"JACOB GREATSINGER DIES; USEFUL CAREER IS ENDED
"Prominent Railroad Man,Who Began at the Bottom and Worked His Way to a Place of Affluence in His Chosen Field of Endeavor,Answers Final Summons.
"Jacob Lowman Greatsinger died at 2:30 o’clock this morning at the house of his sister, Mrs. Sara E. Griswold on Lower Maple avenue after an illness of four weeks’ duration. The decedent was seriously ill three years ago, but recovered sufficiently to attend to his office duties until his last affliction. The death of Mr. Greatsinger is deeply regretted by Elmirans and sincere sympathy is extended to the grieving relatives.
"Jacob Lowman Greatsinger was born July 1, 1849, at Greatsinger Corners in the town of Elmira. His father John S. Greatsinger, was a prosperous farmer, living in the old family homestead built by Christian Greatsinger. The latter settled there in 1821, having moved from Orange county. His mother was Aurelia C. Bosworth, who was raised in the vicinity of Lowman.
"Jacob L. Greatsinger received his early education in the district schools and later attended the Elmira Academy. While attending school and for a short time afterward, he was employed as clerk in the old Rowland & Beadle hardware store. He afterwards worked in the Bank of Chemung and later entered the wholesale and retail coal business. His desire for railroad work was evidenced, while Mr. Greatsinger was engaged in the coal business, and he frequently took a hand at firing the six-foot gage Erie railroad switch engine in and about his coal yard. He subsequently sold his coal business and secured a place with the Utica, Ithaca & Elmira Railroad company during its construction, and later became a fireman on that road. Mr. Greatsinger subsequently became machinist, station agent, roadmaster, locomotive engineer, train dispatcher, and superintendent in the order named. The road expanded, and when he severed his connection with it in 1886, it comprised five lines including the Elmira, Cortland & Northern railroad, all of which have since been merged with the Lehigh Valley system.
"In 1886 Mr. Greatsinger left Elmira and entered the employ of the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad as master mechanic with headquarters at Brazil, Ind., and later at Danville, Ill. In 1888 he was transferred to the Duluth & Iron Range Railroad, as master mechanic with headquarters at Duluth, Minn. In 1890 he was appointed general superintendent and in 1891 was elected president and general manager of the Duluth & Iron Range Railroad Company. He remained there until March 20, 1901 when he was elected president of the Brooklyn Rapid Transit Company and constituent companies and moved to Brooklyn. Mr. Greatsinger remained with that company until 1904, when he resigned to devote his timed to personal business. He was not to remain long out of the service, however, for in 1906 when the Elmira, Corning & Waverly Railway was to be built between Waverly and Corning, he came back to Elmira and supervised the construction of the line from Waverly to Elmira and put it into operation.
"When this was finished and in 1910 the decedent supervised the construction of the line from Elmira to Corning. In the summer of 1911, when that line was in operation, he again laid down the reins of railroading except insofar as to keep in daily touch with all those things which he had created. At the time of his death he was president of the Elmira Corning & Waverly Railway and the Corning & Painted Post Street Railway of Corning.
"In 1872 Mr. Greatsinger married Caroline F. Dailey, who died in 1882. He is survived by one daughter is married Major P. J. Farrell of Chicago, Ill., now in the service; a sister, Mrs. Sara E. Griswold of lower Maple avenue, with whom he has made his home since returning to Elmira, and one brother J. Wesley Greatsinger, who lives in the old homestead at Greatsingers Corners.
"Mr. Greatsinger was at one, time president of the Minnesota Iron Company and its constituent companies, now owned by the United States Steel Corporation, a director of the First National Bank, or Duluth, Minn., and President of the Kitchi-Gamma Club, Duluth, Minn. He was a member of the Brooklyn Club, Hamilton Club, Riding & Driving Club, Marine & Field Club and Crescent Athletic Club, all of Brooklyn; of the Lawyer's' Club, City Club, and Metropolitan Club in New York City, and of the Elmira City Club. He was a member of various railroad organization, including the old time telegraphers' association.
"LEAVES MANY FRIENDS.
"Jacob Lowman Greatsinger was a thorough railroad man besides possessing many other admirable attainments. In the great business of railroading he was recognized as a leader and an authority, not only in the commercial branches, but in the constructional and mechanical ends as well.
"Mr. Greatsinger showed his preference for the railroad early in life and the rapidity with which he developed his talents in this direction in after years brought him to be recognized as one of the most prominent railroad magnates in the cast.
