Bio: Plath, William (Retirement – 1955) 
Contact: Bev Rauworth 

----Surnames: Plath, Walker, Hoops, Fisher, Youmans, Krasselt

----Source: Scrapbook Collection of Arlene Youmans

Bill Plath Retires from Railroad

William (Bill) Plath, who has completed 44 years of work with the Soo Line Railroad Company retired November 1.

Bill started with the Soo Line in 1910, when he was 22 years old, as a coal heaver shoveling coal out of cars out in the open with nothing but the sky for a roof. He continued at that job until 1917.

From 1917 to 1926 Bill was relief worker for Elmer Walker, watchman at the Round House and also did relief work at the coal shed refueling the engines by hoisting large baskets of coal by hand and with a pulley.

In 1826 he was made the watchman and car man at the Round-house. At that time there were 14 daily passenger trains through Spencer to be serviced and some to be turned around for return trips. At present there are but 4 passenger trains through here, all are night trains.

In his 44 years of service Bill came through with a clean accident record having no accidents reported on his account.

Born March 18, 1889 in Spencer, he spent his entire life here. He married the former Renatta Hoops and they have 5 children, 2 sons, 3 daughters; Sherwood Plath, Oshkosh and William Jr. of La du Flambeau; and Mrs. Harold Fisher, Fond du Lac, Mrs. Merton Youmans, Janesville and Mrs. Seigert Krasselt Spencer. There are also 12 grandchildren.

The high esteem in which he is held by his fellow workers, was shown when they presented him with a purse of money and miniature railroad engine, which, according to Bill "Really runs". Mrs. Plath was presented with a beautiful gold necklace from all train and engine crews from Stevens Point to Ashland.

In addition to his hard work on the railroad Bill also found time to build or remodel six houses in and around the village in addition to his present home.

Mr. and Mrs. Plath have no present plans about their retirement but do expect to take a trip soon.

Congratulations, Bill, on your retirement, we join your many local friends in whishing you the best of health and happiness during your well earned and greatly deserved rest.