I discovered the BEAULNE Museum in Coaticook had some items that I had not seen and requested they send them to me. One item was filled with errors and I am attempting to send them information to correct this item. Thought I should share this with the list as there may be items at local historical societies that need correcting for your family history. JSR Page sent by BEAULNE MUSEUM by post October 23, 2004 THE NORTON RAILROAD TRACK JACKS Later amalgamated with Duff-Norton Mfg. Co. (*written by hand p.65.5) The invention of the Norton Track-Jack was made by; Mr. Francis (Frank) Sleeper, a native of Coaticook, Que., who sold the patent to A. O. Norton for the sum of $600.00 The early history is not clear, however Mr. Norton operated a plant, first in Waterville, Que., then moved to Coaticook, Que. The location of the plant was west of the railway line on the Baldwin Brook, then moved into a new building on Cutting St. in 1913. During the First World War this plant made shells, employing over 100 hands. Frank Sleeper was born in Coaticook, Nov. 26, 1862 (also, written in hand 1862) Married in 1883, to Lilly Hopkinson, from Waterville, Que. Three children were born. all daughters. a. Lotta - married Mr. Hale b. Ethel - " Russel c. nb. Mr. Stanley Cromwell's grand-mother was Florence Sleeper, sister of Frank Sleeper, who married, E. W. Akhurst. Frank Sleeper was no relation to another local family by the name of Louis Sleeper ======================== CORRECTIONS: 1) Jack patent was sold to A. O. Norton for $1,000.00 (according to family history and notes left by FHS's late daughter, ETHEL M. RUSSELL nee SLEEPER) 2) SLEEPER (not NORTON) first manufactured the Jack with his brother in law RICHARD ORION HOPKINSON in Waterville. SLEEPER moved to Montreal and R. O. HOPKINSON continued for a time until SLEEPER sold the patent to A. O. NORTON. Note: BALDWIN Brook is in Waterville. R. O. HOPKINSON's home was located near it. Note: 1901 CANADA Census, Quebec, District No 155 Hochelaga, S District No 1d, Polling Subdivision No 16, in Westmount, Page 13, Dwelling 117, Family 121: Sleeper, Frank Hry, male, Head, married, born November 1862, age 38, born Quebec. Occ: Mac Engineer Religion: did not say. Sleeper, Lily A, female, Wife, married, born June 1864, age 36, born Quebec. Sleeper, Lotta F, female, Daughter, single, born June 1886, age 14, born Quebec. Sleeper, Ethel M., female, Daughter, single, born Jan 1892, age 9, born Quebec. (All the above could read and write and had no infirmities) ================ Lovell's Montreal Directory for the year 1902-1903: Sleeper F.H. mechanical engineer, 4825 Ste Catherine, Westmount, Quebec. ========== 3) Wife of FRANK H. SLEEPER, LILLY ANN HOPKINSON was born in Sherbrooke - not Waterville. 4) children and spouses of 3 daughters of FRANK H. SLEEPER and LILLIE ANN HOPKINSON were. a. LOTTA FRANCES - m. WILLIAM BLOUNT of Coaticook, later moved to Worcester MA. b. ETHEL MAY - m. RAYMOND FIELD RUSSELL of Worcester, MA. c. VERNA LILLA - m. WILLIAM WELCH of Worcester, MA. 5) LOUIS (LEWIS L.) SLEEPER was FRANK H. SLEEPER's uncle. LEWIS was older brother of WRIGHT SLEEPER, FRANK H. SLEEPER's father. 6) Information about the original Jack patent CANADIAN PATENT NO. 24,590 LIFTING JACKS dated July 9, 1886. F. H. SLEEPER FRANK H. SLEEPER residing in Coaticook, Quebec. (Patent Branch = Coaticook, Quebec) witnessed by C. W. Sleeper and F. R. Lyman.