OBIT: James R. STEWART, 1899, Altoona, Blair County, PA

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JAMES R. STEWART.
Death of a Much Esteemed Pennsylvania Railroad Engineer.

HAD BEEN AILING FOR A YEAR
Ending of a Long and Honorable Career as a Locomotive Drives - He 
Rescued Several Children From Certain Death.

FUNERAL WILL TAKE PLACE TO-DAY

  At 5 o'clock Saturday evening James R. Stewart, one of the city's 
oldest and esteemed residents and a well-known Pennsylvania railroad 
engineer, died at his home, 1213 Fourteenth street, of diabetis [sic].  
He had been ailing for more than a year, but continued at his 
employment.  He was taken seriously ill last Tuesday and continued to 
grow worse until he was summoned to meet his Creator.  Deceased was 
born at Shaver's Creek, near Petersburg, Huntingdon county, October 5, 
1829.  He came to Altoona in 1852 and on September 26 of that year 
entered the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad company as a fireman 
and remained continuously in service until last May, when ill health 
compelled him to relinquish his position.  In 1856 he made his first 
run as engineer and always was known as a reliable man at his post.  He 
hauled the first train over the Hollidaysburg branch after the 
completion of that road.  During the greater part of his service he ran 
on the Hollidaysburg branch and hauled a way train between Altoona and 
Huntingdon.  In his more than forty years of service as an engineer he 
has never run over or struck anyone by his engine.  Neither had he ever 
had his engine to leave the rails.  Probably the most remarkable 
experience of his long career was as follows: In 1872 while hauling a 
passenger train to Hollidaysburg he narrowly escaped running over a 
child.  While running at a rapid rate of speed he noticed something 
white lying on the track and soon discovered it was a child.  Its death 
seemed a certainty unless something was done.  Engineer Stewart 
reversed the engine, sounded down brakes, sprang out along the boiler 
and made his way to the pilot.  When the engine neared the child he 
reached out his hands and springing off, scooped up the little one and 
landed at the side of the track.  Neither was hurt.
  Previous to the above experience he saved the life of W. J. Hamor, 
now city clerk of Altoona, in a similar manner by picking him from the 
track from the pilot.
  He was a Christian gentleman and a member of the First Methodist 
Episcopal church.  He was also a member of Jerry C. Burley division 
287, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, and Juniata lodge No. 282, 
Free and Accepted Masons, of Hollidaysburg.  He was a man of excellent 
character and much esteemed by his fellow men and a large circle of 
friends.  He was married on September 5, 1854, to Miss Rosana Green, a 
daughter of James Green, one of the early pioneers of Altoona.  She 
preceded him to the grave September 1, 1899.  The following children 
survive: Mrs. Ella Hamm, of Kingston, Pa.; John W. Stewart, of Tyrone; 
William D. Stewart, of DuBois; James, Marie and Juniata, at home.  Also 
by one brother, Engineer John O. Stewart, of Huntingdon.
  Funeral services will be conducted at his late home this afternoon at 
2 o'clock by Rev. Horace Lincoln Jacobs.  Friends of the family are 
invited.  The interment will be private and will be made in Fairview 
cemetery.

Morning Tribune, Monday, November 27, 1899