink. We had stokers and only had to fire the corners. I'll never forget the experience, it was great.

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.

Best job ever. Best pension ever. BEST GUYS EVER.

I hired out on the Milwaukee Road Savanna IL. On the D&I 1st District, June 9th 1957. Savanna IL.-Bensenville, IL.

2 years later transferred to the Dubuque Division (D&I 2nd District) I worked the Meat Train’s #162 & #81 between Savanna, IL. & Marquette, IA for a number of years, also trains #67 & #76 Savanna-LaCrosse, WI.

The Milwaukee Road was bought by the Soo Line, the Southern portion was later sold to the IRML, I had the option to stay with the Soo Line (CP Rail) or IRML, I choose to stay with the Soo Line at Portage WI. working between Bensenville, IL. & St. Paul MN.

I retired July 31st 1999 at Portage WI. My Last Job was Train #200 St.Paul MN. To Portage WI.

Certified to be an Engineer on April 22, 1900

Started as a Brakeman before going into engine service.

After graduating from Pardeeville High School in 1944, he, along with his best friend, Melvin “Andy” Haight, worked for the Milwaukee railroad and then worked in a coal mine.

Started out as a fork lift driver on the night shifts then entered in the welding training program. Assigned to 3rd shift welding bolsters. 3rd shift closed down when the Milw went to the 5-day work week, and assigned to the new car gondola assembly line welding car ends to the sides. Decided to leave the Milw and do other things.

My father, Julius B McKay worked in the Stores Department from the middle 1920's until his retirement in the 1960's. He died in the late 1970's.

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.

Started with the Milwaukee RR the summer of my freshmen year of college. Worked on the the section at Manilla,Iowa on the Chicago to Council Bluffs main line. That winter I bid and got a job on the section gang at Charter Oak, Iowa on the Manilla to Souix City branch line. The summer of 1976 I bid for a job back to Manilla and then to Coon Rapids, Iowa. I stayed at Coon Rapids until the summer of 1976 when I bid a Machine Operators position. Funny thing was I never had a machine to run until May 1977.

On July 18,1977 I transfered to train service. I worked the extra board out of Perry, Iowa on the Illinois-Iowa Divn. sub divns 16,17,18,25,26,27,28 and the Perry switch job until November 1979. After the Milwaukee filed for the last bankruptcy and the number of trains on the Illinois-Iowa divisions slowed I bid and received the night yardmasters job at Perry which I worked until the RR stopped the night shift. I then was able to work one more day on the day switch job and so ended my railroad career. I'll never forget the sight of the "Death Train" that left Perry in April 1980.

With the closing of the Yard office at Perry I came to be the owner of the Perry switch job mascot Milwaukee, a male Blacklab/German shepherd cross dog. Milwaukee could get on a caboose or the switch engine as good or better than most men. He always knew a railroader from non railroaders and barked to let you know who was there.Alas, Milwaukee the RR and dog are both gone as "Mil" was killed by a car the summer of 1981.

In Raymond's Obituary he learned his trade of Machinist in the yards of Dunkirke, Buffalo and Boston. He also also worked in yards in Tunnel City Wisconsin and Watertown WI, before he came to LaCrosse in 1868.

A. Raymond Merrill is my Gr., Gr., Gr. Grandfather. As you all may notice I come from a long line of railroad men and my husband builds trains at Super Steel Corp in Milwaukee Wi.

Thank you for the great website I will be visiting often.

If you wish to reach me email to mkoltermann@wi.rr.com

I have Edward's first pay check. For the whole month of June 1901 he earned $1.25.

Edward was my great grandfather.

In the Wisconsin 1900 census. Tracy is listed as crippled

I have records or a long line of Merrill Men who had worked for Milwaukee Road. My Grandfather, Gr Grandfather and my Gr, Gr, Grandfather all work in the LaCrosse WI yards.

I have Ray's Apprentice Paper Work. I'm not sure when he became a conductor, but his later Milwaukee years I know he did. Phillip Raymond was his give name, but went by Raymond or Ray.

Worked various positions throughout the Signal and Communication Dept.

Son of Freeman Metz, Earl worked in Milwaukee's sales department for many years. Known locations he worked were at Des Moines and off-line at Cincinnati. Anybody remember Earl working other locations please get in touch at - snurb51@sbcglobal.net

"Pete" started out as a fireman at Faithorn on the CTH&SE. He was son in law of Gus Seehausen married to Ruth Seehausen. His son, Earl also worked for Milwaukee. Pete was temporarily traveling engineer in early 60's.

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

Willards grandmother was a Seehausen sister to Gus. He worked at Faithorn and went west with the rest looking for better employment when diesels took over. Lived in Los Angeles area worked as switchman for Santa Fe.

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

Have no other information on this person except would come to see him at work in the station.

Ron passed away on his layover in Chicago while he was working the freight pool from Portage to Bensenville.

I need information on his employment ASAP

(note - his SSN is not published due to privacy concerns)

I started with the Milwaukee Road in Harlowton, MT working as a Steno Clerk for the Assistant Superintendent, Harold Mahoney. I also performed clerical duties for the Roadmaster, Jim Frost.

In September of 1976 I moved to Missoula, MT to resume my studies at the University of Montana. When I arrived in Missoula, I checked with the agent, George Stuckey. I took the Agent/Operator's rules exam and worked part time as a Rate Clerk, Cashier, and Operator. A fellow railroad employee, Newt Crane, and I renovated and rented the old section house just west of the Missoula depot for $60/month. During the summer months of 1977 and 1978 I did vacation relief as the Agent in Billings, MT. I also spent many months during 1976 and 1977 working as the third shift Operator in Alberton, MT. During Christmas in 1976 and 1977, I was assigned to work the Operator's position in Avery, ID. Avery was once and crew change point before the division ended at Saint Maries, ID. Large amounts of snow prohibited driving so I rode the freight train from Alberton to Avery and stayed in the old bunkhouse walking to a cafe a half mile or so west of the depot to eat.

Late in 1977 I received a phone call from Gordon Jonasson, the Division Manager headquarted in Deer Lodge, MT who offered me the Chief Clerk's position there. Mr. Jonasson was replaced by Gary Neu in mid 1978. I assumed that role until December, 1978 at which time I resigned from The Milwaukee Road due to a very uncertain future.

I have many memories of the railroad, both good and bad. The bad being witness to the decline and eventual demise of Lines West.

I now live in the Houston, TX area and would welcome emails from any interested parties. I can be reached at rlmouat@comcast.net.

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

My father worked for the at B-12 for 19 years, up to the date of his death at the age of 42.

I remember my dad used to ride to work with Bear Claw (Dewey Noe - I never actually knew his name) sometimes. Made the Ottumwa to Laredo, Mo. run. My uncle, Harry Nicholson, worked out of Ottumwa also.

Moved to Twin Cities when SOO Line bought the Milwaukee. Retiring from CP Rail 8-18-08

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.

