The evening times., 1899-07-21
Career of the New President of Two
Street Railways.

Street Railways.
Col. George Truesdell, former District
Commissioner. has been chosen president
of the Metropolitan Railway and OF the
Columbia Railway the two principal lines
Of the Washington Traction and Electric
Company He was elected at meetings of
the boards of directors of the two lines
held yesterday afternoon at O'Clock. 1t
is is understood that Colonel Truesdeil will
also be chosen Immediately to head the
other railways, thus becoming president
of the entire local system.
The officers who will complete the exec
utive of the system had been chosen here
tcfore. as announced in The Times, but
minor changes were made yesterday. The
list as revised and adopted by the drec-
tors after the choice OF Colonel Truesdell
yesterday. is as follows: Charles A. Lieb,
vice president: H. d. Mirick. treasurer;
James b. Lackey, secretary, and V. B.
Deyber, assistant treasurer.
Colonel Truesdell was chosen by the syn
dicate to be- the president of the system
only day or two ago. 1t will be remem-
bered that the position was first offered TO
Gen. Leonard Wood. the military gov
ernor of Santiago province, Cuba, and that
he declined.
Col. George Truesdell is one of the
most widely known of the men OF Wash
ipgton. He was born in 0nondaga county
New York, about fifty years ago and
entered the Michigan University while yet
young man for the purpose of studying
civil engineering. In 1851 he enlisted as a
private in the Twelfth New York Volun-
teers and served with distinction in the
civil war, being successively promoted to
lieutenant and captain. In June, 1862, ne
was badly wounded at the battle of Gaines
Mill. taken prisoner and confined in Lib
by Prison.
When his term OF enlistment expired he
was appointed paymaster in the army in
recognition of his services and disabili-
ties. He served as such until February
1869. Colonel Truesdell received the Ire
vet rank of lieutenant colonel for meritor-
ious service during the war. After the
close of the war he was assigned to duty
in this city and attached to the Paymaster
Generals Office, where he had charge of
the claims filed by Illinois for addition
al bounty. When he retired from the army
In 1869 Paymaster General Brice highly
commended him for the ability and insight
shown by him while discharging his deli
cate and responsible duties.
Colonel Truesdeli next practiced civil
engineering in New Jersey, and afterward
entered the real estate business in this city.
He inaugurated the vast improvements
which have been accomplished during the
past decade in lexington and Washington
Heights. He organized the lexington and
| Soldiers Home Railway and was presi-
| dent of il until 1891
| In 1894 Colonel Truesdell became mem
| Der of the Board Of District Commission
ers, serving until succeeded by Commis-
sioner Wight He has been director il
! the Columbia National Bank and the Wash
ington Loan aad Trust Company. and alst
chairman of the committee on streets and
| avenues of the Board of Trade. He as
| sisted in drafting the bill for the High
| way Extension System" Colonel Trues
dell is also a member of the vestry of th'
! Epiphany parish. of the Loyal Legion, anC
the Army and Navy Club. He has been ac
lively associated with various movement
! to relieve the poor of the city.