Eric Colling - Firbank the Railway Builder - Researching an Ancestor

Once again, modesty forbids me from commenting on the quality of today's talk.  On this occasion I displayed and described some of the many documents that my wife and I have unearthed in our researches into the life, work and family of Joseph Firbank who was one of the pre-eminent railway contractors of the 19th century.  The fact that he is the great-great-great-grandfather of our grandchildren (an ancestor of our son-in-law in other words) is sufficient justification for the many years of research my wife and I have carried out - and continue to do - and the book we have published (see the June 2011 meeting report).

Joseph's life In summary:-

• Born 1819 in Toft Hill, County Durham, son of a miner;
• Went "down the pit" when he was 7;
• Learned the 3Rs at the age of 14;
• Went on to build railways throughout the country;
• Acquired a large estate in Newport, South Wales;
• Died in 1886 a very rich man.

This splendid photo, taken in the early 1870s at an (as yet) unknown location, shows Joseph (second from left in the foreground) with some of his family and colleagues.

Such an informal grouping is unusual for the period - the men look as if they have just come in from work.  Joseph, holding what seems like a contract or plans, looks very satisfied with himself!

Eric Colling