Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-06-06

lines of The Pennsylvania railroad system
Upon his return he was suffering from
acute indigestion, and at once took to his
bed, placing himself in the hands of his
physician
He had enjoyed extraordinarily good
health, and his relatives and friends be-
lieved that he would soon rally and recover
from his indispOsition. His death was there
fore wholly unexpected.
Could Build and Drive an Engine.
Frank Thomson was born in Chambers
burg, Pa, July ), 1871. AMI received his
rudimentary and classical education at the
Chambersburg Academy. When seventeen
years old he entered the Altoona shops of
the Pennsylvania railroad for instruction.
After a four years course Of training in
this school of applied science he was grad
uated as a mechanical engineer who could
build a locomotive through every stage of
its progress, from the crude iron to the fin
ished engine on the rails. He was also fit
ted to operate, as engine driver, the out
growth of his own skill.
1t required little time for Col. Thomas A.
Scott then general superintendent OF the
Pennsylvania railroad 10 perceive in the
young engineer evidences of ability. Col.
Scott had been appointed by President Lin
coin assistant secretary Of war and had
charge OF ali matters relating to the trans
pOrtatiO1 Of troops AMI supplies. He called
frank Thomson to his all as chief assist
ant
Active in Repairing War Damages.
Young Thomson took the 1eld, the scene
of his operations being tie south and the
upper southwest, where he constructed rail-
roads and bridges repaired those which
had been injured by the axigencies of war,
and directed the transportation of troops.
In June, 1864, he was appointed general
superintendent of the eastern division of
the Philadelphia and Erie railroad, which
position occupied mis- time until March,
1873, when he was made superintendent Of
motive power of the Pennsylvania railroad,
with headquarters at Altoona.
On July l. 1874. he relinquished this post
to become general manager of the Pennsyl-
vania railroad system east Of Pittsburg and
Erie. in which office he introduced num-
Der of reforms. The standard track and
solid roadbed owe their existence to his eff
forts. The system of track inspection and
the award of prizes for the best section of
track were instituted by him. He was also
instrumental in developing the high grade
of discipline for which the Pennsylvania
railroad is noted.
Rose to Be Head of the Road.
Mr.. Thomson on October l, 1852, became
second vice president and on October u,
1888, was advanced to the post of first vice
president, which he held until the death of
President George 3. Roberts in February,
1897.
During his incumbency of the vice presi
Dental offices Mr.. Thomson was in close
touch with all the railroad interests of the
country, and at the time of his death was
one of the best informed, most experienced
and ableSt of American railroad managers.
AS president of the Pennsylvania system
Mr.. Thomsou's duties occupied much of
his time that he was not identified with
many other public institutions.
An Art Lover and Entertainer.
The social side of Mr.. Thomson's life was
as comprehensive as its business counter
part He was a patron of art, literature
and music and his handsome residence at
Corkerhill, Merton, is enriched with many
rare works of artists in painting and sculp-
ture. At this mansion he dispensed quiet
but notable hospitality, and he had there
entertained many distinguished tinanciers
and statesmen of this country, as well
prominent visitors from England and other
countries.
The secret of Mr.. Thomson's usually ex-
ceIlent health under the heavy strain of his
duties was found in his love for outdoor
sport, he having been an ardent angler and
hunter He was a member of the Philadel-
pha Club, the Union Club of New York
and other prominent organizations III both
cities.
Mr.. Thomson was a widower, his wife
who was the daughter of the late BENJAMIN
@. Clarke of New York, having died in
June, 1887. Miss Anne Thomson, their only
daughter, is prominent figure in Phila-
delphia society. Frank q. and Clarke
Thomson are his sons.