BIO: Alexander Cassatt, 1839-1906, formerly of Blair County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Ruth Curfman Copyright 2003. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/blair/ _________________________________________ Altoona Tribune, Saturday morning, January 15, 1916 Alexander Cassatt Lived in Altoona Brief History and Reminiscence of One of Pennsylvania Railroad's Presidents Alexander J. Cassatt was born in Pittsburg, Pa., December 8, 1839. His father, Robert S. Cassatt, was for a number of years closely identified with the financial and industrial interests of western Pennsylvania, and was the first mayor of Allegheny City. Mr. Cassatt's primary education was received in the schools of Pittsburg, but while he was yet but a lad his father removed to Europe, and he secured in the continental schools not only an intimate knowledge of modern languages, but also the advantages of a liberal course of study in the University of Darmstadt. Upon his return to America, he entered Renesselaer Polytechnic college, at Troy, New York, from which institution he was graduated in 1859 as a civil engineer. Immediately after his graduation, Mr. Cassatt entered upon the active pursuit of his chosen profession, and accepted a position on the location and construction of a railroad line in Georgia. Just before the outbreak of war, he surrendered his engagement in the south and settled in Philadelphia, having in 1861 been appointed a rodman on the Philadelphia division of the Pennsylvania Railroad company. Two years later, when the construction of the Connecting railway, linking the Pennsylvania to the Philadelphia and Trenton railroad, was begun, he was assigned to the engineer corps engaged in that work, with the title of assistant engineer. The ability shown in this post attracted the notice of his superiors, and when, in 1864, the Pennsylvania assumed control of the Philadelphia and Erie railroad, Mr. Cassatt was transferred to Renovo and intrusted with the duties of resident engineer of the middle division. Mr. Cassatt, after serving for a short time as superintendent of the Warren and Franklin railroad, was in April 1866, transferred to Williamsport, with the title of Superintendent of Motive Power and Machinery of the Philadelphia and Erie railroad. For one year and a half, he held this position, and in November 1867, was appointed to a like position on the Pennsylvania railroad, with headquarters in Altoona. On April 1, 1870, Dr. Edward H. Williams, now a prominent member of the well known firm of Baldwin & Company, locomotive builders, resigned the position of general superintendent of the Pennsylvania railroad. Mr. Cassatt was elected to succeed him, and subsequently, upon the leasing of the United Railroads of New Jersey in December 1871, he was made general manager of all the Pennsylvania railroads lines east of Pittsburg and Erie, an office of which he was the first incumbent. This promotion necessitated his transfer to Philadelphia. After successively advancing from one position of responsibility to another, Mr. Cassatt was elected president of the Pennsylvania Railroad company June 9th, 1899. He died December 28th, 1906. There were many residents of Altoona who recall Mr. Cassatt during his official residence here and all speak of him with terms of highest admiration. The following reminiscence by a former resident of this city will be read with interest: Mr. A. J. Cassatt in Altoona Mr. A. J. Cassatt came to Altoona as superintendent of motive power and machinery, January 1, 1868, relinquishing a like position on the Philadelphia and Erie railroad. His aggressive nature, and keen perception, were soon noticed in his new connections, and it was quickly realized in his department of the service that there was one at its head requiring higher standards and greater efficiency along all lines, not only in shop operations, but with enginemen as well, inspiring the latter to greater accomplishment, in the way of quicker and more prompt train service. His personality and force of character exerted a great stimulus upon those coming under his jurisdiction. This same condition continued, as he was advanced to the position of general superintendent, which took place April 1, 1870, and in that relation anything having the appearance of improvement of betterment was carefully considered. During his continuance of service at Altoona, a number of important things were brought about; among the most radical was the introduction of the air brake, which proved so successful, that other leading lines followed in its adoption. Early in 1870 arrangements were made with the Pullman Palace Car company, for the running of their cars on the system, supplanting in time all of the sleeping cars of the Central Transportation company. Mr. Cassatt was desirous for better trains and better service in every way, and inaugurated the untried idea of running through trains over the main line divisions without stops, except to take water, when necessary, and this in a short time was overcome by placing track troughs at appropriate locations so that a supply of water could be taken up while trains were in motion. He always took a great interest in, and identified himself with, the affairs of the city, and was instrumental in having many improvements made, among which might be mentioned the erection of the train shed, which originally extended some distance eastward; a portion of it, however, was destroyed by an accident soon after its erection, and was not rebuilt. He also arranged for the building of the wall and fence along Tenth avenue, west from the station; and the vacating of grade crossings was another of his improvements. His service to Altoona terminated in 1871, when he was transferred to Philadelphia, and title changed to that of general manager; the office of general superintendent at Altoona, being, for a time, abolished. J.R. BINGAMAN West Chester, Penna.