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BENJAMIN  CLYDE  MYERS

Benjamin  Clyde  Myers Paternal  grandfather 25Jun1913 - 05Mar1993 I Know His Qualities Well      To most people he is frail, bent, and decrepit. Who is he? His name is Benjamin. The previous description is accurate, but it has not always been applicable.      He was born on June 25, 1913, in a small mining town. At the age of twelve, he dropped out of school. For the next four years he would walk to work by his father's side. With seven brothers and sisters to help support, Benjamin would give his twenty-five cents a week earnings toward food and necessities. Work in the coal mines was hard, dirty, and dangerous. This early foundation would help Ben survive a life of many struggles.      Between 1929 and 1938, Ben worked at various occupations. Since he no longer lived at home, he attempted to find gainful employment that would pay enough for room and board. He worked as a laborer in a silk mill (1929), as an attendant at a service station (1930), and as a dishwasher in a restaurant (1936). However, none of these jobs could hold his attention for long. When he became bored, he would go to the nearest rail-yard, hop a freight, and ride to the end of the line. This seemed to make life easier. Ben became a traveler, stopping only long enough to earn money for meals.      A sort of love affair developed between Ben and the railroad. In 1939, he began a thirteen year career with the Pennsylvania Railroad. He held various jobs including laborer and mechanic. These jobs were only slightly easier and safer than the coalmines. The pay was much better.      In 1941, the United States entered war and Ben joined the Army. He served as a military policeman at Fort Eustis in Virginia. However, his was to be a short stint of service. It was soon discovered that he had a serious stomach disorder and he was given a medical discharge. He then returned to what he then considered "his" railroad.      By November of that same year, Ben had fallen in love, saved up some money, and gotten married. He continued working for the P.R.R. until 1952, when a better job came along. Operating a crane at Bethlehem Steel for one hundred dollars per two week period, he began raising a family. Although at times things got rough, Ben managed to give his wife and four children most of what they needed or wanted. In 1978, he retired from the steel mill. With his pension, he and his wife could live comfortably.      Yes, frail, bent, and decrepit are appropriate adjectives. Frail from a chronic stomach disorder. Bent from the weight of responsibility beginning at a young age. Decrepit now at the age of seventy-seven. But what is not seen is the strength of will developed by caring enough to work hard so that his family could live well. Also not seen is the look of longing for the days past every time he hears a train whistle. And one must watch closely to see his patriotism, which he shows every day as he hangs out the American flag.      I know his qualities well, good and bad. Benjamin Clyde Myers is my grandfather.