Started working the C&M Division at first, bouncing around from job to job along the division. One year into my career I started working yard jobs in the Milwaukee Terminal, witnessing it's death. There were about 120 yard engine assignments at that time, dwindling down to about 35 assignments in 1995. With each industry leaving or going broke more than one engine assignment was lost or absorbed by another eventually loosing the hump yard and down sizing Mennominee Valley to flat switching at Burnham Bridge into the West Yard as a classification yard.

The Airline Yard or A-Yard which accepted inbound trains and making up of out bounds, had been relegated to storage of railcars for cut-up and cars for the belt district.

I have held positions in the union through the years as local President and Local Chairman of Local 1382 of the United Transportation Union. Ending my career in 2002 with a heart attack.

I've enjoyed working with all the people I've known. Some are more notable than others, but not forgotten.

I worked the summer and Fall of '65 on the C&M Div. and got loaned to the Southwestern Div. (including #25-26 passenger train) and the summers of '66&68 on the Madison Div. I enjoyed it all. We still had the passenger and time freight trains on all those divisions. It was fun.

My grandfather was 2nd generation Milwaukee Road and proud of it until he passed. My earliest memories are of riding the engine with him on the Cannonball.

Edward is my Great Grand Father. I do not know the dates or for how long he was with the Milwaukee RR.

I started on the Milwaukee Road 9-1-70 as a extra gang laborer, then a welder helper, from 12-1-70 to 5-1-80 various positions at the diesel house in Janesville , WI. also worked the Rockford, Mendota, Davis Junction, Freeport, Monroe, all over doping diesel repair and main. It was fun until the big layoff in 1980. then i worked part time in the summer months on the steel gang. It wasn't the same.

A bridge tender in the 1880's would have water barrels at the each end of the bridge. If sparks from the locomotives started fires on the ties, his job would be to put them out

Began with the Milwaukee at Washington, Ia. on Loyd Roudy's crew. Worked the entire system until the pole line was fianally retired in 1995. Finally landed in Bensenville as the terminal lineman. Left after CP RR took over for good in 1997. It was the best years of my life, so many good people. I miss them all.

Greek immigrant, Returned to Greece and died shortly afterward. Quite a few men from his village (Vasiliada) worked on the line.

I worked as a Roundhouse machinist involved in G.E. and EMD overhaul, worked on the box cabs and many other jobs. My father was a machinist from 1948 to 1975 at Tacoma R.H.- I currently work as a machinist for the BNSF at Interbay Diesel shop in Seattle Wa. I have been there since 1988 and have worked with a few Milwaukee machinists from Deerlodge Mt. who came to the BN in the early 80's. The Milwaukee will always be my "Road" and I miss it to this day.

Railroading was the only job he held. Worked third shift all his life. In the beginning because he had too, and later because he wanted too. the only injury he sustained was a injured foot when he threw a frozen switch and it bounced back. Of note in the 40's or 50's he was in the Hiawatha Marching Band. The uniform colors were maroon jacket with orange pants. The same colors as the Hiawatha Streamliners. The drum majorette was all in white, with a feathered headdress the hung down her back. One venue he went to was the Ice Carnival in Minneapolis. He played a french horn that he played in the army. He was also a member of the B of RT.

Worked as Agent/Operator on Iowa Div. Promoted to Train Dispatcher 1944

Dispatched at Marion, Perry, Mason City, and Dubuque 1944-1970 Chief Dispatcher

Aberdeen 1970-1972 & at Tacoma 1972-1980

Began when hand-fired steam locomotives were still around. Worked 42 years as fireman and engineer in all phases of engine service for The Milwaukee Road and its successor. Authored the book "Hogger: From Fantasy To Fulfillment" A Locomotive Engineer Remembers,a story of his life and the lives of fellow workers on the Iowa Division. Still lives in Sabula, IA.

Donald worked for many years. He went to work out of school and went to war and went back. He saw a lot of changes. After retiring, he took many trips with his wife. He'd take me and my kids down to the yard and see the trains. Was sure fun. Also had many rides on them. He got to retire early because of his service year and alway said that if they knew he'd live this long they wouldn't let him retire!.

I will gather more information on my grandfather...

I started as a "call boy" in 1969 at the Aberdeen Roundhouse, but was only 17 and the Superintendent wouldn't give me a minor's release. In 1970 went to work for the section and in 1971 went work in the B&B department. I started with Don McClain and Mope Leary. Harlan Pottinger was the chief Carpenter. My territory was from the Twin Cities to Miles City with several branch lines included. I still work in the Structures department for CP and have a territory from the TC's to Portal, ND.

I have several family ties with the Milwaukee. My Grandfather, Walter Harms, worked the entire system on a pile driving crew. I'm not sure when he started, but retired with many years in the early 60's and died shortly after that. My father Richard started started for the Milwaukee in the early 40's retired in 1982 and died in 2004. He was an engineer and ran mostly from Aberdeen to Mobridge. Also 2 of my brothers worked for the Milwaukee, Jim was a clerk and worked several different places on the system and Mike was a bridge tender at Hastings, MN until he died in 2002. The Milwaukee Road was a tradition in our family, too bad it had to end.

Bobby was a carpenter in the Milwaukee shops and was my father's (Adolph "Sandy" Sandberg) boss. Their duties often had them working outdoors. Bobby retired in the late 1970's, first to Oconto, WI, and finally back to Milwaukee, where he passed away in the mid 1990's.

Bill trained as a telegrapher in 1947 in Superior, Wisconsin. He strategically used the process of 'bumping' to move to better positions and shifts at Milwaukee Road stations in Berlin, Waupun, Slinger, Fox Lake, Horicon, Mayville and Fond du Lac Wisconsin. Unfortunately, the last few moves were the results of station closures during the railroad's latter years, and in the final years of his career, Bill had to commute more than 50 miles from Fond du Lac to Milwaukee to finish his 38 career with the Milwaukee Road in 1985.

Bill trained as a telegrapher in 1947 in Superior, Wisconsin. He strategically used the process of 'bumping' to move to better positions and shifts at Milwaukee Road stations in Berlin, Waupun, Slinger, Fox Lake, Horicon, Mayville and Fond du Lac Wisconsin. Unfortunately, the last few moves were the results of station closures during the railroad's latter years, and in the final years of his career, Bill had to commute more than 50 miles from Fond du Lac to Milwaukee to finish his 38 career with the Milwaukee Road in 1985.

Although I pulled pins and swung a lantern on the Milwaukee Road for only 7 of the planned 42 years, it was an experience that I wouldn't trade for anything else or on any other railroad.

I held seniority on the Southwestern between Milwaukee - Savanna including the Racine branch and the Janesville - Ladd line. When things got slow, I marked up on the rotary board out of Milwaukee to catch jobs over the C&M, LaX and Northern.

I only wished that I had recorded more of the employees and everyday events on both film and more detailed notes in a diary.

I jumped from the sinking ship in Nov. 1978 over to the Illinois Central Gulf for a more secure railroad career. 4 years later I would be furloughed in the "Depression of 82".

Today, I deliver mail for the USPS on a walking route. When the leaves are off the trees, I can still occasionally see the IC&E rolling through Rockford, Illinois across the river from my mail route and recall the orange & black units I rode over that line.

