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Research in Other Countries => Australia => Topic started by: jellybeans on Tuesday 12 May 09 06:48 BST (UK)
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Matthew Cyril Cock started work for the NSW railway on 19th April 1915, at 14.5 years, and retired after 45 years at the age of 60. He was awarded a service "medal" or badge at retirement. He was the youngest man in the Junee district, relieving the station masters. He relieved at almost every station in his district from Cootamundra to Albury and out to Hay.
His descendants are wondering if there would have been a letter or certificate which accompanied his retirement "medal", and how to obtain a copy if there was one.
Does anyone have any ideas about where/how to find the answer to this? ???
All assistance greatly appreciated.
Julie
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Julie, Maybe the NSW State Govt. has a Railways Archives that could be consulted.
The NSW State Library may know about such archives and also be able to tell you if that is the best place to seek such information.
G**gle for email addresses for NSW Railway Archives &/or NSW State Library...
good luck
charlotte
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Julie this page may help you.
http://www.records.nsw.gov.au/state-archives/resources-for/family-historians/railway-employee-records-1/railway-employee-records
Cheers
Cando
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Charlotte & Cando,
Thanks for your assistance and information. Looked at the archives site for employees, but couldn't find Matthew. Have contacted them with my original message, to see if they can help.
Regards, Julie :)
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Julie, Let us know how you get on please.
I'll be interested not only in your progress but also to know what sort of info they have as i have a person employed there 1881-1902ish.
and have never pursued it :-[
charlotte
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Charlotte,
If I get a reply from them I'll let you know. I hadn't looked into this before either, so don't know yet if they will be of any help.
Will keep you posted.
Julie
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Thanks ;D
charlotte
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Hi Charlotte,
Response to my query from archives:
Thank you for your email. For an introduction to the State Rail Authority's archival collection that was transferred to State Records in 2000, see Archives in Brief No 54 at http://www.records.nsw.gov.au/state-archives/guides-and-finding-aids/archives-in-brief/archives-in-brief-54.
Although we do not offer a research service, I did in this instance check NRS 12922, Personal History Cards-Employees born before 1900, but we do not hold a card for a Matthew Cyril Cock.
You may be able to gain more information about his service record from the Railcorp Freedom of Information Officer, whose contact details are given in AIB 54 above.
Another organization that may be helpful in reconstructing the kind of certification or correspondence that may have accompanied such an award, is:
Australian Railway Historical Society
NSW Division
Library: 67 Renwick Street
Redfern 2016 NSW Fax: 9699 1714 Email: resources[at]arhsnsw.com.au
Website: www.arhsnsw.com.au
Contact: Ken Williams: (02) 9699 2736
Open 1st 4 Tues 12-4.00pm & 1st 3 Sats 10-3.30pm
Comments: Train Accidents, Annual Reports, 20,000 Photographs
Sorry it's so long-winded, but you may find something here to help with your queries.
Julie
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Julie, Thank you very much ineed... You've done well to get that and in such a short time..
Let us know what info you get from this hunt.
Thanks again,
charlotte
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Hello there Julie
Have you thought of investigating the local newspaper for an article about his retirement? Newspapers often carry stories on folk who have worked for a firm for a long time and then retired.
Jenn
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Hi Jenn,
Thanks for your suggestion, I hadn't thought of newspapers, so will look in to that as well.
Regards, Julie
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Hi Julie. After doing my family tree and discovering Matthew Cyril Cock is the brother of my grandmother, Ethel Frances Healy Ferguson (nee Cock), I made a few extended phone calls. Unfortunately I come up with no records of his working career. His older sister Beryl Constance Speers(nee Cock) worked as a school teacher at Yackandandah buried at Kiewa Victoria, and an older brother john(Jack) Cock who moved to Port Adelaide with his wife.Maybe a search and a few phone calls may lead you closer(relatives may still live in area). I'm still unsure if he married. So apart from not having much info, my homework continues. Shall keep you updated if news arises. I'd appreciate any info you may have of Matthew. By the way, my grandfather was a railway employee b/w Footscray and Williamstown most of his life and on giving him a mantle clock with his name engraved 'H.S.Furguson' in 1947, they managed to spell FERGUSON incorrectly!! It could be another avenue to look into.
Regards Lee
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Hello Lee,
Sorry it has taken so long to reply to your message, have had lots going on at work, and haven't checked emails for a while.
My partner, Don, is related through Matthew. We went to Chiltern where Matthew was born, last November, and found the museum there was a wonderful source of information, mainly concerning Matthew's father John, but also for the rest of the family's history while they were in the mining industry.
If you send another 2 replies/messages, I can then send you a personal message, and would be happy to share with you the information I have.
Apart from anything else, you have given me a boost, to make time for my favourite hobby.
Hope to "talk" to you soon,
Regards, Julie
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Hi Julie
Thanks for your reply. I contacted Chiltern Athaneum and they have informed me of the Cock family. Shall keep you informed :)
Appreciative
Lee
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Hi again Lee,
The Chiltern Athaenum sent us a book they compiled on Cock Research, which includes a lot of info from newspapers, birth certs, marriage certs, photos, etc. This cost $50.00. They also sent a cd with photos of some of the Cock family, their home and furniture.
While we were in Chiltern, we were lucky enough to meet the people renting the house in Barkley St, where Matthew was born, and they showed us through, letting us take photos.
My partner's father was also born in the house, so it was quite an emotional trip for him. The motel in Chiltern where we stayed, backs on to the house, Madron, named after Matthew's father's(John) birthtown.
Another great place to visit was the town of Eldorado, where John Cock was the mining manager.
Regards, Julie
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Hi Julie.
What a great connection in Chiltern. With such family history recorded, I've just booked my family for a weekend(never been there). Thank-you once again. Shall "talk" soon I hope
Regards Lee :D
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Hi Lee,
Hope you enjoy it as much as we did. As we live in NSW, we based ourselves in Chiltern, and did day trips to Beechworth, Eldorado, Wangaratta, etc. A most enjoyable week away from work.
Julie :)