Albert Macbeth (1844-1905)

Albert Macbeth

It is with a feeling of sorrow and pain that we make the announcement of the death Albert Macbeth, which occurred at the residence of his son at 5 a. m. Monday, June 29, 1905.
The death of Mr. Macbeth takes from our community a popular, able and conscientious citizen, as well as one of the kindest of husbands and most indulgent of fathers. The deceased came to Conneaut in early manhood, having accepted the position of foreman of the Nickel Plate blacksmith shop in January of 1883, and this important position he filled until compelled on account of illness to resign. The place is one of importance, requiring not only mechanical ability, and ingenuity but also sound judgment and discrimination, and withal a knowledge of human nature. Strong of will power, but just in all his dealings he was not only popular and beloved by the employees but he was held in highest esteem by his superiors. General Superintendent A.W. Johnston, and President Canniff were his warm friends and admirers, as well as the youngest of apprentices in the shops. On his resignation as foreman ____one year ago to give expression of their love the employees presented him with a handsome book containing the names of the officials on the road and over 200 of the employees together with a substantial purse.
Mr. Macbeth was equally popular in the community at large as he was with the Nickel Plate as is evidenced by the fact that he was twice elected as a member of the city council. In that body he was always chosen as chairman of the most important committees and always discharged his duties in a frank, fearless and capable manner, giving every man and every measure a "square deal."
Mr. Macbeth was born in Stuebenville, O., on December 23, 1844, and lived there until he was twenty years old. He learned his trade in the Panhandle railroad blacksmith shop in Steubenville, and on leaving the place he entered the blacksmith shop of the Cleveland and Pittsburgh road at Wellsville. There he remained for four years, returning to he Panhandle shops at Steubenville in 1868. It was while in this place that he became married, his wife's maiden name being Miss Westanna Miller. This union was blessed by three daughters and one son, Mrs. B. F. Kerr and Mrs. C. F. Roberts of Evanston, Wyo.; Mrs Tracey Baldwin of Buffalo and H. A. Macbeth.
In January 185, Mr. Macbeth of Steubenville and went to Houston Tex., where he accepted a position as foreman on the blacksmith of the Houston and Texas Central Railroad. He remained there till 1877, where he once more returned to Steubenville and the Panhandle. He retained his position there until 18__ when the Nickel Plate shops at Conneaut were ready for business.
The funeral was held from his residence on West Main on Wednesday afternoon and attended by hundreds of people who gathered to pay last tribute of respect to one whose life they loved and respected.
Nickel Plate company with whom the deceased was for over twenty years employed as foreman whose son in now master mechanic closed the shops at noon that men who formerly worked with might be enable to show their respect. As a result the attendance was very large, the house being filled to overflowing and the yard and _____ around the house crowded with friends. Rev J.H. Rankin of Congregational church, delivered the sermon. The music was by Mes__ Matson, Marcy, Mrs. Herrick, and Miss Hayward. The floral offering were magnificent. The men from the blacksmith shop gave a huge arrangement made of white roses which across front bore the letters IBB and This stood at the head of the casket which was completely hidden from view with other flowers. The top o f the casket was covered with a blanket of pink and white roses being the words, Nickel Plate Employees. There were many small and beautiful wreaths and bouquets. The bearers were John Elvis, James Onion, Jesse Kinnear, Alex. McAllister, E. D. Splitstone and __Welch, all employees of the blacksmith shop and men who had worked for the deceased for nearly a s___ of years.
Evergreen Lodge, F. and AM which the deceased had been a member for many years, conducted the services at the house and at the vault, where the remains were consigned to await the arrival of Mrs. C. F. Robers of Evanston, Wyoming who could not arrive here in time for the funeral. The funeral congregation one of the largest ever seen in Conneaut, was followed to the cemetery by the foremen of the shops, the Blacksmith and Helpers' union, a large number of Nickel Plate engineers and many other employees of the company , together with many business men of the city, and the Nineteenth Century Literary club, of which Mrs. Macbeth is a member.