OBIT: David CASSIDAY, 1911, Altoona, Blair County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Patty Millich Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/blair/ _________________________________________ Pioneer Dead Old Engineer Dead at Altoona after Years of Service Altoona, Nov. 20 David Cassidy died at his home here last night of diseases incident to old age. He had been in failing health for some months. The deceased was born near Dublin, Ireland, Nov. 11, 1832. He came to America in 1851 and took up his residence in this section of the state. He secured employment on the old Portage railroad and after years of service he resigned and entered the employ of the PRR as a fireman. A few years later he was promoted to the position of engineer which he faithfully filled until his voluntary retirement eleven years ago. Mr. Cassidy's record as an engineer was an enviable one for during his long years of service he was never injured and never injured any others. His train over the Pittsburg division was the second to pass through the Gallitzin tunnel after it had been bored through the Allegheny mountains and he also had the honor of driving the first engine over the Ebensburg branch of the Pennsylvania road after its completion some years ago. He also was one of the few enginemen surviving that saw service on the Pittsburg division under Andrew Carnegie while he was superintendent of the division. Mr. Cassidy was married Aug. 25, 1862 to Miss Annie Connely in St. John's Catholic Church. He is survived by his wife, who is seriously ill at the present time, and six children. Cambria Freeman, Ebensburg, Pa., Volume 45, Number 47, Friday, November 24, 1911 DAVID CASSIDAY Died at his home, 1719 Fifth avenue, at 11 o'clock last night, of diseases incident to old age. He had been in failing health for some months. Deceased was born near Dublin, Ireland, November 11, 1832, came to America in 1851 and took up his residence in this section of the state. He secured employment on the old Portage railroad and after a year's service he resigned his place and entered the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad company as a fireman. A few years later he was promoted to the position of engineer, which he faithfully filled until his voluntary retirement eleven years ago. His record as an engineman was an enviable one for during his long years of service he was never injured and never injured any others. His train over the Pittsburg division was the second to pass through the Gallitzin tunnel after it had been bored through the Allegheny mountain and he also had the honor of driving the first engine over the Ebensburg branch of the Pennsylvania road after its completion some years ago. He also was one of the few enginemen surviving that saw service on the Pittsburg division under Andrew Carnegie while he was superintendent of the division. Mr. Cassiday was married on August 25, 1862 to Miss Annie Connely, in St. John's Catholic church. To this union were born six children, one, David, jr., having died some twelve years ago as the result of injuries received in a railroad accident. He is survived by his wife, who is seriously ill at the present time, and these children: Thomas P., of Altoona; Bernard C., of West Hoboken, N.J., J. T., of Altoona, and Helen and Catherine, both at home. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic church. The remains may be viewed Tuesday evening from 7 to 9 o'clock. On account of the illness of Mrs. Cassiday the funeral will be private. Altoona Mirror, Altoona, Pa., Monday, November 20, 1911 Funeral Notice. The funeral of David Cassiday, the railroad engineer, will take place from his late home, 1719 Fifth avenue, at 9:30 o'clock Wednesday morning, and proceed to Sacred Heart Catholic church, where mass will be said at 10 o'clock. Interment will be made in St. John's cemetery. The remains may be viewed from 7 to 9 o'clock this evening. Altoona Mirror, Altoona, Pa., Tuesday, November 21, 1911 1880 Altoona, Blair County census - David Cassiday, 48 Anna Cassiday, 40 David Cassiday, 16 Thomas Cassiday, 13 William Cassiday, 11 Ella Cassiday, 9 John Cassiday, 7 Kate Cassiday, 4