Lafayette F. Williamson

Lafayette F. Williamson, 92, of Meadville, well-known retired engineer of the Erie Railroad, died Friday afternoon at City Hospital.

Mr. Williamson had been for the past few years the oldest member of the Erie Veterans Assn. and was presented a gold medal for this distinction at the annual Conneaut Lake outing of the association in 1940.

He joined the railroad in 1878 and became an engineer in 1880.  He became a charter member of the veterans' association in 1882 and was a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers for over 60 years.  He retired from the railroad about 15 years ago.

Mr. Williamson was the son of pioneer Meadville residents, Mrs. and Mrs. George Williamson and spent nearly his entire life here.  He was formerly a member of Crawford Lodge IOOF and later a member of Cussewago Lodge when the two merged.

He leaves a grandson, Capt. John L. Rumsey stationed in Charleston, SC and three great-grandchildren, Linda, Mary Elizabeth and James Rumsey of Philadelphia.  Captian and Mrs. Rumsey were in Meadville only a week ago to spend a few days with Mr. Williamson.

Services were held at Waid Funeral Home.

Interment was in Greendale Cemetery.