Samuel T. Bledsoe

Samuel Thomas Bledsoe (May 12, 1868 – March 8, 1939) was the 16th president of Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway.

Early life and family Bledsoe was born in Clinton County, Kentucky, on May 12, 1868. Bledsoe worked his way up through management to succeed William Benson Storey on May 2, 1933, as president of the railroad, serving in that position until his death on March 8, 1939. Bledsoe was the first Santa Fe president to be promoted from a career path that did not lead through the operations or technical aspects of the railroad. During Bledsoe's time as president, he worked to reduce the railroad's operating expenses and bring profitability during the Great Depression; it was also during his term that the railroad introduced diesel locomotives into its motive power fleet and launched new passenger trains such as the famed Super Chief.

Bledsoe also served as a director of the Railway Express Agency and the Continental Illinois Bank and Trust Company.

Published works

Legacy The town of Bledsoe, Texas, was named in his honor.