The Milwaukee Road, 1971 - 1978, on the job is my happy place.

My father hired out in March of 1947.

During his years he bid for a job with C&O car ferry operation in Milwaukee.

He also served as president of The Brotherhood Of Railroad Trainmen for many years. Always enjoyed his job and was proud of making things better on the job.

Worked the old "Southeastern Division" Faithorn, IL to Seymour,IN.

Later this Division was expanded to include the Milwaukee Road-transfer territory to Bensenville(via IHB) on the north end & to Louisville,Ky(via exMonon/L&N) on the south end.This division was the original Indiana coal source for company coal( Latta & St. Bernice yards) then later coal & way freight, with online service to the largest inland U.S.Govt. ammunition depot at USNAD CRANE, IN, which shipped during three wars to all points north & south.

When the original line was abandoned north of Tere Haute, IN(about 1980-81)trackage rights were acquired over Conrail(old Pennsy/NYC)Terre Haute to IHB connection at the IHB Gibson yard East end. After about 10 yrs CR abandoned this line & trackage rights were acquired to operate over the CSXT/UP(old C&EI), Terre Haute to Dolton, IL(IHB Conn)for the north end operation which existed until the infamous line sale in 2006 to the INRD for regional service.

This was finally the end of the only Trans-Continential Service thru Chicago that had existed from the West Coast(Portland,Ore-Spokane,Washington) to the Southeast connections at Louisville,Ky(ie;L&N & Southern RR's,East coast& Fla destinations.)

A service that during the late 70's had sustained four trains a day @ 5-6000t each between L'ville & B'ville, with a piggy-back facility at each end.

For, what had been mostly a branch line operation till 1973,became; with great vision & a long court battle due to the birth of the BN:an extension of mainline run-thru service beyond B'ville,Ill to L'ville,Ky.

5/31/06, became the last date of Milw/CP crew operation on the Milwaukee Road/Southeastern Div.

by UTU agreement some of us were eligible for a continuation allowance till we reached retirement elgibility not to exeede 2yrs,so on 11/30/06 I pulled the pin ,with 40 yrs service.

The Rausch name had been on a railroad senority roster since 1910 when my grandad Louis Rausch, hired out on the C&EI at Evansville,In; and it still is at Mnpls,Mn(CP)my son JC Rausch.

This will soon be 100 yrs of service to a very honorable and professional industry, we've seen great changes.

lrausch@insightbb.com

Originally hired out on the Iowa and Minnesota Division at Faribault, MN. Went to work on the Minnesota Midland at Wabasha, MN in 1877. The Midland was leased to the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul in August, 1878 and sold to them in February, 1883. Originally narrow gauge, the Midland was standard gauged in 1903. The Milwaukee operated the Midland as its Wabasha Division until circa 1908. After that date it continued to operate as a part of the River Division.

On February 6, 1919, while working as the brakeman on train 604 he was thrown out of the train's baggage car and into a snow bank, a result of a head on collision with Extra 5547 East at mile post 58.

The head on collision between Extra 5547 East and Wabasha - Zumbrota train 604 (running as Extra 435 West from Midland Junction on the River Division) resulted in the death of Engineer John Heintz and Mail Clerk Frank Stuetzel (who was having a conversation with George Rawson in the baggage car at the time of the collision). Baggageman Harry Hanson either jumped or was thrown from the baggage car and was also injured.

The Wabasha Standard of February 13, 1919 reported that ..."George Rawson , the brakeman had one of the bones in his arm broken, but refused to leave his post and did flag duty of several hours after the accident"

Submitted by Robert R. Peteson,

Great Grandson of G.W. Rawson

smprrp@Starband.net

I have a picture post card that Charles L. Reed sent to his brother David Lewis Reed in Roll Oklahoma. It shows a Chicago Milwaukee & St Paul caboose with Charles and several other workers with him. It reads," To D.L. Reed Roll Okla. from C.L. Reed This is me and my crew on an extra-west Dec 25, 1913."

Started at Mobridge, SD under Dave Bock on the track dept. became section foreman at Mclaughlin SD in Oct of 72. Worked as Asst Rdm 75-77 than transfered to LaCrosse as Roadmaster and in 78 to Mpls on the line form Mpls to Milbank, SD. Transfered to Mason City, IA in 87 to date.

This is information on my father, Bud Rellihan. His father, John Joseph Rellihan also worked for the Milwaukee Road, his last assignment as train master in New Albin, Iowa. His father, my great-grandfather worked for the Milwaukee Rd in Lansing, Iowa, as well as great uncles. Would love to hear from anyone who may have known my family.

Kathleen Rellihan Huff

kjhdlh@kynd.net

Started in Wisc. Died in 1929 at 67 yrs old in Ottumwa Ia. Wife Maude. 2 sons worked for Milw. RR. Clifford Riley-conductor and Walter E. Riley Chief of Police K.C. branch. (James also worked at Marion Iowa in the early 1900's)More to follow.

Wife Bessie Rixey

You have a John Rodehaver listed. I believe that my grandfather (above) is the intended individual. I do not know when he started but believe he worked for the railroad until shortly before he died.

Hired out in Three Forks Montana on an extra gang just out of high school....laid off when the ground froze up the following January and hired out as a brakeman the following summer....promoted to engineer upon returning from the Navy in 1971....now working for the UPRR in Oregon as an Engineer.....was the last engineer promoted while the electrics were being used....the next group of engineer trainees came along after the electrics were discontinued....my best 14 years of railroading were on the Milwaukee...lots of great co-workers and a fun place to work.......looking forward to retirement in 2008 after 42 years of service on the RR......

His first run was as a fireman for his father, Arthur Rogers, on a freight train from Madison to Chicago. He had lied about his age, and Art did his best to discourage him. but he stuck it out. His last assignment was numbers 11 and 22 between Madison and Chicago. He mised 50 years by one month.

Worked various job until I started with Purchasing department at Union Station. Worked Stationery department for the last 13 years until I took the buy out from the Soo Line. Miss the Milwaukee Railroad very much and all the wonderful employees of the railroad. I have retired September 2005. I would give anything to return to the railroad. Miss it very much.

Worked the diesel shop and the back shop,some truck shop. Quite in November of 78 to start working for Mo-Pac R.R. Have several pictures of stored units,& some inside the shop in that era. E-mail is swanyisland@aol.com

My father died when I was 13, so there are many gaps in my knowledge. He may have been the last agent at Paralta Tower (closed 6-30-50). Seeking info on Paralta/Milwaukee Road history. Karen Taylor (Roland's daughter), email kjsafleytaylor@msn.com or phone (319) 854-7422.

My father worked for the Milwaukee Road for 26 years. I don't know what his official position was, but I do know that he did carpentry work in the Milwaukee shops. I do remember that he often got called out in the middle of the night during the winter to help free up frozen bridges and he often worked outdoors. After retirement, our family returned to his hometown of Oconto, WI, and lived there until his death in 1989. He worked with/for Bobby Phillips and they were life-long friends (he also moved to Oconto after retirement.) If you have any information on Sandy, please email me at sandbergk@yahoo.com.

