The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1855-02-10

TIE LATE S L. STAFFORD. ESQ, St'PER1N-
TENDENr OF THE BALTIMORE PHILADELPHIA,
RAILROAD. The unusually large concourse
which attended the remains Of this excellent
officer, and the numerous complimentary no.
tees of his life appearing in the journals Of
the day, prove that, although not honorcSl
with high political station, Mr.. Spatlord had
| faithfully fulfilled dulaS in which tlic public
are more Immediately Interested than in
foreign consulates, or in Federal appoint
mcnLs. For, upon the superintendent who
regulates the business Of tie Railroad, the
public is more dependent for safety Of liG,
and property than even to ;he more eminent
authorities of the Railroad istlf.
The relation which lie has for some time
past sustained towards the city Of Baltimore
will render some Ct the leading particulars q
Mr.. Sla!lord's life interesting 1t will also
afford encouragement to the yoan. 10 learn
the means by which a man owing li!tlc Ia
birth or fortune, succeeded in acquiring the
coniitl,ncc Of all who knew him. and in max
ink for himself not only reputation for un-
common ability i'll The particular department
to which he had devoted himself but ii win
| ming the cStecm of All extensive circle with
whom he had held personal or business in
tercomse.
Mr.. Simeon L. Spaftor,i was born in Spring
field, Vermont, and was, at the time Of his
death. about thirty four years of age He
stu lied civil engineering with great diligence
and success, unllr the instruction Of Mr..
Samuel NJ. FELTON,, now President of the
Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore
Railroads.&c. was subsequently employed
in several Railroad surveys, amongst which
may be mentioned the Vermont and Massa-
chusctts the Troy and Boston; the Alabama
and Tennessee, and the Cincinnati, Hamilton
and Dayton Railroads. He discharged the
duties of principal engineer upon lhe last
mentioned road unit! he accepted the aI,-
pointnent which was made vacant ly hi;
death. Endowed with rare mathematical
talent improved by practical experience. Mr..
Spaitord has rendered important services to
the profession Of which he WAS member.
lie was tle inventor Of safety signal for
draw-bridscs, anG u safety switch, botl. Of
which invcntionsarc now in useful operation.
lie had also introduced improvements in the
framing of bridges, and was, at the time of
his death, engaged in preparing Il model for
adoption in the new bridge which the Com
pany design erecting at llavrc lie Grace
AS an evidence Of his prompttudc ana re-
sources it may be mentioned that when the
bridge across the Sehlylki,l was recently
destroyed, it was announced that the trains
would not resume their regular connection
across the river for several weeks, yet such
was the energy Of Mr. Spailord, that it was
Immediately repaired, ard the trains withid
'ro days, r,almcd their regular business.
One who knew him well, declares, that in
the particular business Of building bridges,
he has left no superior.
With these attributes and requirements,
Mr. Spatlord was modest, faithful and eff.
cicnt in the discharge of every social obliga-
ton. Prompt 10 render any aid to his pro-
icsSional associates, he has often supplied
information which has rcIounlcd to the rplll-
| ta,ion of tllosc who employed it. He has
left Il wife and child, and was followed to
the grave with regret. by tho hunblcst la
borcrs and the highest official connected with
the work in which he had been engaged.
| We have always deemed it duty to chron-
iclc such virtues as We have described
While the young men of The Republic may
be inspired by deeds of military desperation
OF the manor of civic renown, to waste their
lives in fruitlcss pursuit Of distinction. the
solid qualities and successful career Of Mr.
Spaii0rd, furnish proof that nothing more
is necessary to secure the character of ar
useful, prosperous and respected citizen, than
to follow his cXamplc.--BdH. Patriot.