Alfred Grant Sr.
Pioneer
Southern Pacific Railroad Black
Families of Northern Calfornia.
Siskiyou County pioneer Alfred Grant
Sr. came from Louisiana looking for work. He stopped in Dunsmuir Ca.
When there was a bad storm that stopped the train from moving north.
He was asked by the railroad if he would like to work for them. He
said yes and that was how the family came to live in Dunsmuir. His
job involved cleaning the train engines at the round table. (The
Round table turned trains around to go North or South on different
tracks) His son Al Grant was the first black engineer to drive train
for Southern Pacific Railroad. Alfreds wife Birdie lee supported her
husband at home by raising the children, cooking wonderful meals and
caring for their home.
Together, Alfred and Birdie owned many
houses, apartments and duplexes as well as fine lady's clothing
store. She traveled to places such as San Francisco, New York and
many other places to buy the latest new fashions, First class all the
way. It was said that she was a millionaire.
The Family worked together to take care
of their gardens and orchard of peach, plum, apple, apricot and
Cherry trees. Birdie grew beautiful roses and Iris, and they raised
vegetable and Blackberries as well. There was a large patch of sage
that flavored thanksgiving dinners. The Grandmother would travel to
be there for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The family also loved to
travel to Steard Springs and other places in California.
Once a year the railroad would have a
barbecue at the Headwaters in Mount Shasta for their employees. It
was always well attended and it felt like one big family.
I want to thank the railroad for all
the steak dinners and all the trimmings that they provided. As the
son of Mr. Grant Sr.
Robert Grant.
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