All of the offices were on the 7th floor of Union Station. We worked five weekdays and Saturday mornings. I took the train from and to Franklin Park. Those steam engines on the train were great. I met and married Andrew Ruff in 1950 and my father-in-law Andrew Lawrence Ruff worked for the Milwaukee Road in the Bensenville Yard as a car inspector for over 35 years. Our son Dan is a real railroad buff and suggested I sign up as an ex-employee. It was a great experience being involved in railroading. My husband and I now enjoy going on a lot of rail tours. ruruff@sbcglobal.net

Galewood Transfer, House 6, Divn St Agents office, Clerks Extra Board, Union St A/O, Galewood A/O, RAO #8, GFD CUS

Info taken from his obituary. Don't have any additional information.

My Grandfather started with the Milwaukee Road in Elkhorn, WI attending to the milk platform in 1916. On September 11, 1917 he started with the Milwaukee as a brakeman in Elkhorn. His seniority number was 150. From 1917 to 1929 he ran trains 47 and 48 from Elkhorn to Corliss-Sturtevant. Then in 1929 he transfered to Milwaukee and worked on the Chicago-Milwaukee subdivision until he suffered a stroke in July 1951. He worked a many different passenger trains that ran between Milwaukee and Chicago.

My father was on the railroad for just over 20 years doing numerous jobs from sectionhand to roadmaster when he quit 1978. Mobridge was the place we lived while he was with the Milwaukee Road. He went on to work for the Santa Fe and then he became a FRA inspector. Anybody with information about my father can email at saturn-02@cox.net.

Don't know much about Ellis, he was my great, great grandfather. I have been told he was involved in engineering and training on the 1st steam engines. He worked with Thomas Kelly and married his daughter Gertrude. If anyone has more info on him i would love to hear from you. my email is pes_of_cgs@hotmail.com

He worked in the Aberdeen Division as a section foreman. I am trying to find any railroad pictures of him and any articles from the Milwaukee magazine with him in. ivarschneider@hotmail.com

Albert was son of Gustav Seehausen, great uncle to Bob Bruns. Began with CTH&SE at Faithorn with other brothers.

Was telegrapher a short time for CTH&SE then Milwaukee. Worked many years as telegrapher on EJ&E at Chicago Heights. Father of 4 sons, 3 son in laws who all worked for Milwaukee.

Son of Gus Seehausen, great uncle to Bob Bruns. Began as fireman at Faithorn for CTH&SE. Retired with 51 years service.

Son of Gus Seehausen, great uncle to Bob Bruns he began work on CTHSE as a car repairer, in 1917 went to switching at Faithorn yard and worked the daylite yard engine for many years before retiring on disability.

Son of switchman Albert Seehausen, Vernon was switchman at Faithorn until diesels took over work became scarce and he headed for California and worked on the Santa Fe in the Los Angeles area with other ex-Milwaukee men/relatives.

Started out, and worked all of his years in the I & D Division. The last 30 years were in Freeman.

Father of Kenneth & Paul Shearer also CMStP&P locomotive engineers.

Son of John Alvin Shearer, Locomotive Engineer & Brother of Kenneth LaVerne Shearer, Locomotive Engineer & also Traveling Engineer (1964-1970)

My dad took over the station around 1919. He retired 11-19-1956. He spent 36 years in the old place, (they tore it down after he retired.) I grew up there. (Doug Shippey. At the time, the depot was the center of things. Everything came through the depot and communication was a big thing, Western Union Telegraph. My dad met my mother there. My mother worked at the post office and my dad would take the mail to the post office, so I am a product of the Milwaukee Railroad and the US Post Office.

JDSHIPPEY@QWEST.NET

HOLDS POSITION AT STURDEVANT BUT TAKES SYSTEM THERMITE CREW WHEN ACTIVE

Worked for Milwaukee Road until demise, then SOO, then C P where he continues.

Started as a laborer track welding sub department of Engineering Department - Chicago. This unit held system seniority and I worked on nearly every division of the railroad. I finished my career in the department (on the above date)when so many people retired after the SOO takeover. This department also ran the rail flaw detector cars over the system.

I had the privilege of "breaking in" under the mentorship of Bill Walton, Don Ott and Harvey Otterness, who were dispatchers at Newport Tower at the tender age of 15!!! I "memorized" the Book of Rules, and telegraphy (practice, practice, practice). In January 1960, Jim Meyers (Chief Dispatcher - Lacrosse),

gave me the rules exam, etc. For the next five years I held positions at St. Croix Tower, Hoffman Ave, Chestnut St., St. Paul Yard, and South Minny. And for most of this time I attended the U of Minnesota. I truly thank the Milwaukee Road for providing me the opportunity to earn a decent wage and attend college. After leaving the Road, I had a career with "Ma Bell", where I retired (early) in 1990. I always followed the events of the Milwaukee Road, up to the "demise".

I now live at Port Wing, WI (Lake Superior). e-mail

bsigstad@pressenter.com

Wish I had more information on Stan. It was a pleasure to work for this man. Hopefully someone will see his name and fill in some more information on him. I know he had some suction some where as he would hold up the fast freights when he was running the steel gangs out west!

Best job I ever had and enjoyed working on locomotives. Good company to be employed with too.

Keith Smith was called Scoop by his railroad buddies after the comic strip Scoop, the cub reporter. Scoop wrote a column for "The Milwaukee Magazine" for 35 years covering the territory from LaCrosse to Milwaukee. Scoop was born in Kilbourn (now Wisconsin Dells) and learned telegraphy from Arthur Finnigan, longtime Station Agent at Wisconsin Dells. After his retirement he started a second career as a short story author and poet. One of his publications was "A Book Of Light Verse". One of his poems in this booklet was:

THE TURBO JET TRAIN

We came, marveled, and went our way thinking of The Pioneer Limiteds and The Hiawathas of another day. The Turbo Jet is a sample of things to come. For school kids and us the space age has just begun.

I worked out of Lewistown, MT and Three Forks, Montana

blelc262@aol.com

Jesse Snavely was an agent on the Milwaukee Road between Aberdeen, SD. and Miles City, MT. He was an agent in LaPlant, SD; Trail City, SD; Leith,ND; Mott,ND; (these stations were on branch lines) and agent on the Mail Line in Haynes, ND and Scranton, ND. Jesse retired in Mott, ND, in 1973. Now nearly 94, he lives in his own home in Mott, ND. Still active, he drives his own car. {Dec 2006]

Jesse Snavely was an agent on the Milwaukee Road between Mobridge, SD. and Miles City, MT. He was an agent in LaPlant, SD; Trail City, SD; Leith, ND; Mott, ND; (these were on branch lines) and he was the agent on the Main Line in Haynes, ND and Scranton, ND. Jesse retired in Mott, ND in 1976. Jesse R. Snavely died on August 28, 2009 at the age of 96. His Son, Les Snavely, Bowman, ND is compiling his Dad's railroad story.

