Posted on: Jefferson County Biographies Reply Here: http://genconnect.rootsweb.com/gc/USA/Mo/JeffersonBios/10030 Surname: Eaton, Tucker ------------------------- RAILROAD CLUB NEWS By: Howard Robertson Almost 38 years ago, F. R. Eaton, now Agent at Leadwood [St. Francois County, Mo.], started to work for the M.R. & B.T. [Railway] as station helper at Leadwood, thus beginning his career with the railroad. Mr. Eaton, better known among his many friends as "Russ" was born at DeSoto [Jefferson County], Missouri on January 1, 1894. In 1909 the family moved to Leadwood. Russ has lived there ever since, except for a few months in 1914 and 1916 when he was agent at Festus and Plattin and says he has no intentions of moving away until he receives his summons to the promised land. On May 8, 1918, he was united in marriage to Miss Maude Tucker of near Ironton. Russ said she surely had the patience of Job to stand by him these many years, deserving much of the credit for his success. Since 1916 Russ has served as agent at Leadwood. He is a person who exercised his duties with fine sense of diplomacy, courtesy and friendliness. He likes people, is always glad to see them and is ever willing to favor the public, in any way possible. When he became agent at Leadwood there were three passenger trains each way daily between there and Bonne Terre, also several daily freights. On the Fourth of July and Labor Day special excursion trains were run as often as every hour, hauling passengers to picnics at Bonne Terre and Flat River. At present there is only one train daily Monday through Friday. Russ plays an active part in civic affairs, is a member of the Masonic Lodge and most of all is proud to be a staunch Republican. He is a good sport when kidded about his political affiliation. A new modern depot was recently completed of which Russ is justly proud. He considers it about the best thing ever to happen to him during all of his railroading. We would like to share a small portion in his rejoicing by dedicating this column in his behalf, to a good and faithful public servant for his untiring efforts throughout these many years for his splendid service rendered. We sincerely hope, Russ, that you get the pleasure of occupying that new depot for many more years. ============================== THE SMALL TOWN AGENT You won't find his name on a letterhead but I wonder if there is anyone who does more to promote the interests of the railroads than the small town agent. The agent at every small station is an important person. His actions go a long way toward molding the public's opinion of the company he represents. He has a nodding acquaintance with most of the people in his town - the telephone operator, the grocer, the butcher, the people of the lumber yard, the feed mill, stores and merchandising houses. He knows the mayor, the tax assessors, the law enforcing officers, members of the school board, civic clubs and religious groups. He becomes a property owner and taxpayer and helps with the civil government. But most of all he is concerned with giving his community the best railroad service possible. I firmly believe that the agent in a small town, whether he works alone or has clerks to assist him, is the most important individual connected with the industry and, in most cases, can do more for his railroad than agents at large stations. He worries and problems are numerous. He must do things at once, or so it seems to him - sell tickets, check baggage, unload freight, copy train orders - and all without faltering in his courtesy toward the public. I wonder what our railroads would do without him. [The Lead Belt News, Flat River, St. Francois County, Missouri, Friday, April 7, 1950]