transcontinental railroad workers [James Morrison Bain]

From: "Mary I. Hays" hays1313@earthlink.net

Hi. My grandfather, James Morrison Bain was a barber on the railroad from Chicago to Los Angeles around the 1930's. I would have no idea where to search for information on him or about railroad barbers. My oldest brother, George, said he would go down to the train station in Flagstaff, Arizona in the early 1970's and talk to old timers who remembered our grandfather. I don't know what rail line he worked for, but I believe it was Union Pacific. He had been a barber in his hometown of Fraserburgh, Scotland and well respected there until moving his family to Chicago in the 1920's. He remained in his occupation until his death on October 16, 1937 and my mother tells me that grandpa may have actually been on the job when he died. His son, William Bain, was my father. Any information people could provide me with about my grandfather or about railroad barbers in general would be appreciated. I hope this helps and adds to the fascinating history of our railways.

Mary I. Hays
Rio Rico, AZ