Worked from 1963-1985 til the shops were closed .. Leadman in the Blacksmith shops in Milwaukee Shops .. The best railroad I ever worked for..

Not retired yet but on my way ..

Great group of railroad workers ..

My dad began his career with the Milwaukee in Beloit, WI in 1948 as telegrapher. He was transferred to Oglesby as station agent in 1953. After Oglesby was eliminated from the line in 1965, he transferred to Mendota in the same capacity.In 1978, he was bumped and filled out his time till retirement at the tower in Savanna.

Miles City Trainmaster, Pat McClain, was reluctant to hire me as a brakeman because I was a college student. He said, “You’ll just hire out and work here for a few months, then quit and go back to school.” How did he know, that’s exactly what I had planned? (I was actually on spring break.) He said, for me to think about it and come back in a few months when I decided I wanted to work. So I left without the job.

Brakeman, Nolan Hughes, was waiting for me outside. I told him what Pat said and that I had only planned on working a few months to make some money, then I wanted to go back to school, just as Pat had expected. Nolan said, “Pat McClain is going to retire in a couple of months. You won’t have to go to HIM and quit. You go back in there and tell Pat you thought about it and you want the job.”

It was only about an hour later when Pat McClain saw me standing in his doorway. He cocked his head sideways and said, “What the hell do you want?” I told him I thought about it and I wanted to work. He said, “You’re not going to come back in here to me in about six months and quit are you?” I said, “No, I’m not going to come in to you and quit.” He hired me.

A little over a week later I was skipping college classes as I waited on the “reserve” board to get my first pay call and establish my seniority date. I couldn’t wait any longer and decided to go back to college to finish the semester. I was headed back to Minot, ND and college when brakeman, Curt Hughes pulled me over before I got out of Miles City. He told me about a turn that was about to be called that I could mark into. I didn’t know what all that meant, but went to the yard office and wrote out a message… “Mark me into E.O. Martin’s open turn”, is what it said. I was called for that turn and run to Harlowton which established my seniority date. Riding that train to Harlo was all it took to get me hooked on railroading. But, I did need to get back to college to fulfill some obligations before the semester ended.

When I arrived back in Miles City from that first Harlo run, the same clerk was on duty. He said, “You never know, you might get lucky and get another run in Martin’s turn.” I said, “Mark me laying off.” That was about all the clerk could take. He swore and said, "You hire out on the railroad, make one trip and now you wanna lay off. You’re just like all the other %&*/ brakeman!” He marked me laying off. I went back and finished that semester of college and that began my love affair with The Milwaukee Road.

In 1980, after Lines West had closed, I was outside the locked Harlowton yard office. I could look through the window and see my tag hanging on the wall. I sat down on the steps and cried like a high school kid who lost his girlfriend. My years working on The Milwaukee Road were the best years of my life. I have worked on other railroads, but it just hasn’t been the same. I miss the work. I miss my Milwaukee Road friends. If I could turn back the clock, I would do it all again, in-a-heart-beat!

DavidSteele@Bellsouth.net

Nashville, TN

Worked 5 years as Operator at Fairmont MN, 2 years as Operator at Wells, MN, 1 1/2 year as Agent/Operator at Hayward, MN 6 months as Operator at Austin, MN and the rest of my time spent on extra board relieving vacations a various locations. I was loaned out to various jobs at Twin City Terminals in St Paul, and also in Iowa and South Dakota. Due to dualization and layoffs I became Office Manager/Controller at a branch of Del Mont Corp for the next 25 years. My years on the Milwaukee Road will always be remembered as a great time in my life. I am now retired and enjoying my Railroad Retirement.

My dad worked out of Cle Elum on the Coast division, running to Othello. After the Cle Elum terminal closed, he moved to Puyallup and ran from Tacoma to Othello. The railroad was a big part of my dad's and our family's lives. I know he loved his work, especially before the Cle Elum terminal was closed.

Jim Stewart jstewart@jkmicro.com

I came to this country from Vatinka, Bohemia in 1881 with my father Joseph and mother Anna. We farmed in Hayfield, MN and I did more chores than my 4 sisters did. I went to work on the Milwaukee in 1895 in Austin, Minnesota as a laborer and then fireman. I was injured in the 1920's on the job and went back to work in the Austin shops doing overhauls and light duty. My two boys were working for the Milwaukee as engineers in the 1920's already. And, my grandson was working in the summer for the Milwaukee in Austin before he went off to war in 1942. I retired in 1942, then died the following year from a bad hernia surgery. My great-grandson Jim painted the locomotive I worked on in the shops the most- 2604 which became 1004 before I retired.

I worked summers on the Milwaukee out of Austin, MN. Beforehand I had gotten engine rides with my Uncle Art and dad who were locomotive engineers. Sometimes I would even get to ride shotgun, and those rides would include steamers in the L-2, K-1, G series and American H class. I would even get to ride in the motorcars 5934 & 5930. Uncle Art and I would sometimes go pheasant hunting on switch jobs out in the country or in Hokah, MN, Fountain Hill and the trainmaster even went with us sometimes. Dad got me a job working with my grandad in the shops during the summers in the late 1930's, early 1940's. I went to war as a administrative medic for the Army in 1942. After my batallion came down with diptheria during the summer of 1945, we were finally sent home in January 1946 after recovery. I was discharged at Fort McCoy and took the Afternoon Hi home to Minnesota, then x-fered at the Minneapolis depot to my Uncle's train to Austin and rode in the cab with Uncle Art who was glad to see me after 4 years at war! I was never so glad to get home and be on a Milwaukee Road train! I was a helper- (shoveling coal in engines) in Austin after the war until one day, my dad got me fired when he met my train on a return run to La Crosse. He wanted me to continue my education by using the GI bill to go St. Olaf College in Northfield. I never gave up on working on trains, as I helped secure engine #1004 for Austin/Mower County Historical Society along with caboose #0774, coach 3995, and baggage 1979. I even have worked behind #261 on her maiden voyages in 1993. The rail bug is never goes away when you are once bitten!

Started with helping his father,Joseph Sucha in the Milwaukee shops. Also worked with brother Art as engineer in Austin yards. Later promoted to fireman, then engineer. Took odd jobs during layoff during the depression, and extra board. Helped obtain G-8 #1004 for Mower County Historical Society in 1957. Maintained 1004 until his death at age 90 in 1981.

Hired on in Othello, WA. as a relief operator for the Idaho Division, transferred to Coast Division in Sept 1976. At 20, I was the youngest female train order operator on the Milwaukee. I worked every depot from St. Maries, ID to Chehalis, WA.

I loved working for the Milwaukee. I didn't like the hazing and attempts to run me off. But, I was/am a stubborn person and learned to do my job well and go home at the end of my shift.

Eventually I was generally accepted as a good Operator/Agent and then my co-workers could become friends. The guys in Auburn gave me an old axe handle all cleaned up and wrapped in a red bow for my first Christmas on the railroad. I carried it with me to check the yard at night.

Wayne Smith was Chief Dispatcher in Tacoma and he was the one who hired me sight unseen from Othello. He wanted to call me "Baby Jane" until I told him I was 5'9 and a very strong farmers daughter. That changed his mind. Thanks, Wayne.