"As president of the Brooklyn Rapid Transit Company, he attained great affluence in New York City, where his talent and ability did much to develop this great city system.
"Through all his remarkable and successful career, Mr. Greatsinger retained the same feeling of love and appreciation for the friends who had started with him to wage life's battle, but had been less fortunate in overcoming the obstacles that befell.
"The decedent always retained a fondness for Elmira, the other scenes of his early life, and the friends from whom he had necessarily been separated for years through the varying vicissitudes of life.
"Elmirans generally regret the going of Jacob Greatsinger. The have reason to remember the valuable service he rendered this city and the surrounding communities in the construction of the E. C. & W., railroad, and the aid he gave in its development. He was of the class of citizen, who best serve the civic interest of a community, and the legion of friends left to mourn Jacob Greatsinger’s going give testimony of the high esteem in which he was held.
"The funeral will be held at the home of his sister, Mrs. Sara E. Griswold on the lower Maple avenue Friday afternoon at 2 o’clock. The burial will be in the family plot located on the Greatsinger farm, where three generations have preceded him. Friends are requested to kindly to omit flowers."
-----
Source: Elmira Star-Gazette, Elmira, New York, Tuesday, July 2, 1918, page 9, columns 3 & 4.
"Prominent Railroad Man,Who Began at the Bottom and Worked His Way to a Place of Affluence in His Chosen Field of Endeavor,Answers Final Summons.
"Jacob Lowman Greatsinger died at 2:30 o’clock this morning at the house of his sister, Mrs. Sara E. Griswold on Lower Maple avenue after an illness of four weeks’ duration. The decedent was seriously ill three years ago, but recovered sufficiently to attend to his office duties until his last affliction. The death of Mr. Greatsinger is deeply regretted by Elmirans and sincere sympathy is extended to the grieving relatives.
"Jacob Lowman Greatsinger was born July 1, 1849, at Greatsinger Corners in the town of Elmira. His father John S. Greatsinger, was a prosperous farmer, living in the old family homestead built by Christian Greatsinger. The latter settled there in 1821, having moved from Orange county. His mother was Aurelia C. Bosworth, who was raised in the vicinity of Lowman.
"Jacob L. Greatsinger received his early education in the district schools and later attended the Elmira Academy. While attending school and for a short time afterward, he was employed as clerk in the old Rowland & Beadle hardware store. He afterwards worked in the Bank of Chemung and later entered the wholesale and retail coal business. His desire for railroad work was evidenced, while Mr. Greatsinger was engaged in the coal business, and he frequently took a hand at firing the six-foot gage Erie railroad switch engine in and about his coal yard. He subsequently sold his coal business and secured a place with the Utica, Ithaca & Elmira Railroad company during its construction, and later became a fireman on that road. Mr. Greatsinger subsequently became machinist, station agent, roadmaster, locomotive engineer, train dispatcher, and superintendent in the order named. The road expanded, and when he severed his connection with it in 1886, it comprised five lines including the Elmira, Cortland & Northern railroad, all of which have since been merged with the Lehigh Valley system.
"In 1886 Mr. Greatsinger left Elmira and entered the employ of the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad as master mechanic with headquarters at Brazil, Ind., and later at Danville, Ill. In 1888 he was transferred to the Duluth & Iron Range Railroad, as master mechanic with headquarters at Duluth, Minn. In 1890 he was appointed general superintendent and in 1891 was elected president and general manager of the Duluth & Iron Range Railroad Company. He remained there until March 20, 1901 when he was elected president of the Brooklyn Rapid Transit Company and constituent companies and moved to Brooklyn. Mr. Greatsinger remained with that company until 1904, when he resigned to devote his timed to personal business. He was not to remain long out of the service, however, for in 1906 when the Elmira, Corning & Waverly Railway was to be built between Waverly and Corning, he came back to Elmira and supervised the construction of the line from Waverly to Elmira and put it into operation.
"When this was finished and in 1910 the decedent supervised the construction of the line from Elmira to Corning. In the summer of 1911, when that line was in operation, he again laid down the reins of railroading except insofar as to keep in daily touch with all those things which he had created. At the time of his death he was president of the Elmira Corning & Waverly Railway and the Corning & Painted Post Street Railway of Corning.
"In 1872 Mr. Greatsinger married Caroline F. Dailey, who died in 1882. He is survived by one daughter is married Major P. J. Farrell of Chicago, Ill., now in the service; a sister, Mrs. Sara E. Griswold of lower Maple avenue, with whom he has made his home since returning to Elmira, and one brother J. Wesley Greatsinger, who lives in the old homestead at Greatsingers Corners.
