Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1920-11-11
ohePherdown Jefferson Novembe,
VETERAN ENGINEER DIES.

fendleton Ziler, for many years an
engineer on the Shenandoah Valley
DIVISION OF the Norfolk & Western
Railway, died last Thursday at his
nome IN HagerStown, after a long ILL
ness from cancer. His age was rs
years, seven months and one day. He
retred from active service five or six
years ago. His wife died about Ave
years ago, and sister, Mrs. Souders, of
MartnSourg, is his only survivor. He
was native of Morgan county. this
State
Pen" Ziler, as he was familiarly
known, was the first locomotive en-
glneer on the old Shenandoah Valley
Railroad when il was constructed
through Jefferson county nearly fifty
years ago. He had been an engineer
on the Baltimore s. Ohio Railroad, but
he left that company to take charge of
the FAIRFAX" as the very first loco
motive was named. He was intensely
proud of this engine, and kept its brass
work shining like a mirror. What a
thrill the people of this neighborhood
mad when he finally drove the "Fair-
fax to the south end of town over the
new-laid track, and Shepherds;own had
IFS hrst railroad train actually in sight,
zen" was pleased TO let the wondering
townfolk inspect his engine, and they
examined ii with much awe The late
Henry Selby actually climbed up into
the cab at the edge of town-albeit he
trembied good deal with mingled fear
and admiration-and looked over tho
iron monster at close range, also being
privileged to pull the rope that rang
the polished bell. AS he was climb
7 FRO ,l,
adventurous spirit footed the whistle.
which startled MIR. Selby so greatly
that he fell the rest of the way
"Egadr' he exclaimed, as he scramble
OH OF the right of way, "thoSe engines
are very dangerous things"
After enough of the railroad had been
constructed to allow the running of
regular trains Engineer Zier was Civ
en- run on this end of the division.
He loved his engine dearly, and always
referred TO it as "The Madam" When
she was in the shop for repairs he de-
ciined to go out on another locomotive
out would lay off until "The Madam
was ready again. On one occasion
his train was wrecked in Warren coun-
ty, and the locomotive and five or six
cars went down an embankment into
an adjoining field. "The Madam" was
considerably disfigured-her cab be-
ing smashed, the steam pipes broken
and the front end badly busted. When
the wrecking crew arrived they dis
covered Pen sitting on a pile of cross
ties, with the tears streaming down his
face. Some one went to him and said {:
What's the matter, Pen? Are you
hurt ?" "No," he replied. 81 am not
hurt, nobody's hurt-but just look at
The Madam" And he wept afresh.
When he came here from the B. &
0. Railroad he could not read or write,
and ii was necessary always to have a
fireman who was able TO do this, in or
der that orders could be followed. But
read the orders to him once, and he
had them in his mind firmly fixed. and
"Pen" could remember them literal
ly for weeks afterwards. He had an in
dividuality all Of his own. and those
who knew him in DAYS gone by will
sorrow at his passing. Now that he
has made his last run here on earth.
we hope that the Great Super has for
him good berth, with light train and
all easy grades.