Railroad Employee Records

Researching former railroad employee records

Like most railroad historical societies we do hot have access to records of former employees.

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Searching for Railroad Employee Records

It’s a question we often hear: “My great relative used to work for the MoP. How can I get information on him?”

The MPHS Archives does not have employment records for the former employees. In fact, employment records for most railroads are almost impossible to find. Many records were lost in a fire by the Railroad Retirement Board. We also do not have employee photos – the photos we have which do show employees, we usually do not know the names of the people in the photos.

We welcome research inquiries, but the majority of our archives is focused on railroad equipment, structures, and operations. What we do have for genealogists are some seniority rosters from a few years and territories, but these are not easily searchable and very limited. Sometimes the Missouri Pacific Employee Magazines feature employees and these can be of some use. We are in the process of getting these scanned and they will eventually be online.

The MPHS stands for many things and the employees who operated and managed the railroad from start to finish are always important to the MPHS. After all, without the collective work of these individuals the MPHS wouldn’t exist. Discussion and/or stories about the employees of the MP, T&P and other affiliated railroads in “The Eagle” magazine and the MPHS BB Forum is encouraged. Also many former employees have posted their stories and memories to our site – https://www.mopac.org/category/our-stories/

Some Suggested Routes to Follow

Missouri Pacific Employee Memories – https://www.mopac.org/category/our-stories/.

Check with local libraries and historical societies in the towns the former employee worked, they may have local records, or a local genealogy specialist who could help.

Census records are available online and often list occupations.

www.ancestry.com. The main section will enable you to check on almost everyone who’s had a Social Security card. You can then click on the Railroad Retirement section for deceased railroaders. We have discovered a community within Ancestry.com called RootsWeb. It may be worth investigating, as well.

U.S. National Archives. The web address is www.archives.gov. One document, in particular, will be of interest. It is Reference Information Paper 91, titled “Records Relating to North American Railroads,” which is found at  https://www.archives.gov/research/guide-fed-records/groups/184.html. In addition, they offer some general genealogy tools and information at https://www.archives.gov/research/genealogy.

Here is another National Archives link for the Atlanta office
https://www.archives.gov/atlanta/public/railroad-retirement-board-records.

Other Links You Might Find Useful

Records relating to North American railroads Compiled by David Pfeiffer https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/011326037

Riding Grandfather’s Paper Express: Genealogical Research in U.S. Railroad Records http://news.legacyfamilytree.com/legacy_news/2016/05/riding-grandfathers-paper-express-genealogical-research-in-us-railroad-records.html.

Become a Member Today!

Your membership supports production of our quarterly magazine, The Eagle, our annual calendar, and our continuing efforts to digitize and present our archives.

We are a non-profit, all volunteer group. All monies collected through dues and purchases from the Company Store go towards the effort to preserve the history of the Missouri Pacific Railroad and its predecessors. Come join us in that effort.

Regular Member

Regular Members receive 4 issues of the Eagle, MPHS Calendar, member discounts at the Company Store, full access to the MPHS Archives, and access to participate on the MPHS Forums.

$

50

00

per Year

Based on 12-month period beginning with receipt of dues

Includes a subscription to our quarterly magazine, The Eagle

New members will receive the current issue of  The Eagle  upon receipt of dues

Includes a full-color calendar for the following year (issued with 3rd quarter The Eagle)

Includes a 5% discount on many items in the company store

Access to the online MPHS Forums

Available anywhere in the world

Sustaining Member

Sustaining Members receive all the benefits of Regular Members, plus donate $25 toward MPHS Operating Expenses.  

Recognition in The Eagle.

$

75

00

per Year

Based on 12-month period beginning with receipt of dues

Includes a subscription to our quarterly magazine, The Eagle

New members will receive the current issue of  The Eagle  upon receipt of dues

Includes a full-color calendar for the following year (issued with 3rd quarter The Eagle)

Includes a 7.5% discount on many items in the company store

Access to the online MPHS Forums

Available anywhere in the world

Your name listed in The Eagle

$25 of your dues are tax deductible

Eagle Member

Eagle Members receive all the benefits of Regular and Sustaining Members, plus donate $50 toward MPHS Operating Expenses.  

Recognition in The Eagle.

$

100

00

per Year

Based on 12-month period beginning with receipt of dues

Includes a subscription to our quarterly magazine, The Eagle

New members will receive the current issue of  The Eagle  upon receipt of dues

Includes a full-color calendar for the following year (issued with 3rd quarter The Eagle)

Includes a 10% discount on many items in the company store

Access to the online MPHS Forums

Available anywhere in the world

John Bromley print (new members, not renewals)

Your name listed in The Eagle

$50 of your dues are tax deductible