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JAMES ANDERSON WAS THE OLDEST EMPLOYEE OF THE MICH. CENTRAL
James Anderson Let the First Train Pass Over the Welland Canal
[The Welland Tribune and Telegraph, 22 February 1921]
James Anderson, of Tillsonburg, formerly of Welland, passed away at the home of his daughter, Mrs. L.M. Mathews, 545 South Main St., where he has been residing for the past two months, on Thursday morning, in the 75th year of his age. Mr. Anderson had been in poor health for some time past, but had been able to be up and around until Tuesday evening, when he was taken suddenly ill and passed away Thursday morning. Mr. Anderson was the son of the late Geo. and Mary Anderson, and was born at Welland June 26th, 1846. He resided here continually until 1898, when he moved to Tillsonburg, where he has resided ever since. At the time of his death, Mr. Anderson enjoyed the distinction of being the oldest employee in length of service of the M.C.C. R., in Canada, having entered the service in 1870, and continuing ever since. He worked on the survey, and also the construction of the road, and when it was completed took a permanent position at the point where it crossed the Welland Canal. He had the honor to let the first train pass over the Welland Canal. He continued here until 1898, when he was transferred to Tillsonburg, where he was stationed until 1915, when he was pensioned, and put on the retired list, having over 45 years’ active service.
Mr. Anderson was a member of the I.O.O.F., and the Woodmen of the World.
During his long residence in Welland, he made a host of fasting friends, who will mourn his loss. A very sad coincidence was that his son James died four weeks ago to the day before his father was buried. Mrs. Anderson predeceased him almost seven years ago, after they had celebrated their golden wedding anniversary.
He leaves to mourn his loss two sons and five daughters, Fred, of Buffalo; Joe, of Port Hill, Idaho; Mrs. L.M. Mathews, of Welland; Mrs. N.A. Dorland, of Tillsonburg; Mrs. F.O. Kister, of London; Mary, of Buffalo; and Nellie, of Tillsonburg; also two sisters, Miss Margaret Anderson, and Mrs. John Herdman, of Welland.
The funeral services were conducted by the Rev. Archdeacon Perry, of Holy Trinity Church, on Friday evening at 7 o’clock, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. L.M. Mathews. The services were largely attended. Interment was at Tillsonburg, on Saturday. The services at the grave were conducted by Rev. J.H. Howard, of Tillsonburg.
Mr. Anderson was a subscriber to the Welland Telegraph for over half a century.
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