The first Rochester & Pittsburg train into Perry arrived there at 11:30 a. m., July 5th, drawn by engine number seven, Shell Hess, engineer, S. H. Dasonboy, fireman, Superintendent Merchant’s private car containing the following persons: George E. Merchant, general manager, Rochester and Pittsburg railroad; E. G. Matthews, general superintendent, Silver Lake railroad; J. P. Hovey, master mechanic; F. C. Whitelock, road master. The train started on the return trip at 2:30 p m., all expressing satisfaction at thevresult of the trip. Superintendent Merchant stated that the regular time table of the R. & P. railroad to Perry will not go into effect until Sunday, July 9 h.
Source: Elmira (NY) Daily Advertiser. July 8, 1882.