I was wondering if you might have an idea if there is a way to trace family who travelled to Ceylon to operate the railways that was built by the British in around 1860?
My father’s grandfather migrated from England, together with a number of others undertaking roles to be Train Drivers, Guards and Engineers. Louis Charles Simons was born around the 1840’s (maybe 1840 or ’42). His father was Dominic. I have not been able to locate his Baptism in England, Birth or Marriage details but can trace my Grandfather James Martin Simons.
The History of Ceylon Tea website has a broken run of Ferguson’s Directories that may help locate your family – http://www.historyofceylontea.com/Fergusons
Looking at the early directories (1871-72 and 80-81) there are a couple of Simons listed who were working on the railways.
Check under name variations too (e.g. Siman, Simon, Simmons or Symons etc).
Thank and apologies for the late acknowledgement. I will try that and let you know if I am successful.
Trying to find anything on my great grandfather shelton cosby gray who worked as an engineer for cgr. Thanks