JAMES H. FORDYCE, Susquehanna, Pennsylvania.
The son of George H. Fordyce, Sr., an engineer on an ocean steamer between the Island of Cuba and various ports of the United States, the subject of this sketch was born in Cuba, October 30, 1862. He attended the public schools of Susquehanna until he was 18 years of age, when, having received a good education, he engaged in farming. This vocation lost its charms for him after some years, and then for two years he clerked in a large general store in Port Jervis, N. Y. In December, 1883, he was offered a position as fireman on the Erie, and immediately accepted the same. For seven years he fired between Port Jervis, Susquehanna and Binghamton, and in 1890 was promoted with credit to engineer. For three years he ran freight on the same division and then was transferred to helper, running out of Susquehanna yards, which place he has held the past six years. Mr. Fordyce is a young engineer who gives evidence of developing into a most efficient runner, having already demonstrated that his ability is far above the average.
June 21, 1893, he was united in marriage to Miss Bertha M. Curran, daughter of Peter Curran, for many years master mechanic of the Erie at Salamanca and Bradford. Mr. and Mrs. Fordyce are a very popular and highly esteemed couple, who take great interest in society affairs in Susquehanna. Mrs. Fordyce is a member of the Eastern Star, President of Keystone Helpmate Lodge No. 20, the Auxiliary Lodge of B. of L. F. She is appointed to represent the Grand Lodge of New Jersey, Order of the Eastern Star, at the meetings of the Pennsylvania Grand Lodge of that order for the next three years. She also holds the office of Grand Conductress in the Grand Lodge, Order of Eastern Star of the State of Pennsylvania. Mr. Fordyce is Master of Keystone Lodge No. 208, B. of L. F.; belongs to F. & A. M., Canawacta Lodge No. 360 of Susquehanna; Susquehanna Council No. 140, Royal Arcanum, and is Worthy Patron of Canawacta Chapter No. 5, Order of Eastern Star. He is the owner of several nice pieces of property and is one of the city's most valued residents.
Excerpted from: "American Locomotive Engineers, Erie Railway Edition," H.R. Romans Editor; Crawford-Adsit Company Publishers, Chicago, IL 1899.