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Surnames: Cameron
Classification: Query
Message Board URL:
http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/3UH.2ACIB/1119
Message Board Post:
Hi
My name is Robert Tracey and I live in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, England.
I was hoping that someone can help me trace my wifes great grandfather
This involves my wife's grandmother who we know to have been illegitimate and was put
up for adoption at birth. In later years that child who married and had a family of her
own received regular parcels from America, mainly at Christmas time. Who was this
mystery benefactor ?
Sadly my wife's grandmother died recently and in her belongings we found a newspaper
clipping regarding a man called William (Red) Cameron who had been a UPS driver in
Manhattan. I have attached a copy of the clipping and I will also transcribe it as
follows:
--------------------start of clipping----------------------
It is with deep regret that we announce the sudden death on
Sunday Nov 23, of William Red Cameron, Driver in our
Manhattan Central Station for many years. An Arnold Constable
driver from 1925 to 1930, Bill or "Red" as he was better known,
joined UPS in Sept. of the latter year. He proudly wore UPS Badge #2,
and was better known through-out the organisation than the average
deliveryman because he stared in two company training films,
"The measure of a good deliveryman" and
"Consolidated Delivery the United Way" made for us by Warner Brothers
in 1931. "Red's" good looks and pleasant smiling personality
made him a natural choice for the role of the good deliveryman, a part
he played in real life also.
In January of this year, "Red" completed 12 years of safe driving,
certain evidence of his skill and pride in his work. His wife, Alice,
was named beneficiary of his $2000 UPS Group Life Insurance Policy
To Mrs. Cameron and the two children, we extend the sincere sympathies
of all the United Parcel Service. We shall miss the 40 year old "Red" both
as a friend and a good deliveryman.
(EDITOR'S NOTE: The Manhattan Central column below contains a fine
tribute to William Cameron, written by DICK MASON, one of the men
who knew and worked with him,)
MANHATTAN CENTRAL
The men and women of Manhattan Central who knew Bill "Red" Cameron
for many years were shocked to hear of his sudden death on Sunday morning,
Nov 23, after a short illness.
"Red" came to M.C. in Sept. 1930. His first assignment was as a helper
to Joe BYRNES. He later became a driver and handled several driving
assignments in the station. He took over as Altman's furniture transfer
driver about two years ago and held that assignment until several weeks
before his death.
We know of no one who could rate as a nicer guy than "Red". He had
a good word and a friendly smile for everyone he met. all of us will miss him,
but there are several who will feel the loss more keenly.
We Speak of Tom BURKE, his helper and friend, and all of the 8:00 am drivers
like Joe MECHELY, Ed GRAHAM, Mike KENNEDY, Bill DUANE, Jack KELLY,
John KIRBY, Steve O'HALLORAN and Frank NELSON. "Red" used to
congregate with these men in front of the time-clock each morning and jostle
good humeredly for the honor of punching-in first. His laugh and the rich brogue
he could assume at the drop of a hat were standard features of those early
morning gatherings and any others around the station.
To Mrs Alison Cameron and the two children, we extend our deepest sympathies.
Maybe it will help them a little in bearing their sorrow to know that Bill's many
friends
in UPS share their grief.
------------------------end of clipping--------------
He sounded like the kind of man we would all like to work with.
What we are tying to find out is, was William "Red" Cameron my wife's
grandmothers natural father who possibly emigrated to the USA. And if so do we have
family now living there?
I guess he must have died about 1942
His wife was named Alice
They had two children
He worked in Manhattan for UPS
I am looking for advice on where to go next as I am new to family history tracing
Very best regards
Robert Tracey