Welcome to the Railway Connection!

My Great Grandfather as well as his father worked for the Central Vermont Railway.   I wanted this place to be somewhere that others could come and share their family stories about family or ancestors working for the railroad.

In the latter 1800's My ancestors moved into Vermont from Canada.  They had hoped as all did who first comes into the United States to become successful, and to be able to provide a better life for their families.  My family got that opportunity by working for the railroad.  I would have no idea, as I am sure that they did not as well during the time period what a life saving career that would be for them.  During the depression, it was the steady supply of money to maintain life as they came to know it.  When my Great Great Grandfather's parents died, he had no money to pay for a head stone, but because of where he lived, and working on the railroad, would come across huge granite markers along the side of the rails.  He took one of these markers which weighed I am sure tons!  He took this to the cemetery where his family was, and faithfully every Sunday carved in by his own hand his family members names and dates.  He even took the time to carve in a leaning cross in loving memory for them.

During the depression, He was in downtown Burlington Vermont shopping when a pan handler approached him and asked for some money.  He reached into his pocket or billfold and pulled out a bill for the guy.  He started to walk away when the man called out to him to stop.  This fellow then informed him that he had to of made a big mistake.  My Great Great Grandfather then wondering what the problem was turned around and looked down to see the man holding a hundred dollar bill in his hand!  What the out come to this story is, I honestly do not know, but I was astonished to think that here was my Ancestor walking around during the depression with a hundred dollar bill on him!  I thought that was a deffinate sign that the railroad was taking care of a man during a very rough time!

Both my Great Grandfather and his father both worked for the same railroad.  They were foremen, attended meetings at the local lodge for railworkers.  (something which I never knew was done before)

My Great Grandfather had his social security number issued by the railroad.  It is a very unique looking card.  It looks as though it is made of copper.

below is a copy of my great great grandfather's retirement request.