"Mr. Greatsinger was at one, time president of the Minnesota Iron Company and its constituent companies, now owned by the United States Steel Corporation, a director of the First National Bank, or Duluth, Minn., and President of the Kitchi-Gamma Club, Duluth, Minn. He was a member of the Brooklyn Club, Hamilton Club, Riding & Driving Club, Marine & Field Club and Crescent Athletic Club, all of Brooklyn; of the Lawyer's' Club, City Club, and Metropolitan Club in New York City, and of the Elmira City Club. He was a member of various railroad organization, including the old time telegraphers' association.
"LEAVES MANY FRIENDS.
"Jacob Lowman Greatsinger was a thorough railroad man besides possessing many other admirable attainments. In the great business of railroading he was recognized as a leader and an authority, not only in the commercial branches, but in the constructional and mechanical ends as well.
"Mr. Greatsinger showed his preference for the railroad early in life and the rapidity with which he developed his talents in this direction in after years brought him to be recognized as one of the most prominent railroad magnates in the cast.
"As president of the Brooklyn Rapid Transit Company, he attained great affluence in New York City, where his talent and ability did much to develop this great city system.
"Through all his remarkable and successful career, Mr. Greatsinger retained the same feeling of love and appreciation for the friends who had started with him to wage life's battle, but had been less fortunate in overcoming the obstacles that befell.
"The decedent always retained a fondness for Elmira, the other scenes of his early life, and the friends from whom he had necessarily been separated for years through the varying vicissitudes of life.
"Elmirans generally regret the going of Jacob Greatsinger. The have reason to remember the valuable service he rendered this city and the surrounding communities in the construction of the E. C. & W., railroad, and the aid he gave in its development. He was of the class of citizen, who best serve the civic interest of a community, and the legion of friends left to mourn Jacob Greatsinger’s going give testimony of the high esteem in which he was held.
"The funeral will be held at the home of his sister, Mrs. Sara E. Griswold on the lower Maple avenue Friday afternoon at 2 o’clock. The burial will be in the family plot located on the Greatsinger farm, where three generations have preceded him. Friends are requested to kindly to omit flowers."
-----
Source: Elmira Star-Gazette, Elmira, New York, Tuesday, July 2, 1918, page 9, columns 3 & 4.
"JACOB GREATSINGER DIES; USEFUL CAREER IS ENDED
"Prominent Railroad Man,Who Began at the Bottom and Worked His Way to a Place of Affluence in His Chosen Field of Endeavor,Answers Final Summons.
"Jacob Lowman Greatsinger died at 2:30 o’clock this morning at the house of his sister, Mrs. Sara E. Griswold on Lower Maple avenue after an illness of four weeks’ duration. The decedent was seriously ill three years ago, but recovered sufficiently to attend to his office duties until his last affliction. The death of Mr. Greatsinger is deeply regretted by Elmirans and sincere sympathy is extended to the grieving relatives.
"Jacob Lowman Greatsinger was born July 1, 1849, at Greatsinger Corners in the town of Elmira. His father John S. Greatsinger, was a prosperous farmer, living in the old family homestead built by Christian Greatsinger. The latter settled there in 1821, having moved from Orange county. His mother was Aurelia C. Bosworth, who was raised in the vicinity of Lowman.
"Jacob L. Greatsinger received his early education in the district schools and later attended the Elmira Academy. While attending school and for a short time afterward, he was employed as clerk in the old Rowland & Beadle hardware store. He afterwards worked in the Bank of Chemung and later entered the wholesale and retail coal business. His desire for railroad work was evidenced, while Mr. Greatsinger was engaged in the coal business, and he frequently took a hand at firing the six-foot gage Erie railroad switch engine in and about his coal yard. He subsequently sold his coal business and secured a place with the Utica, Ithaca & Elmira Railroad company during its construction, and later became a fireman on that road. Mr. Greatsinger subsequently became machinist, station agent, roadmaster, locomotive engineer, train dispatcher, and superintendent in the order named. The road expanded, and when he severed his connection with it in 1886, it comprised five lines including the Elmira, Cortland & Northern railroad, all of which have since been merged with the Lehigh Valley system.
