The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-05-06

The announcement made exclusively
in The TINES yesterday morning that
MIR. 5. Is. Haupt, superintendent of mo
tive power of the Norfolk and Western
railroad and superintendent OF the Roa-
noke Machine Works, had resigned, and
was to leave the city in q short time,
caused stir in business circles, and was
the subject Of comment throughout the
city.
AT the shops numerous copies of THE
TIMES wore circulated among the work
men and passed from one machine to
the other. Reading newspapers is not
generally allowed, but on this occasion
the foremen did not object. Every one
regretted to sec the announcements
They awoke to realize the fact that the
strong arm and splendid brain that
had guided the great shops for eigh.
years had given up the helm perhaps
to stranger. Who would he be, and
could they like him as we'll as they did
Mr.. Haupt?
Mr.. Iaupt came to Roanoke in Sep
TENDER, 1883, and took charge of the
Machine Works as superintendent. His
past record was sufficient guarantee
that this, one of the greatest Industries
in the South, would be conducted in
thoroughly business like manner. He
is self made man, and has been equal
to every emergency.
Mr.. Haupt has led an unbroken rail
road life for % years. In August, 1865,
he entered the Altoona, Pa, shops MS
an apprentice. lie chose tho trade of a
machinist and worked with such energy,
striving to master every detail of the
trade, that he was soon noticed by those
in authority and given every possible
advantage. Having completed his trade,
he desired further advancement in that
line, and went abroad. lie secured
employment, more for the sake OF Oh
tanning knowledge than wages, in tho
shops of the London and Northwestern
railroad at Crewe, England. Here he
studied the mechanical ingenuity of
or English workman, and stored his
mind with valuable information as to
the management of railroad industries,
While abroad Mr.. Haupt travelled
quite extensively. He visited Paris
shortly after the reign of the commune,
and saw the French capital in state of
desolation. lie Intended to visit Ger
many and other countries, but the dis
organized state of affairs, cause by tho
Franco russian war, prevented him
from getting beyond Il certain boundary.
He returned to Altoona after spending
few months in Europe, and was again
employed in the shops. After several
months service he was transferred to
the mechanical engineers office, here
he served as draughtsman in charge of
various special jobs for eight years.
Following this he was made assistant
master mechanic of the Altoona Ma
chine Shops, and held that posts ton till
he CAME to Roanoke.
Charles Blackwell had lust resigned
as superintendent of the shops. The
management was in great disorder and
the first thing the new superintendent
did was to weed ont the ornaments and
dead heads. This action created great
excitement, and many wondered if
tyrant had not come among them. These
fancies were soon dispelled. No one
had time to fancy, really, for everybody
was put to work. The management
was conducted with skill, and soon the
officials and subordinates recognized
that master hand was guiding the
great industry. The mechanics and all
classes OF laborers respected him from
the time he came. The foremen soon
found that he knew all about the bust
ness and recognized that his word was
law. When Mr.. IIaupt gave instructions
about piece of work, that was sutfic-
lent. There was no argument as to
whether or not it should be dons this
way or that. But it was always n con-
ceded fact that his way turned out to be
the right way. lie was made superin-
tended OF motive power of the Norfolk
and Western road MAY, 1855, and has
but man with n quick conception of
plans could have managed two such DO.
titions.
In the fall Of 1885 there was a dull
time at the shops. This continued
throughout the winter, and tho large
number of men were almost with
out employment. Seeing the necessity
of keeping the men together and at the
same time of doing a good service to
the community, he bid against tremen-
dous odds and secured an order for 500
cars from the n. Y, n. ii. 81 ii. rail
road. The dull time was bridged over
and activity reigned in the shops with
out interruption for more than two
years. Then again dull spoil seemed
imminent, but with forethoughs Mr..
Haupt secured an order for several
hundred cars from the New York, Lake
Erie and Western and Louisville and
Nashville railroads. and an order for
another hundred box cars from the
Georgia Central.
MIR. Haupt was ono of the builders,
and in fact the chief promoter of the
Roanoke Rolling Mill. The work was
started in 1888 and completed in n few
months. He was elected president Of
this industry, which position he held till
June 0, 1890, when he resigned on ac-
count of overwork.
During an emergency or accident at
the shops, Mr.. lIaupt has proved him
hn NJ