Maher began his career with the railroad in 1881 as a fireman for the William Crooks ; he became the locomotive 's engineer in 1888 .
Accompanying the William Crooks was John J. Maher , a retired Great Northern engineer .
engineer began William Crooks ' career with the railroad in 1881 as a fireman for William Crooks   Crooks ; he became the locomotive 's engineer in 1888 .
Accompanying the William Crooks was John J. Maher , a retired Great Northern engineer .