"In 1886 Mr. Greatsinger left Elmira and entered the employ of the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad as master mechanic with headquarters at Brazil, Ind., and later at Danville, Ill. In 1888 he was transferred to the Duluth & Iron Range Railroad, as master mechanic with headquarters at Duluth, Minn. In 1890 he was appointed general superintendent and in 1891 was elected president and general manager of the Duluth & Iron Range Railroad Company. He remained there until March 20, 1901 when he was elected president of the Brooklyn Rapid Transit Company and constituent companies and moved to Brooklyn. Mr. Greatsinger remained with that company until 1904, when he resigned to devote his timed to personal business. He was not to remain long out of the service, however, for in 1906 when the Elmira, Corning & Waverly Railway was to be built between Waverly and Corning, he came back to Elmira and supervised the construction of the line from Waverly to Elmira and put it into operation.
"When this was finished and in 1910 the decedent supervised the construction of the line from Elmira to Corning. In the summer of 1911, when that line was in operation, he again laid down the reins of railroading except insofar as to keep in daily touch with all those things which he had created. At the time of his death he was president of the Elmira Corning & Waverly Railway and the Corning & Painted Post Street Railway of Corning.
"In 1872 Mr. Greatsinger married Caroline F. Dailey, who died in 1882. He is survived by one daughter is married Major P. J. Farrell of Chicago, Ill., now in the service; a sister, Mrs. Sara E. Griswold of lower Maple avenue, with whom he has made his home since returning to Elmira, and one brother J. Wesley Greatsinger, who lives in the old homestead at Greatsingers Corners.
"Mr. Greatsinger was at one, time president of the Minnesota Iron Company and its constituent companies, now owned by the United States Steel Corporation, a director of the First National Bank, or Duluth, Minn., and President of the Kitchi-Gamma Club, Duluth, Minn. He was a member of the Brooklyn Club, Hamilton Club, Riding & Driving Club, Marine & Field Club and Crescent Athletic Club, all of Brooklyn; of the Lawyer's' Club, City Club, and Metropolitan Club in New York City, and of the Elmira City Club. He was a member of various railroad organization, including the old time telegraphers' association.
"LEAVES MANY FRIENDS.
"Jacob Lowman Greatsinger was a thorough railroad man besides possessing many other admirable attainments. In the great business of railroading he was recognized as a leader and an authority, not only in the commercial branches, but in the constructional and mechanical ends as well.
"Mr. Greatsinger showed his preference for the railroad early in life and the rapidity with which he developed his talents in this direction in after years brought him to be recognized as one of the most prominent railroad magnates in the cast.
"As president of the Brooklyn Rapid Transit Company, he attained great affluence in New York City, where his talent and ability did much to develop this great city system.
"Through all his remarkable and successful career, Mr. Greatsinger retained the same feeling of love and appreciation for the friends who had started with him to wage life's battle, but had been less fortunate in overcoming the obstacles that befell.
"The decedent always retained a fondness for Elmira, the other scenes of his early life, and the friends from whom he had necessarily been separated for years through the varying vicissitudes of life.
"Elmirans generally regret the going of Jacob Greatsinger. The have reason to remember the valuable service he rendered this city and the surrounding communities in the construction of the E. C. & W., railroad, and the aid he gave in its development. He was of the class of citizen, who best serve the civic interest of a community, and the legion of friends left to mourn Jacob Greatsinger’s going give testimony of the high esteem in which he was held.
"The funeral will be held at the home of his sister, Mrs. Sara E. Griswold on the lower Maple avenue Friday afternoon at 2 o’clock. The burial will be in the family plot located on the Greatsinger farm, where three generations have preceded him. Friends are requested to kindly to omit flowers."
-----
Source: Elmira Star-Gazette, Elmira, New York, Tuesday, July 2, 1918, page 9, columns 3 & 4.
"Prominent Railroad Man,Who Began at the Bottom and Worked His Way to a Place of Affluence in His Chosen Field of Endeavor,Answers Final Summons.
"Jacob Lowman Greatsinger died at 2:30 o’clock this morning at the house of his sister, Mrs. Sara E. Griswold on Lower Maple avenue after an illness of four weeks’ duration. The decedent was seriously ill three years ago, but recovered sufficiently to attend to his office duties until his last affliction. The death of Mr. Greatsinger is deeply regretted by Elmirans and sincere sympathy is extended to the grieving relatives.
"Jacob Lowman Greatsinger was born July 1, 1849, at Greatsinger Corners in the town of Elmira. His father John S. Greatsinger, was a prosperous farmer, living in the old family homestead built by Christian Greatsinger. The latter settled there in 1821, having moved from Orange county. His mother was Aurelia C. Bosworth, who was raised in the vicinity of Lowman.
