This deepening of a common sense of attachment is significant and may yet wield a portentous influence on world politics and boundaries. The growth in harmonious intercourse—fostered by the advent into United States prior to 1900 of one in every six persons born in Canada—has derived stimulus from the dependable characteristics of those who have, in the sifting, come within the arc of the limelight. These resolute knights of throttle, lever and key—ex-Canadians of stamina and discernment in railroad building, operation, traffic and finance—rank high as participators in the safeguarding of large and complicated interests. They are in sympathy with the enterprising and restless spirit of their “American” confreres and both seek to wrest the Caduceus, or golden wand of commerce, from Jupiter’s son and hasten forward with development’s message to silent, virgin places and to peoples beyond the seas.
SAMUEL R. CALLAWAY
His Character and Notable Career
David Hume, historian and observer, declared
“It is better to be born with a cheerful disposition
than inherit an income of ‘Ten Thousand’ a year.”
The gentleman whose features are reproduced on this page possessed that jewel beyond price. Despite vicissitudes in boyhood and stubborn perplexities later, it was his wont to always maintain a kindly, unruffled exterior which seemed to spring from the centre of his being, reflecting an equable temperament and much self-mastery. With this invaluable asset, and other sterling qualifications of mind and method, Samuel Rodger Callaway quietly and steadily spiraled through adverse currents to an altitude in the science of railroading, surmounted by the golden legend, “Eighty thousand a year.” In his brief span he attained an eminence in the commercial firmament which most men cease not to dream of, but seldom realize.
Born of English-Scotch stock at Toronto, Canada, December 24th, 1850, the loss of his father summoned him to toil’s daily round early in life. As the champion and counsellor of his mother he was thrust into the arena at the age of thirteen, when he entered the Grand Trunk service under the eye of the late Sir Joseph Hickson, who soon observed his precocious self-control, prudence and business aptitude even at that chrysalis stage.
A four year novitiate beside Superintendent Gilman Cheney, of the Canadian Express Company, was followed by twelve months clerking for William Wallace, Superintendent of the Great Western, Hamilton. His chief recreation then was reading, and mild indulgence in the aquatic pleasures which Burlington Bay permitted.
A secretaryship to W. K. Muir fell to him in 1870, when both joined the fettered D. & M., Detroit, marking young Callaway’s assumption of important responsibilities.
He gave full value for his remuneration, working without friction, like a noiseless machine, and shamed slovens by close application and attention to the smallest commissions, manifesting such executive ability and economy as operating man with the Detroit & Bay City Railway, 1878, that the increasing traffic greatly enhanced the railroad’s value.