Norman got insured before going to work on the railway. He must have felt it necessary. In 1908, American J O Fagan wrote a book, Confessions of a Railway Signalman, exposing the dangers of working on the Railway. In 1907, the Quebec Bridge had collapsed, killing many workers, mostly Mohawks.  Margaret was frightened for Norman.  As it happens, George Alexander of Richmond,  wrote up this insurance plan. Another insurance policy by Alexander, for Herb Nicholson, co-signed by Norman, is a huge financial problem in 1912. The Nicholsons almost lose their home over it! Herb just shrugs it off, claiming he was tricked into getting the policy. Herb never took responsibility for his actions.