The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1888-12-26

IN shanty, and since has constantly
grown and improved till he ranks among
the most exalted of his profession.
He was born amidst humble surround
ings in a New England State, and had
none of the advantages usually enjoyed by
the average youth of that region. His
father died when he was but four years
old, and he was compelled TO early enter
the field for his own support. His brother,
living in the same place, was Postmas-
ter. station agent, and storekesper, and
with him he served until he was sixteen,
as an assistant in his brothers varied oc-
equations.
He had no opportunity for schooling,
all his time being devoted 10 the support
Of his family. 1t is possible that his Sc
we're labors at this period, the economy
which he was obliged TO practice, were OF
value to him in his later career. He had
the benefit of an excellent ancestry, fro IN
whom he was the possessor of plain,
simple tastes, thrift, and a willingness 10
work.
When about II years of age he secured
the position of clerk IL a ticket Office at
Quincy on the Wabash and Toledo Road.
This was the beginning of railway career
which has attained an envious height.
His salary ut this point was $50 II
field. and soon after received an offer from
the Chicago and Rock Island Company,
at Chicago. 10 take n position at $40 q
month The Great Western raised" this
amount to $50. He finally, however,
migrated to Chicago, where, In the Offices
of the Rock Island Road, in which he be-
gan as n clerk in the ticket office, he rose
to be chief Five years later he was lifted
to post on in which he had entire con-
troll of the general ticket Office.
In 1879 he WAS made General Passenger
Agent, next Assistant General Manager,
and finally, year ago, General Manager.
Thus, in twenty-six years, he climbed
from the bottom of the ladder to the top
round which he now occupies. The height
surmounted is an immense one, and Is
eloquent and convincing in its testimony
as TO his industry and his unfaltering
fidelity TO the interests of his employers.
When he came to Chicago, in 1868, the
clerical force consisted of two clerks in the
ticket Office and two in the freight. He
was soon promoted to be chief OF the two
ticket clerks, for which responsible over
sight he was paid S75 mouth.
There was one point in its career when
the Chicago and Rock Island Railway
came perlously near losing its present
capable General Manager. At one period
of his life, Mt the inception of the rebel
lion, he aspiied to enter West Point. Hon.
Charles u. Andrews, once Judge of the
Supreme Court and Governor OF the State
of Connecticut, offered to secure his APP
poiutment proviiing Congress should pass
a contemplated law authorizing the NOM
nation of n large additional number of ca
diets TO fill the hiatus caused by the seces-
sion of Federal officers.
lie commenced studying to be able to
pass an examination; fortunately for the
railway interest he serves, the law was not
enacted, and, hence, no appointment could
be made.
II had, he said, "an almost irresistible
desire to enter the service, and certainly
should have done so had it not been for
the influence of my mother. Her entreaties
and opposition prevailed. l sent substi-
tute, and / surrendered the most ardent
wish of my life.
Are YOU now satisfied with the decision?
Do you regret that you did not become a
SOLDIER"
AS my life has shaped, I am rather
pleased that my warlike wishes were not
gratifed.
"You my have missed glory and pen
sion, but you have all your limbs and n
sound body-all of which are good deal
better than post-mortem houors.
Mr.. st. John is hard worker from
choice, and oil his life, until, perhaps,
lately, has given from twelve TO sixteen
hours each day to his duties. During this
period OF continuous work he never limited
himself TO the mere performance of routine
duties. He constantly thought and labored
for improvements in the mechanism of his
department, among which a new system of
hooks in the passenger division is one OF
the more notable.
Il have never done anything outside OF
the reilway office. have but one pur-
pose. and that is the interests of the road.
My service has been a p leasant one, and
have received great benefit from asso-
citation with such splendid men as Tracey,
Biddle, Cable, Kimball, and others, all OF
whom are commanding in their ability and
valuable in their great knowledge.
Mr.. St. John suggests reservoir of
power He seems one who has always in
reserve enormous energy, ready to be used
when necessary. He appears to be i'm
mensoly self-reliant, self-contained, dar-
ng. and yet conservative. He rates as n
IN .nager high us the best, and as an en-
pIoyer is just, democratic, accessible.