Delaware & Hudson Railroad #97 "R.A. Henry" at Voorheesville, New York

Text of letter to Joseph A. Smith from William F. Ferguson

New Rochelle, N.Y.

March 11 1969

Dear Friend;

I recently got this picture (which is a copy, the picture of the old engine in front of hotel at Voorhesville from the granddaughter of Geo. W. Ellis.

Its name "R.A. Henry"

Crew Ellis Conductor 2nd from left(?)

Engineer Hank Austin

Fireman Bill Warner

Trainmen Julius Mull, Harry Kittridge

Geo. W. Ellis began working as laborer on a work train at East Worcester in 1866 at age 16. East Worcester was then the southern terminal of the A.&S. mainline from Albany. Three months later George was made a trainman and on first trip he lost an index finger, coupling. In 1871 became conductor at $65 per mo. 1877 was made yardmaster at Albany train yards. 1879 another accident took three fingers on the other hand and in 1885 recd injuries which prevented further train service and from then until retiring ib 1921, flagman & watchman for police and maintainance of way depts.

Hope you are fine. I'm just fair & still plugging-correspondence & history

SincerelyWm. F. Fergusin

Two.

I was interested in your remarks about the photo of D&H No. 97 "R.A. Henry", in front of the Severson House. I got a print of this photo from D&H and at about the same time I was working in the vicinity of Voorheesville. I am certain that the Severson House is (or was) directly across the D&H tracks from the combination D&H-West Shore station. I studied the old building and was certain at that time that it was the same building in the photo. Since your East Worcester friend says Voorheesville, too, I may be right. The old hotel that was still there possibly eight or ten years ago still retained much of the original outlines and wasn't hard to picture as it was when the photo was taken. If you should get a chance to drive out that way see if it is still there.

Well, Joe, I guess I have run out of things to write about so Iwill close for now. I hope this finds you in good health and enjoying som nice Spring weather.

A Happy Easter to you. 1969
Sincerely,

Ed

Archive # 331.