Railway Workers

[Bevynel]

Hi I'm new to this sight.I wonder does anyone know of any sites about the railways in N Ireland. My grandfather Samuel Nelson worked all his working life for the railways as did his brothers, the family moved around, lived in Armagh, Cookstown and finally Portadown.

Thanks

[scotmum]

You could have a look at this site. And This one here also makes interesting reading.

[Bevynel]

Thanks for reply sites very informative had hoped for more about the workers

[scotmum]

Have you considered sending an email to the Local Studies section of Armagh library asking what, if anything, they may have on railway workers and railway working conditions in the appropriate timescale? I have found them to be helpful when I have contacted them in the past.

ps You haven't mentioned a timescale in your post - this would be helpful for anyone else looking in on same who might still be able to help you.

[Bevynel]

Hadn't thought of the Local Studies, he would have retired in the early 60s and had worked all his working life for them, he mainly did theBelfast- Portadown and Dublin runs.

[aljepeka]

Hi,
Checkout the website for craigavon historical society - they have a few articles about Portadown Railway station. Your Grandfathers name sounds very familiar. I presume he was known as Sammy. My father worked on the railway too -fifty years in Portadown so I'll ask him in the morning  to see if remembers him.
There is also a site re Wades Factory(in Portadown) run by a Cardwell McClure I have heard that he is interested in the history of the railway in Portadown-maybe he can help.
Regards,
Barbara

[FionaLorraine]

I'm not sure about Portadown but in PRONI Belfast they hold Ulster Transport Records - I was looking for Belfast and the Northern Counties Railway - They have 3 books of employees and wages - I was able to discover my Sam Palmer station master starting in Dunadry in 1870 as a porter and travelling around all the stations until he was killed by a train - all reported in the books.  Great resource for anyone linked to the railways in Northern Ireland.  Also found some other leads for further research - looks like Maddens and Barrs also joined the railways in my family.  Some wonderful comments were also made -

My Daniel Madden looks like he was sacked [and then reinstated] for not lighting the signals in Kellswater on Xmas night and a train ploughed through the gates!

Fiona

[Bevynel]

Sorry I haven't replied before now. Barbara he was known as Sam as far as I know, he used to Live in West St then he moved to Thomas St

[Magumna23]

Hi Bevynel,

Ref your grandfather Samuel shields , I know my father worked as a fireman to a Jack Shields in
Portadown,Jack being the train driver.contact me if you think there's a connection
Regards Colum