My great grandfathers resignation letter from M.C.R.R April 12, 1926

Wow he started working for the railroad while still 16, then gave the railroad 49 years, He was only forced to retire due to failing health. What can be said Mr. Clark you come from strong stock and a proud heritage.

Yesterday as I viewed Norm Charbeneau's layout, I couldn't help but let myself imagine a time long ago when sturdy men built the backbone of this country. With little fanfare or recognition.

In this hobby we all pay tribute to the equipment and the tracks of yesteryear. Thanks for the reminder of the human toil behind it all

Thank you for posting your grandfathers letter.  It was like a time capsule and I very much enjoyed reading it.  

Did any of his descendants also work on the railroads?

Happy railroading,

Don

@hclark6345 I found your grandfather’s letter informative and moving. My great grandfather Sewell lived to 1924 and worked for the C&O nearly right up till the date that he died. So they lived and worked during the same period in our history of our beautiful country. Hard work, determination, and loyalty  built the C&O.  Just the same traits as in Michigan.

Writing  that letter was a warm and proud mans posture. Hard work and pride never hurt anyone. Thank You for sharing this piece of your family history.

in reply to DGJONES

My great grandfather Michael Hackett died January 8, 1928.  His obituary said “ he was a pensioner trackman of the M.C.R.R. “

I don’t know if any of his 8 children worked for the railroad. Two sons were medical doctors, one a Catholic priest,  and three daughters were Catholic nuns.

He could rightly claim to have had a life well lived.  He cited declining health as the only reason for retiring, and would surely have continued longer had he been able to do so.

His safety record is a tribute to his leadership and knowledge, and his gift of four children to religious vocations is a tribute to the family environment established and maintained by him and his wife.

Well done sir!

At first I thought he was talking about the Maine Central RR. What does MCRR stand for?

Michigan Central   (NYC)

What a great insight into railroading during the "Golden Age."

It is fascinating that someone felt strongly enough about their job that on a resignation letter, would tell the story of his career, we live in such different times (and have for a long time I think...). Working for a railroad, especially in the 19th century, was not always the easiest of things, employees were often considered expendable, the job was dangerous and with a track crew, back breaking, literally all pick and shovel work for much of the time he worked. The pride comes through of having done the job and I definitely tip my hat to his memory.

@eddie g posted:

At first I thought he was talking about the Maine Central RR.

The Main Central reporting marks were "MEC".

What does MCRR stand for?

As already posted, Michigan Central Railroad.

Thank you for sharing this interesting part of your family history

Very cool!

Peter

Thanks for sharing. Your grandfather had a wonderful work ethic, similar to my father-in-law.

Fascinating bit of history....thanks for posting it!