Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1899-06-15

RATION OF THE MEN IN ALL
THINGS-AN INCIDENT WHICH
SHOWS THIS A WESTERN
CLAIM FOR DAMAGES-C.. L. &
w. EARNINGS ELKS GO TO ST.
LOUIS-MISCEL NOTES
The average railroad man is surely
being recognized as to his ability and
other qualifications on the Baltimore
and Ohio railroad. This road is men
toned particularly for the reason that
since the receivers, Messrs Cowan and
Murray, took charge of the line they
have worked in perfect harmony with
their men. They have had their CO.
operation in every important matter
which is the secret of the success so
far attained in building up a road
which, before it passed into the hands
of the receivers. was sadly run down.
The freight business is one of the most
important matters that was made bet
ter in the new management The traf-
fic is so heavy now that it requires the
efforts of the entire rolling stock to get
it over the road promptly. This, like
all other matters. is accomplished for
the simple reason that the company
know the true value of the men and
they know that they can accomplish
just what they employ them to do. An
incident in this respect happened a
few days ago at Clarksburg which is
worth relating. The company officials
from the receivers down, were making
an inspection trip over this end of the
line. John Lemon and his veteran fire.
man, ]. T. Davis, were in charge of the
locomotive hauling the same and they
made record to be proud Of. After
they had returned to the above city
from trip to Parkersburg and the
other branches of the road. Mr.. Daniel
Willard, the assistant general manager,
was heard. He enuuired for Mr.. Lem
on, comDlimented him on his hauling
the train so smoothly, and stated that
the run was the most satisfactory since
he had left Jersey City, No smoke had
drifted into the cars which was a COM
pliment intended for Mr.. Davis. Con-
tinuing further, Mr.. Willard said: Mr..
Lemon, | am proud of the run you
have made" and he sent the porter
back to his private car, who returned
with a box of fine cigars. These were
presented to Mr.. Lemon. and it is not
necessary to add that the gift was APP
rreciated, coming from such high Off
cial as Mr.. Willard. Mr.. Lemon has
been with the company since the year
1882 and is probably one of the very
best men employed as engineer on the
road to-day. His father was one of the
first men who worked for the B. & O.
company. He helped build the old B.
& o. depot in Wheeling and was also
prominent engineer. He lost one of
mis- legs in an accident near Baltimore.
The engine he had charge of struck a
COW, overturning and pinioning his
leg, which was mashed so badly that
emputation was necessary. He also
performed a feat which. in those days,
was considered something out of the or
binary. Word was received at Grafton
one day that an engine mad got loose
at Piedmont and was headed for Graf
ton. 1t was the intention to run her
into the river there. but BILLY" Lem
on, as he was Familiarity called. said
mo, I'll stop her." He Immediately
started his own engine out ahead and
ran along until the wild engine came
in sight. He gradually slowed up I'M
til both engines came together, then
he crossed over to it. closed the throt-
tie, and both engines were stopped. For
this feat the company presented him
with $500. Other words of praise could
be said of the Lemon family. but they
are unnecessary. Mr. Lemons work is
appreciated by the management and in
conclusion, it can be truthfully said
that the B. & o. company's present Off
Gals are not afraid to take the hand
of their humblest employe and give
him what credit he is entitled to for
his services.