Ligonier Valley Rail Road Newspaper Articles
We have compiled over 1,400 newspaper articles that mention the Ligonier Valley Railroad, or related subjects. The articles were originally published starting in 1873 and our collection runs through 1995. Enjoy!
Latrobe Bulletin
Saturday, September 12, 1914
George Senft, For Over 30 Years In Charge Of L.V.R.R., Is Dead
George Senft, whose career was linked more prominently than that of any other man, with the last 33 years development of the Ligonier Valley, was claimed by death, at 10:00 o'clock, last night, the end occurring at his home in Ligonier.
His death marked the conclusion of a battle for health and life, begun more than four years ago when he underwent an operation for the relief of an intestinal affection. Three years ago, he withstood a second operation, of severe character, so that his life might be prolonged, and late in the year 1912 he went to California, in the hope that the change would prove beneficial. His decline continued, however, and several months ago he returned to Ligonier, feeling that the end was approaching, and being desirous of spending his last days in the old homestead.
Mr. Senft was born on the South Side, Pittsburgh, on the 17th of May, 1848, the son of John F. and Anna Mary Senft. His father and mother were natives of Germany, having crossed to this country upon the same vessel.
He was educated in the Birmingham Public School of Pittsburgh, and after laying aside his school books he learned the trade of a lithographer, working at it until in 1864 he enlisted in Company A, 193rd Regiment. Pennsylvania Volunteers. He then was but 17 years of age. He served out his enlistment, and then resumed his trade, following it until 1866 when, with his parents he removed from Pittsburgh to the country, locating in Robinson township.
After remaining on the farm for two years, he took a business course in the Iron City College, Pittsburgh, and immediately after his graduation he entered the employ of the Mellon Brothers, as assistant bookkeeper in their East Liberty lumber yards.
In March, 1872, he entered the bank of T. Mellon and Sons, which afterwards became the Mellon National Bank and in June of the same year he was made the cashier of the
institution.
This responsible position he filled until in 1881, when the Mellons having become possessed of the Ligonier Valley Railroad, he was sent to Ligonier to take charge of it, as superintendent. The road then was a narrow gauge affair, with a train making two trips between Ligonier and Latrobe daily.
With his arrival in Ligonier, Mr. Senft set about at once, to build up the property, and from that time until two years ago when ill health necessitated his retirement from active life, his life was devoted to the Ligonier Valley Railroad.
The conversion of the road into a standard gauge line was his first endeavor.
The creation of Idlewild Park marked another of his efforts, and throughout all the years of his connection with the road the famous picnic resort was his special pride. He converted the 400 acres into a place of beauty, with lakes and other attractions, yet he always insisted that the natural beauty of the place should be its greatest possession.
When Mr. Senft went to Ligonier, the coal in the valley was considered well nigh worthless, but he lived to see the Ligonier Valley Railroad become a great coal hauling line, with its branches leading to a number of fields, opened for the extensive development of the coal and coke industry.
The popularizing of Ligonier as a summer resort, the extensive improvements made in the town, and the furthering of the development of the valley in numerous ways were all undertakings in which, as head of the railroad, and as one interested in this community, he had a part.
In the year 1898, Mr. Senft was given the title of general manager of the Ligonier
Valley Railroad, the business of the company having been built up to a size warranting the creation of the office, and this position he held until his death, though for nearly two years he had taken no active part in the work of managing the road.
Mr. Senft was twice married. His first wife was Jennie Rogers, daughter of Michael J. Rogers, an alderman of Pittsburgh. She died in 1879, leaving a daughter, Gertrude, who is now the wife of Frank M. Keffer, editor of the Van Nuys News of California.
On the fifth of June, 1884, Mr. Senft was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie J. Negley, daughter of John R. Negley, of East End, Pittsburgh, and a niece of Mrs. Judge James
Mellon. She survives him, together with three children, Mrs. Mary Senft Peters, George F. Senft and Miss Helen Senft.
Mr. Senft was a member of the Presbyterian Church of Ligonier. In politics he was a staunch Democrat. The funeral services will be held at the family residence in Ligonier at 10:30 o'clock, Monday morning. The remains will be taken in a private car, to East Liberty, leaving Ligonier at 1:00 o'clock, Monday afternoon, and immediately following the arrival in the city, the funeral cortege will repair to the Allegheny cemetery where interment will be made.