OBIT: James S. HAMLIN, 1891, Altoona, Blair County, PA

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INSTANTLY KILLED.
Engineer James S. Hamlin Falls from Vandevander's Bridge.

  James S. Hamlin, one of the best-known engineers in the employ of the 
Pennsylvania railroad, and whose home was at No. 1504 Ninth street, was 
killed yesterday morning by falling from the stone bridge known as 
Vandevander's, located near Mapleton.  From what can be learned of the 
sad affair it occurred in this manner:  He was going east with his 
train, and when the bridge was reached he stopped the train because of 
the one ahead having come to a stop.  In stepping from his engine to 
the coping of the bridge he slipped and fell backward to the rocks 
below, a distance of some fifty feet.  His skull was crushed, his right 
shoulder and arm were broken, and his body was greatly bruised.  The 
body was taken to Huntingdon, where it was prepared for burial, and on 
way passenger in the afternoon it was brought to Altoona and conveyed 
to his late home.
  For a period of over a quarter of a century Mr. Hamlin had been an 
employe of the railroad company and was one of its best engineers.  He 
was born February 4, 1838, and was consequently aged 53 years, 1 month 
and 5 days at the time of his death.  He was a member of the Chestnut 
Avenue Methodist Episcopal church, and of Logan lodge, No. 490, Free 
and Accepted Masons, and was, during the late war, a soldier in the 
service.  His wife and adopted daughter survive him, as do also three 
sisters - Mrs. Klopp, of Mount Holly, Pa.; Mrs. Kline, of Kittanning, 
Armstrong county, and the third resides at Port Royal, Perry county.  
To the relatives will go forth the sympathy of the community.  His 
funeral will take place Thursday afternoon at half-past 2 o'clock.  
Interment in Fairview cemetery.

Morning Tribune, Altoona, Pa., Wednesday, March 11, 1891

1880 Altoona, Blair County census -
James S. Hamlin, 42  
Elizabeth Hamlin, 34  
Bertha F. Hamlin, 9