GILBERT WISNER of Upperco, Maryland, president of the Maryland
Steam Historical Society for 26 years, died July 14, 1992. He was a
farmer and sawmiller all his life. Born in 1914, he lived in the
days when steam power was still in use on the farms. Gilbert knew
the gas tractors were fast replacing the old steamers on the farms
and he purchased a 14 HP Frick engine.
He loved steam and was an excellent engineer. He also knew how
to repair old steamers and early gas tractors, of which he had a
large collection.
He and his brothers also had many gas engines of various makes.
He attended steam and gas meets nationwide. He was always ready to
make a new friend, and teach the younger generation about steam
power.
He was a good friend of mine, and we spent many cold wintery
Sundays in his shop around the old wood stove, talking about steam
railroading and just plain old times! Words cannot express how much
we will miss him
Submitted by Marshall Matthews, Hampstead, Maryland, and
sent to us by Robert E. Dreyer, 727 Dunkirk Road, Baltimore,
Maryland 21212.
ELMER W. GRAY, 86, a Belt, Montana native, died of natural
causes Saturday, May 16, 1992.
Elmer was born March 28, 1906 in Belt, Montana. He graduated
from Belt High School in 1927. After working on farms and as a
miner, Elmer enlisted in the Air Force in 1942. He served as a
flight engineer on B-17’s during World War II. Elmer was
discharged from the military in 1945 and returned to and worked the
family farm until his death. Elmer really loved gas and steam
engines, gardening, flowers and traveling.
From a very young age Elmer was interested in steam tractors.
After many years he finally built a small steam tractor and water
wagon to true one-third scale. Elmer very much enjoyed steaming up
the original steam tractors and the little tractor and giving rides
to his friends.
Elmer was a kind and gentle man and will be sorely missed by all
those he touched.
Submitted by Carl Mehmke, Highwood Star Route, Great Falls,
Montana.
On December 11, 1992, ORVILLE OSBURN became a member of the
Golden Roll at the age of 93 years. Each issue of Iron Men Album
was welcomed by ‘Jake,’ who had resided at Adams Lane Care
Center since January 1992. He often mentioned articles he had read,
and he kept up on steam shows here in Ohio. His granddaughter and
grand-son-in-law took him to a show near Toledo, Ohio in June
1991.
A man of quick wit, Jake enjoyed life and always shared jokes
and stories of steam engines, oil drilling rigs, which he operated
for many years, and world affairs with everyone he met. He is
survived by his wife of 62 years, one son, two daughters-in-law,
four granddaughters, and five great grandchildren.
Submitted by Linda and Gary H. Osburn (son), 7715 Hopewell
National Road, Zanesville, Ohio 43701.
FLOYD CHET HAMILTON, 84, of Pompeii, New York, died on December
4, 1992.
He is survived by one son and two daughters, a brother and four
sisters, six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
He operated his Case at local shows for many years and will be
greatly missed by his many friends.
Submitted by Jim Erdle, Canandaigua, New York
14424.
PATRICIA ELLEN ‘PAT’ ATTEBERRY died December 9, 1992.
She is survived by her husband, W.C. ‘Chady’ Atteberry, and
daughters Barbara and Beverly.
We in engine land have lost a great lady. Pat has worked
tirelessly to promote our steam and tractor show at Pawnee,
Oklahoma, and all things concerning the old engines.
I can remember her sharp tongue when I did the wrong thing, but
mostly I remember a heart full of compassion, help, and
understanding when things didn’t work out as I planned.
To me, Pat was one of the most precious things a person can
have. She was my friend. When I was down, her hand was always out
to pick me up. She always told me, ‘You do the best you can,
and that is all anyone can expect.’
I feel we can lay Pat to rest with the words, ‘Well Done
Thou Good and Faithful Servant.’
Submitted by Herb Little, President, Oklahoma Steam
Threshing & Gas Engine Association, Inc.