Q. W. Torpin (Bing) was General Manager in Seattle when I took the agency there in 1972.

I took lunch break with "Sully" who was Chief Clerk in the General Manager's office in Seattle.

My card-playing pals and I were operators, then agents at Sumner, Auburn & Kent.

I met my husband in the Auburn depot where he picked up and delivered waybills for Boeing shipments. He was the traffic Manager for Boeing in Auburn. I remember asking Ron, the Station Agent about him after he asked me out.

I don't know whether he won or lost the bet but he "got" to take me out on the town in Seattle on my 21st birthday. We were married two years later.

I especially loved the depots out in the bush. I remember standing in the middle of the tracks at Western Junction looking up the track to where it looked like Mount Rainier was growing right out of the tracks. There were eagles, bear and fish in the river. I parked my car across the river and walked on the tracks to get to the depot.

I worked the swing/grave shift at Cedar Falls and lived in the railroad house next to the substation. When the trains came in all conversation in the house stopped and all the glass shook.

My dog, Piper went to every depot I did, even to downtown Seattle. He was a railroad dog and my fearless protector. I remember one trainman who wanted the railroad to make me get rid of him and I said when they issued me a gun permit and gave me a handgun, I would keep him home. He came to work with me every day.

I remember how scared I was when I first started hooping orders up to the engine and then the caboose for the engineer and conductor. I just knew I'd hit the engine or turn the hoop wrong-way around and take off the engineers arm with the strings.

I did hit the engine once and had to stop the train to redeliver the orders. Stopping a train is never a good idea. Unless it is with torpedoes and fusees.

I still have my speed key telegraph key, my "chicken plucker" and my railroad acceptable wrist watch which cost $49.00 in 1968. I also have my lantern, hard hat and that old axe handle.

Those days will never leave my memory, I'm sure. It is good to read down this list and realize how many names I recognize from train crew orders or are people I'm glad to call friends of mine.

My grandfather was a railroad police officer with the Union Pacific and was killed on duty in 1934. I used to get teased when other "rails" found out I wasn't a second or third generation railroader. Then my mom reminded me I was a generational "railroader". So, I guess railroading is in my blood after all.

The Milwaukee was the best East/West railroad in the United States and there will never be another railroad like it.

I started as a yard clerk in Bensenville yard. Coming from the IHB RR, this was a whole new venture. I enjoyed my work. I worked my way up in the yard office. I then took the rules test for agent/operator and station hopping I went. I worked at Burlington WI, Northbrook IL, Rondout and many other stations. I then applied for yardmaster and worked at Western Avenue and Union Station. After AMTRAK pulled all its trains to the Conrail, I went back to the yard office and resumed my clerk position. Many jobs were being eliminated during these times. I worked until I was offered voluntary severance pending the Soo Line takeover (merger). I miss my railroad to this day and keep thinking about it. Bye Bye!

My grandfather, Albert L. Titus, retired from the Chi­cago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pa­cific Railroad Company on Dec 29, 1949 as a Conductor, after working for the company for nearly forty years. He loved his work was proud to be a trainman.

His retirement papers include a memo from his Division Superintendent, G.H. Hill, which reads:

"Dear Bert,

It is with regret that we close out your record file after the trip you are making tonight.

Your roster sheet is the cleanest in the book although at the time you entered the service, almost 40 years ago, you did not know on what date you were born.

Your performance record is an enviable one to which the future Titus generations may point with pride.

Here's wishing you many New Year's Tom and Jerries, leaving a happy hangover that you can't shake off for many, many, years to come.

Sincerely,

(signed) G.H. Hill,

Superintendent"

Currently still employed by the Minnesota Southern In Luverne Minn.

The Milwaukee was a good job it was a shame that they were so poorly managed and operated by fools

I don't know when he started, but I know he worked for the CMStP&P until the day he died. He brought his train into Madison and was walking home when he suffered a heart attack and died on someone's front steps. I have a picture of him standing in front of Engine 1188, a class G-5s, 4-6-0. The picture was taken in front of a tunnel between Viola and LaFarge WI, as the train made the last run over the Wauzeka-LaFarge Branch on August 15, 1939.

Submitted by George Riehle, grandson of George Tormey. I would welcome any additional information about him. Send to griehle@sbcglobal.net.

I feel lucky as I got to see a lot of the Milwaukee Road, from my first ride on a steam engine in the Lewistown yards,to my last job on the Ryegate section. I worked on extra gangs in Washington, Idaho, Montana, Iowa, Illinois, Wisconson,and Minnesota. I then went to work at the Roundup section, and then on to the Ryegate section. I enjoyed working on the extra gangs especially when we would get parked at the Division Points. I would seak out anyone who had time to sit and talk to me about the Milwaukee. I also loved working in the Bitterroots. We would get parked on siding that the section houses had been long gone, but there was some fantastic fishing there. I saw the writting on the wall when they took the Electrics off the Rocky Mountain Division. Several times I watched a Little Joe and two Boxcabs pull hundred plus freights over the mountains. And the next year would see 5 Diesels pulling 80-90 car freights. I couldn't see the economics of that, other than the President was getting fat by leasing the new locomotives to the railroad. The lines and the electrics had been payed for long ago. The excuse was the lines and the locomotives were worn out. Talking to the men in the shops and the overhead crews, they had a differnt story to tell. I think I still believe what they told me, over what the brass had to say. I wish I could remember the number of engines it took to replace the electrics. Oh well that is progress! Let's sell the rolling stock off and scrap the rest, to hell with all the fatefull employees who gave several years of there life to the railroad. Want some more history, the revenue was down on passenger service, but the railroad couldn't just get rid of the , federal reguations, so they just stopped any maintanence on the roadbed for several years, until it was slow orders for miles, and they couldn't keep a schedule. Well once they got rid of the passengers it took years to get the railbed back in shape to get freight contracts. The sand in some areas was so deep it came to the ball of the rails. This would hold moisture on the ties and weaken them. There were so many derailments in the mountains because the ties wouldn't hold the rails. Oh well the bears liked getting drunk on the fermented grain.

My great grandfather worked at the Milwaukee Shops and yard first hired as a general laborer helping with the fabrication and repair of the rail cars. Eventually taking a position as a weigher for the CMSP&P. I have an old railroad lantern which he used at work with his name engraved on the bottom.

Station Agent Ravinia, Fairview, Hudson and Springfield SD, Rockwell City, Spencer, Storm Lake, Redfield, and Gillette Iowa. Also worked Yankton, ElkPoint, SouixFalls, Dell Rapids (+others) in SD, Sioux City West yard, Hornick (Nite Clerk), Hawarden, (+others) in Iowa in unknown positions. I wish I had paid more attention to my dad's life, but he's been gone 20 years.

My mother worked at Summit station during WW2. I believe she worked nights.

