Good question Pat, I don't know the answer but would like to. My great grandfather was a police officer in the City of Norfolk during the early 1900's. Being bold one day I called the Norfolk Police Dept. (non-emergency number) asked for the personnel department and was put through. I told them what I was seeking and they said that they'd get back to me. I figured I'd be lucky to hear back from them in 6 months. Less than 2 hours later they called back, told me that they had his employment records and offered to mail me copies. Through what they sent I learned that he prior to joining the police dept. had worked for N&W as a fireman. You might want to contact the rail road to see if they have records. I don't think your success with be as swift as mine was because I'm sure that they will have many more records to sort through than the police dept. Which at the time of my g-grandfather's employment consisted of less than 20 men on horse back. My husband works for the rail road. He started in 1979 working for N&W. In the early 80's N&W merged with Southern to make Norfolk Southern Rail Road. Contact the personnel dept. at NS to see if they can help. Good luck with your uncle. Vicki Ford in Virginia To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html