Springfield-Greene
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ROBERT FRANK KISSICK. Upon the shoulders of a train dispatcher rests grave responsibilities. A little mistake on his part may, and often does, result in most revolting disasters, so that it behooves one thus employed to keep a clear head and a steady nerve, be wide-awake when he is on duty and also a conscientious worker. Such a man is Robert Frank Kissick, train dispatcher for the Frisco Lines at the Springfield North Side shops. He is a man in whom the head officials repose the utmost confidence in every respect.
Mr. Kissick was born in Holt county, Missouri, in January, 1873. He is a son of William and Jane (McKane) Kissick, both natives of the Isle of Man, a British possession. The father was born in 1827, and the mother first saw the light of day in 1839. They grew up in their native country and there attended school, emigrating to the United States when young and they were married in Illinois, where they resided on a farm until 1871, when they removed to Holt county, Missouri, remaining there on a farm until 1886, when they moved to Kansas, in which state the father spent his last days in general fanning and, died there in 1892; the mother is now making her home in Hutchinson, Kansas. To these parents eight children were born, namely: Mary Jane lives in Wisconsin, Ida C., William E., Walter S., deceased; Lottie E., Robert F., Fannie F. and Daisy P.
Robert F. Kissick grew up on the home farm in Holt county, this state, where he worked when a boy and there he attended the common schools. In 1890 he entered railroad service for the Atchison, Topeka & Fe at Nickerson, Kansas, as call boy, remaining with that road in various capacities until 1900. He remained in Nickerson until August, 1892, after which he was telegraph operator at Sterling, that state, working in this capacity there, at Great Bend and Dodge City, Kansas, for a period of ten years. After this he worked for the Rock Island railroad in Kansas and Texas when that company was building its line to California. He was in the building department and remained with that road until August, 1901, when he came to Springfield, Missouri, and began working for the Frisco as telegraph operator. Thus employed for three years he was promoted to extra train dispatcher and then promoted to regular train dispatcher at the North Side shops, which position he holds at this time. He has given eminent satisfaction with each of these three roads in every position he has filled.
Mr. Kissick was married in June, 1905, in Springfield to Eva Skates, who was born in Union county, Missouri. She is a daughter of Robert and Mary Skates. Her father is a carpenter and contractor by trade, and has done a great deal of this kind of work for railroads. He now lives in Kansas City, Missouri.
To our subject and wife one child, Roberta Jane, has been born, the date of her birth being October 22, 1913.
Politically, Mr. Kissick is a Republican. Fraternally, he belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and the Masonic order, in which he has taken all the degrees except that of the Scottish Rite. He is well known in Masonic circles.
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