Lee W. Albright, Chief Train Dispatcher of the Illinois Central Railroad at Freeport, was born in Canton, Ill., March 4, 1864. His father, J.В.Е. Albright, a physician, was born in Berks Co., Pa., Aug. 7, 1820, and came to Illinois in 1849 settling in Canton, where he died Sept. 13, 1886. The mother, whose maiden name was Catharine Cline, was born in Rockingham Co., Va., Dec. 29, 1827. She is now living in Freeport. The family consisted of five children — Emma G. died at ten years of age; R. Belle, living in Freeport ; Lewis P, died at the age of four years; Carrie V. died at the age of thirteen; and L.W., our subject.
Mr. Albright was educated in the public schools of Forreston, Ill., and at the age of seventeen he learned telegraphy at Forreston. In 1881 he secured the position of night operator at Lee, on the C.B. & Q.R.R. where he remained a few months then went to Forreston as night operator on the I.C.R.R. In 1887 he was made train dispatcher at Amboy, Ill., but after two months, was assigned to Freeport. After one year he was sent to Rockford in the same capacity and in 1891 was returned to Freeport where he has remained to the present date.
April 28, 1891 Mr. Albright was married to Miss Rose Frances Zapf, daughter of Edward and Elizabeth Zapf, of Freeport. Mrs. Albright was born Sept. 9, 1867 and was educated in the Freeport schools. They have three children: Donald Z., born Feb. 22, 1895; Kenneth C., born April 26, 1896; Alfred Lee born July 23, 1899. Mr. and Mrs. Albright attend the Presbyterian church. Mr. Albright is a member of the Masons, Excelsior Lodge, Chapter and Commandery No. 7, of Freeport, and belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. In politics he is a Democrat.
Source: Illinois Central Railroad Company. History of the Illinois Central Railroad Company and Representative Employes. Chicago: Railroad Historical Company, 1900, p. 282.
Contributed by: Nancy.