"Jacob L. Greatsinger received his early education in the district schools and later attended the Elmira Academy. While attending school and for a short time afterward, he was employed as clerk in the old Rowland & Beadle hardware store. He afterwards worked in the Bank of Chemung and later entered the wholesale and retail coal business. His desire for railroad work was evidenced, while Mr. Greatsinger was engaged in the coal business, and he frequently took a hand at firing the six-foot gage Erie railroad switch engine in and about his coal yard. He subsequently sold his coal business and secured a place with the Utica, Ithaca & Elmira Railroad company during its construction, and later became a fireman on that road. Mr. Greatsinger subsequently became machinist, station agent, roadmaster, locomotive engineer, train dispatcher, and superintendent in the order named. The road expanded, and when he severed his connection with it in 1886, it comprised five lines including the Elmira, Cortland & Northern railroad, all of which have since been merged with the Lehigh Valley system.
"In 1886 Mr. Greatsinger left Elmira and entered the employ of the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad as master mechanic with headquarters at Brazil, Ind., and later at Danville, Ill. In 1888 he was transferred to the Duluth & Iron Range Railroad, as master mechanic with headquarters at Duluth, Minn. In 1890 he was appointed general superintendent and in 1891 was elected president and general manager of the Duluth & Iron Range Railroad Company. He remained there until March 20, 1901 when he was elected president of the Brooklyn Rapid Transit Company and constituent companies and moved to Brooklyn. Mr. Greatsinger remained with that company until 1904, when he resigned to devote his timed to personal business. He was not to remain long out of the service, however, for in 1906 when the Elmira, Corning & Waverly Railway was to be built between Waverly and Corning, he came back to Elmira and supervised the construction of the line from Waverly to Elmira and put it into operation.
"When this was finished and in 1910 the decedent supervised the construction of the line from Elmira to Corning. In the summer of 1911, when that line was in operation, he again laid down the reins of railroading except insofar as to keep in daily touch with all those things which he had created. At the time of his death he was president of the Elmira Corning & Waverly Railway and the Corning & Painted Post Street Railway of Corning.
"In 1872 Mr. Greatsinger married Caroline F. Dailey, who died in 1882. He is survived by one daughter is married Major P. J. Farrell of Chicago, Ill., now in the service; a sister, Mrs. Sara E. Griswold of lower Maple avenue, with whom he has made his home since returning to Elmira, and one brother J. Wesley Greatsinger, who lives in the old homestead at Greatsingers Corners.
"Mr. Greatsinger was at one, time president of the Minnesota Iron Company and its constituent companies, now owned by the United States Steel Corporation, a director of the First National Bank, or Duluth, Minn., and President of the Kitchi-Gamma Club, Duluth, Minn. He was a member of the Brooklyn Club, Hamilton Club, Riding & Driving Club, Marine & Field Club and Crescent Athletic Club, all of Brooklyn; of the Lawyer's' Club, City Club, and Metropolitan Club in New York City, and of the Elmira City Club. He was a member of various railroad organization, including the old time telegraphers' association.
"LEAVES MANY FRIENDS.
"Jacob Lowman Greatsinger was a thorough railroad man besides possessing many other admirable attainments. In the great business of railroading he was recognized as a leader and an authority, not only in the commercial branches, but in the constructional and mechanical ends as well.
"Mr. Greatsinger showed his preference for the railroad early in life and the rapidity with which he developed his talents in this direction in after years brought him to be recognized as one of the most prominent railroad magnates in the cast.
"As president of the Brooklyn Rapid Transit Company, he attained great affluence in New York City, where his talent and ability did much to develop this great city system.
"Through all his remarkable and successful career, Mr. Greatsinger retained the same feeling of love and appreciation for the friends who had started with him to wage life's battle, but had been less fortunate in overcoming the obstacles that befell.
"The decedent always retained a fondness for Elmira, the other scenes of his early life, and the friends from whom he had necessarily been separated for years through the varying vicissitudes of life.
"Elmirans generally regret the going of Jacob Greatsinger. The have reason to remember the valuable service he rendered this city and the surrounding communities in the construction of the E. C. & W., railroad, and the aid he gave in its development. He was of the class of citizen, who best serve the civic interest of a community, and the legion of friends left to mourn Jacob Greatsinger’s going give testimony of the high esteem in which he was held.
"The funeral will be held at the home of his sister, Mrs. Sara E. Griswold on the lower Maple avenue Friday afternoon at 2 o’clock. The burial will be in the family plot located on the Greatsinger farm, where three generations have preceded him. Friends are requested to kindly to omit flowers."
-----
Source: Elmira Star-Gazette, Elmira, New York, Tuesday, July 2, 1918, page 9, columns 3 & 4.
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