Anyoneone with info or pictures of this era please contact me.

mslynch@quik.com

I worked as a yard engineer at the roundhouse

William Upham was my grandfather. He worked at Watertown Jct. and Columbus, WI. In 1898 he came to West Salem, WI where he retired in 1937. I remember listening to Morse telegraph in the Depot and learning about the La Crosse Division. Never worked on the railroad but continued my interest in Morse with the amateur radio call AA8EJ. Also had an interested in the Milwaukee Railroad as I modeled much of their equipment.

Glenn Upham Boggs email GuBoggs @aol.com

Got to work the last little joe run from Othello to Cle Elum before the shut down. Have worked for the Alaska railroad from 1974 until present as trainman,conductor and trainmaster.

Edward worked for the Milwaukee Road for 63 years, starting as a fireman and working his way to engineer. His father was a prominent attorney in Racine, Wisconsin who wanted his son to become a lawyer like himself. But Edward was more attracted to the glamor of becoming a railroad engineer, much like a young man in more modern times might be drawn to the allure of becoming an airline pilot.

Edward was hire by the railroad in about 1873 in his hometown of Racine but soon moved to Savannah, Illinois. Between 1886 and 1900, he was based out of Chillicothe, Missouri which, at that time, was a central point on the Milwaukee Road. He moved to Kansas City, Missouri when the line expanded its local service to Ottumwa, Iowa.

Edward is said to have been the engineer on the initial run of the Milwakee Southwest Limited out of the old Union Depot in the West Bottoms in Kansas City shortly after the turn of the century. He was the engineer of the first train to cross the Chouteau Bridge accross the Missouri River at Kansas City.

At one time, Edward was secretary-treasurer of the Milwaukee Brotherhood of Engineers in Chillicothe and in Kansas City.

Edward retired from the railroad in 1936 within walking distance of the switch yards in Kansas City. He lived to the ripe old age of 92 before he died in 1954 in Kansas City.

Like David Young's introduction to the Milwaukee Road, I also started as a "Systems Analyst" but began in what then was called the Transportation Department in April 1974. The Transp department at that time still had its military roots, with the head of the department carrying a General Superintendent of Transportation title. I spent all of my time at Union Station, riding the west line to and from Hanover Park and Bartlett metro stops. I had a great time ........ learned a lot from the old heads, and left after 5 years in 1979 .... moving on to the UPRR in Omaha. My son was born in Chicago in Feb 1978 ... to this day he is still a Cubs fan .... rain or shine. I left a lot of good friends behind who I have lost touch with over the years (26). All of my memories at the Milwaukee Road are good ones!

I started at the Milwaukee Road as the Mail Boy in the Station and Track Timekeeping Bureau under John Dennison. I eventually got a job as a shop timekeeper in the Shop/Train and Engine Timekeeping Bureau. I eventually became a Track Timekeeper for Mr. Dennison and when he Retired, I was chosen to replace him.

When the General Offices at the Fullerton Avenue Building were consolidated after the bankruptcy in 1978, I and all my remaining clerks were moved to Union Station in Downtown Chicago. I was there when the Big Fire happened at Union Station in 1980 or 1981.

We were there when they filmed "The Sting" and the movie about Emmanual Lewis living in a locker at Union Station (I can't remember the title though). That was kind of neat to see how the made them.

Eventually we were bought out by the Soo Line (now CR Rail), and I had to spend 3 months up in Minneapolis until I took the buyout in October 1986.

I eventually worked for the Wisconsin Central, then Canadian National (who bought up the WC), and was fortunate enough to retire after about 41 years in the railroad industry in May 2006, and am currently enjoying retirement.

John Waldman Jr was my father. He worked for the Milwaukee Road in Milwaukee, Chicago, and finally in Tacoma. His final position with the Railroad was District Material Manager.

Worked as Carman in Bensenville from 1955 until 1966 then Claim Prevention from 1966 until 1987 in Bensenville and Union Station. E-mail goinbyebye@fairpoint.net

Worked as Carman in Bensenville from 1955 until 1966 then Claim Prevention from 1966 until 1987 in Bensenville and Union Station.

No additional information given

Does any know Dick Walsh who drove a truck for Milwaukee Road? He was a good friend of mine & I lost touch with him. He worked at the Bensenville IL yard.

jpalello405@comcast.net

Ended my career working in the CP engineer training center in St. Paul. Took a buyout at age 58 and live in Western WI. on a small farm

David was my husbands Grandfather. He worked many years for the railroad in Minneapolis until his death in 1948.

Dad started working for the Milwaukee Road in Chicago at Grand and California. He would run the trains to Union Station and back. He retired after 35 years, at age 61--just after Amtrak took over.

Some memories that we have of dad is that he always cooked lunch for the guys at the station and made a 'little' side money doing it. Dad would throw a little of this & that together so I can't say how good the lunches were, but he did it for many years so I think the guys must have liked it.

He had a lot of friends that he stayed in touch with... Al Geitz, Don Te Vogt,

and Hank Gargano to name a few. When our parents went to Florida in the winters after retirement, they would always have a reunion with the gang.

Dad loved the Milwaukee Road and hung on to a lot of memorabilia. I have a Coach Yard Switchman's Seniority List that was published in Jan. 1949 and has been updated with names through 1959.

Dad passed away suddenly at the age of 74 of heart failure.

My grandfather, Elof Wendell, was employed by the Milwaukee for 45 years from 1915 shortly upon coming to America and Minneapolis through his retirement in 1959 at age 73. Most of his duties were centered in the Milwaukee Depot in Minneapolis but also occasionally in Red Wing, MN.

One humorous story I've heard from my mother is that sometimes in the 30's or 40's, Grandpa was fed up with flocks of pigeons hovering over the train yard leaving their mess on the platform for arriving and departing passengers to walk over. So, when he sought and got permission from his boss, he brought his son's (my uncle) hunting rifle and had at it on those offending fowls!

Fred is my father. He received his 50 year pin that was buried with him.

Veteran of all campaigns.

Earl Clarence Williams worked for the Milwaukee Road for several years, the last being in the early 1950's which is approximately when he died. He was my husband's father and I believe he was a switchman. We have been told he was a heck of a worker but don't have much info. Any information about Mr. Williams would be greatly appreciated. Pattie Williams pattiew46@msn.com

EA started in the roundhouse in Mason City, IA in 1896. He was promoted to conductor 12/21/1905. Promoted to passenger conductor in 1936.

EA transferred to Mitchell, SD in 1937 and retired in April of 1943 on his 66th birthday after 47 years of service.

Mason City, IA and retired from the cmsp&p @ Austin, MN

James Lee Wise was my father who started with the Milwaukee Road in August, 1950, as a fireman on the old steam engines. as a young man I would ride in the cabe with him on runs and stay with him when he was hostler at the roundhouse. Very fond memories of riding not only the trains but the rountable as well. Dad was at Three Forks working on the diesels and electrics as a fireman when the railroad eliminated the position of fireman.

He then became a telegrapher and finally agent at Highwood, Montana at the time of his death. He truly loved the Milwaukee Road and was a true railroader.

I was second generation Milwaukee employee. After high school was a telegrapher for about a year. Viet Nam was raging at that time and like my father I enlisted in the Navy to do my duty. Some how I never got back to Montana or the railroad.

