As a genealogist, can you say that you have even considered employment records to help you in the pursuit of your ancestors? Most of us seem to overlook these valuable resources, preferring to concentrate on the tried and true vital records, census records and probate records. And because we seem unable to dare to branch out from these records, we are overlooking some records that could perhaps hold the key that solves the very question we have.

Many of us have an ancestor or two who worked on the railroads. After all, for some time the railroad was the main method of transportation whether going to the next town or going across the country. And it was our ancestors who worked on these railroad lines. If you wonder how pervasive the railroad was, look in the grantee index some time and you will see many entries where the local railroad is purchasing land...

The different records include:
-- Employee's Death Certificate
-- Form 70-R001.6 - Application for Employee Annuity Under the Railroad Retirement Act
-- Form G-91 - Description and Certification as to Eligibility of Evidence Submitted
-- Form G-86 - Certification in Support of Employer Service for Which No Records Are Available
-- Form AA-1 - Application for Employee Annuity Under the Railroad Retirement Act
-- Form AA-15 - Employee's Statement of Compensated Service Rendered
-- Form AA-2P - Record of Employee's Prior Service
-- Form CER-1 - Employee Registration
-- Form 70-R047.9 - Employee's Certificate of Termination of Service and Relinquishment of Rights

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