Last Word Wednesday - George Bishop

George W. Bishop
Camden, N. J.
July, 1889

Bro. Geo. W. Bishop, F. A. E. of Div. No. 387, was instantly killed while in the discharge of his duty on May 17th, 1889. Bro. Bishop was running train No. 52, known as the Atlantic Express on the West Jersey and Atlantic Division of Penna. R. R. Co., and when in the vicinity of Iona Station, his attention was directed to a hot box on the tank.

In order to ascertain the condition of it, he undertook to examine it by leaning out over side of engine, and while engaged in this manner he was struck by a signal post, hurling him from the engine with terrible force, which resulted in his almost instantaneous death, as he had ceased to breathe when the train hands reached him.

His remains were tenderly taken up and immediately returned to Camden and borne to his late residence, No. 419 Berkley Street. Bro. Bishop was held in high esteem by all his associates and friends, and his sudden and untimely death has cast deep gloom over his co- workers and acquaintances. His family, consisting of wife and four children, have the sympathy of all, and every exertion is being made to render aid and comfort by his associates and friends.

The burial took place May 22nd, services being held at his late residence at 9:30 a. m., conducted by the Rev. Clarence K. Binder, of the English Lutheran church, after which the body was placed on special train and taken to Berlin, N. J., for interment. The special kindly furnished by Mr. A. O. Dayton, Sup't W. J. and C. and Atlantic Divisions P. R. R., left Federal Street depot at 9:30 a. m., in charge of the following crew, who volunteered their services for the occasion: Engineer, Bro. Geo. W. Baxter, of Div. No. 387 ; Fireman, Carlton M, Grace ; Conductor, Samuel C. Hankinson of Div. 170, O. of R. C ; Brakeman, J. W. Goff. (Engine No. 24 pulling the train.)

Arriving at Berlin at 12 o'clock the remains were taken to Berlin M. E. church, where the services were conducted by the Rev. W. A. Lilley, who gave an earnest and effective discourse, not only giving encouragement and consolation to the afflicted, but clearly portraying the need of preparation for the approach of death at all times.

The services at the grave were in charge of Division No. 387, B. ofL. E., Bro. Richard S. Doughty, Chaplain of Division, taking charge of the same, the following members of Div. 387 acting as pall bearers : Bros. Jas. Copel and, Thomas Bodell, Joseph Brudon, Thos. Smith, Daniel Cassady and James McNeal. A large concourse of people followed the remains to the grave, prominent among which were members of Divisions 387 and 22, B. of L. E., No. 72, B. of L. F., representatives of Conductors and other branches of railroad service, Mr. Wm. Rickard, Road Foreman of engines, and quite a number of the wives of the employees of road.

The floral emblems were numerous and elegant in design. A sickle bearing the word father, being contributed by the children of deceased, a broken column, a vacant chair, and a locomotive having the number 33 upon the cab, [this being the number of the engine that he had on the fatal trip!] were presented by the employees of West Jersey and Camden and Atlantic railroads, a wreath and other emblems being presented by friends.

The return trip was made safely, the special arriving in Camden at 3:30 p. m. Too much praise cannot be given to Superintendent A. O. Dayton, Train Master J.J. Burleigh, and Road Foreman Win. Rickard, for their kindly interest and the efforts put forth by them to arrange for the safety, convenience and comfort of all interested, and the employees feel under lasting obligations to them for their services.

Source:

Locomotive Engineers Journal By Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (U.S.). Cleveland: Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, 1889.