I was employed as a Machinist and Diesel Mechanic in the roundhouse in Deer Lodge. MT for 20 years, and 2 years as an Apprentice in Milwaukee, WI.

In Deer Lodge I worked with my Dad, Frank Wisner, Sr., Machinist, my Uncle, Victor Berryman, Machinist, my cousin, Robert (Bob) Loving, Machinist Helper, Ralph Hagemo, Roundhouse Foreman, Dean Radabaugh, Master Mechanic, Harry Landsidel, Machinist, John Grebbeldinger, Machinist Inspector, Bob Nielson, Machinist, Air Room, Floyd Miller, Electrician, Michael (Mickey) Lynch, Machinist, Gene Cofer, Laborer, Ed Owens, Machinist, John Micu, Machinist, Woody Boyd, Machinist, Dick Charles, Electrician, Ernie Tamcke, Boilermaker, Laurence McGohan, Machinist, Frank Turner, Pipe Fitter, Pat Healey, Electrician, Chuck Skewes, Machinist, Jay Skewes, Laborer, Frank Buhl, Pipe Fitter, George Lane, Electrician, and Jack Lynch, Lift Truck Driver; just to name a few.

After the Milwaukee Road had the shop closure in Deer Lodge, we moved to Spokane Washington and I worked for the BNRR for seven years until they had a shop closure.

I have a picture of my Dad with 6 other men that was taken in the Round House in Deer Lodge. They are all standing in front of the boring mill in the machine shop. Some of the others in the picture are, Abbott(Dutch) Lake, F. McGuire, Oscar Lindquist, William (Dooley) Hoskins and my dad, Frank Wisner Sr. The picture was taken in about 1930.

I started as a Roadmaster Clerk in Mason City, Ia, then a Secretary in the Sales office. Transfered to Milwaukee as Sales Rep. in 1969 and on to Green Bay as Sales Rep. until 1980 when I took a severance due to job abolishment. I had a great 17 years with great people.

I'm posting this for my great grandfather who has been dead many years. He may have begun his career with the railroad in Illinois, but ended it in South Dakota. I am the family historian and can be contacted at jerripost@yahoo.com.

My grandfather Charles Woodruff worked for the Milwaukee for many years. Was in Milwaukee until 1920, then Marion, IA and I think ended his career in Savannah. How can one find more info? Mark Woodruff at ramon_novaro@yahoo.com

My father, Berlin Guy Woofter worked for the Milwaukee Road for 42 years. He was killed in a car accident in October of 1951 driving home to Spokane from his division point in Malden, Washington. His run then was from Malden to Avery, Idaho.

From 1923 to 1939 he lived in Spirit Lake, Idaho with his family and worked on the line between Spirit Lake and Mettaline Falls. When the depression hit he was out of work off and on until World Was II. During the was he was on the electric engines between Beverly, Washington, and the summit of the Cascade Mountains. He did not have a lot of seniority and often was made to be the fireman on the electric engine.

When he was killed, he had planned to work until he was 68 as he said there were too many old men driving the engines who should not be at their age. Many were well into their 70's which gave them seniority.

I grew up with the fear of the Extra Board and being bumped. My Dad worked all holidays that he could and we seldom saw him during the war as he was so fearful of being out of work as he was in the depression.

We traveled a lot on our pass and my mother traveled on a pass for many years after he died. He was a union man and supported Roosevelt although my mother was a Republican.

I worked two summers, 1969 and 1970, and then about a year until going back to grad school I worked on the Rocky Mountain Division, Engineering, Deer Lodge, Montana. I worked under Bob Michaels and F.L. Ted Striebel. Great experience, I have since owned a business here in Rapid City, SD, and now work for the City. Close to retirement. Hope to hear from someone in the same era.

For 11 years, "Hap" worked nights on the Milwaukee RR, and days as a business accountant. When, during those years, he was asked if he'd like a model train set as a gift, he replied, "No. I've always just loved the "real ones."

Started as a Systems Analyst (gopher) at Fullerton Avenue in the Assistant Controller's Office . Worked for J Jacobson. Got to spend a month one week in Aberdeen, SD. Seriously I enjoyed it different - after Chicago. Also got sent on some orientation visits to various railroad facilities with a group of new? promoted? sales man. Great trips except I made the mistake of trying to stay with a group of old time railroad salesmen one evening in the Twin Cities. Talk about separating the men from the boys and the salesmen from the accountant. Like to died during the next mornings trip through the Milwaukee Shops - never again.

Moved on as Assistant to the Auditor of Expenditure in the joint facilities office. Then Assistant Auditor of Expenditure and eventually Manager of Joint Facilities. This job was a lot of fun; got to go all over the railroad and meet lots of wonderful people.

Moved down to Union Station as Assistant Controller of Finance. Was responsible for the acquisition of locomotives and freight cars by leases. Also was involved in the financing of various locomotive and freight car rebuilding programs. Great job got to spend some time with the mechanical department people on the phone and face to face - great group of people to work with.

Got elected Treasurer the day bankruptcy was declared -December 1977. Still can't figure out if bankruptcy came first and the board thought I deserved the time in the barrel. Or did I get the job and they then determined there was no hope left. Learned alot; got to work personally with Bill Quinn and the lawyers regarding the day to day financial operation of the railroad. Who could get paid, what additional authority did we need from the court etc.

Late moved to Director of Financial Planning. Was in charge of the budget and budget reporting system and what ever special projects could be thought up.

Finally Assistant Controller of Revenue - the Car Accounting Office, Interline Freight Office, Freight Revenue Office and the Regional Offices reported to me. I had a wonderful group of experienced, hard working people and their supervisors that made me look alot better that I really was. During this time the Soo Line took over and my department was transfered away from me with out notification - the last transfer I saw as a notice on a bulletin board.

In the mean time The Soo Line had let Bill Bonnam and Fred Voss take retirement, they ten figure out that the Treasure really did some thing that were necessary to keep the railroad going. So I became the acting Treasure until I finally was cut loose in May of 1986.

But as I say to everyone for 19 years I had the job of my dreams - so I don't have any complaints. Would have been nice if it had lasted another twelve years though. Right now I have an okay job - nice people, nice working conditions but it's not the Milwaukee Road and I miss it. Guess I really liked railroads, railroading and railroaders.

I really did have the job of my dreams.

My Father worked the Milwaukee road as the only job he ever had.

August worked for the Milwaukee Road for 50 years as part of the Roundhouse Force. A picture was taken of him and the other workers in front of a train in Nahant, IA 9/29/1932. The engine behind them was 8620. I believe he retired in the 1950's.

My father worked for the Milwaukee Road since 1951. He started out as an apprentice and had a small break when he went overseas to serve his country in the Korean War. Upon returning he continued to work until his retirement in 1990. I have a photo of him repairing an engine.

Worked the bulk of my career in the Northern Division mostly out of Horicon, WI. Spent the last 6 years on Amtrak based in Milwaukee. Was medically retired after being involved in the fatal Amtrak derailment in Columbus, WI in 1986.