Hi, I am trying to find information on my great-Grandpa. He worked for southern RR and was listed as a "CARMAN". Could you please give me a description on this job. It would have been in the late 1800's and early 1900's.

Also, his brother was listed on the census as working for the RR. I couldn't make out his exact position but it looked something like CONINSPATON ... Does anyone have a clue what that might be? It would be the same time frame. Thanks for any information!! Debbie

-- Debbie May (daiseydebb@aol.com), February 25, 2003

Answers

A carman was any railroad employee who was engaged in the servicing and repair of railcars. In the days of friction bearing trucks, they were responsible for oiling the bearings. They might also perform repairs to cars that were not specific responsibilities of trade crafts such as carpenters, blacksmiths or electricians and sometimes cleaned passenger cars. Over the years the term was more loosely applied and might be used to describe workers who were carpenters.

-- Alan Walker (awalker2002@comcast.net), February 26, 2003.

A Carman was a fright car repairman we were the ones who did all the repairs on cars & Engs.

I was a Carman for 15 years from 1976 to 1990 in Alex. VA.

-- Paul Thompson (bluecontrol@webtv.net), September 11, 2003.