Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1899-06-08

not unexpected by the inner circle OF
his family and personal friends was n
surprise and shock to tho public. 1t
had not been generally known that he |
was seriously i'll and that fatal results |
we're feared. His illness, an attack of |
acute Indigestion, began on May goth,
Immediately upon his return from a
tour of inspection over the main and
leased lines Of the Pennsylvania system,
and caused him to take to his bed,
from which he never arose.
Frank Thomson leaves a splendid
record as the most competent and sue
cessful manager of what IS probably
the greatest railroad system in the
world, and when it is stated that the
present completeness of the train and
traffic service on that system is due to
his able supervision and attention TO
detail, thousands of travellers will ap-
preciate his practical knowledge and
great executive ability.
Mr.. Thomson, who was born in
Chambersburg, Pa, July 9th, ls4l,
and received his rudimentary and
classical education at the Chambers
burg Academy, was practical railroad
man in every respect. When Il years
old he entered the Altoona shops of the
| Pennsylvania railroad for instruction.
After four years of training in this
school of applied science he was
| graduated as a mechanical engineer,
who could build a locomotive through
every stage of its progress, from the
crude iron to the finished engine on
| the rails He was also fitted to operate,
as engine driver, the outgrowth of his
own skill. 1t required little time for
Col. Thomas A. Scott, then general
superintendent Of the Pennsylvania
railroad, to perceive in the young
engineer evidences of ability. Col.
Scott had been appointed by President
Lincoln Assistant Secretary of War,
and had charge Of all matters relating
to the transportation Of troops and
supplies. He called Frank Thomson
to his aid as chief assistant Young
Thomson took the field, the scene of
his operations being the South and the
upper Southwest, where he constructed
railroads and bridges, repaired those
which had been injured by the
exigencies of war, and directed the
transportation Of troops.
. In June, 1864, he was appointed
general superintendent of the Eastern
,, Division Of the Philadelphia & Erie
railroad, which position occupied hit
time until March, 1873, when he wa
made superintendent of motive powe
Of the Pennsylvania railroad, will
headquarters at Altoona. On July LIST
1874, be relinquished this post to be
come general manager of the Pennsyl
vania railroad system east Of PittsburI
: and Erie, in which Office he introduce,
:, number of reforms. The standar
:, ack and solid roadbed owe thei
= existence to his efforts. The syster
!. of track inspection and the award c
prizes for the best section of trac
were instituted by him. He was ais
. instrumental in developing the hig
:. grade of discipline for which tn
:. Pennsylvania railroad is noted.
:. Mr.. Thomson on October LIST, 1888:
~ became second vice. president, and q
y October 9th, 1888, was advanced
the post of first vice. president, whic
: he held until the death of Presidel
20 % George B. Roberts, in February, 1879
=. when he became president.
y The social side of Mr.. Thomson
Z life was as comprehensive as its bus
= ness counterpart. He was patron
" art, literature and music, and b
~ handsome residence at Corkerhi
w Merton, is enriched with many ra
~ works of artists in painting al
~ sculpture. At this mansion he d
=, pensed quiet but notable hospitalit
~ and he had there entertained ma
=, distinguished financiers and statesm
- Of this country, as well as promine
:. visitors from England and ott
countries.
-, Mr.. Thomson was widower,
~ wife, who was the daughter Of |
a late Benjamin G. Clarke, of N
VI York, having died in June, 1887. M
Anne Thomson, their only daught
is prominent figure in Philadelpl
society. Frank g. and Clarke Thoms
are his SONS. e.
lost Mr.. Thomson will be greatly mis-
lies in the active management of the gr
in railroad system that achieved sue
and degree of perfection under his able {
ub- practical administration. But the
neil press of his work is such that his $
attic cessor will be able to take UP the Ii
was he has relinquished without any dan
gin that the high ideals attained by
vote Thomson win be impaired to
'ote slightest degree. 10
lam ----------------
Re- 'The result of the election on Sa
day shows the necessity of the III
the Of the Republicans in our city II 4
bli- expect to ever control the Office
mo- walls the old Republican. This is
bli sole burden Of its complaint
The the Republican defeat at Saturd
the election in this city. 1t has no
,mo- ception of political principles,
,atic holds that Offices are, the sole stak
eded issue in a political contest.
Ose. fortunate it is for sound politics
the good government that the great