Occupations [General] - Family History & Genealogy Message Board

What did a "white smith" actually do?

Andrea_Wildes — 12 Feb 2006 9:26:45 GMT

My GGGrandfather was a watchmaker and jeweller. On his birth cert and marriage license, his father's occupation is described as "White Smith".

I know what a blacksmith does but any clues as to what a whitesmith would have done?

Many thanks.

Andrea

Glass... Glunder?

cjmcolley — 6 Oct 2008 9:47:08 GMT

Hi all,

An ancestor's profession in the 1871 census is proving a bit of a puzzle... What's written looks very much like "Glass Glunder" but I can't find any such job mentioned anywhere on the internet (or variations such as "Glender" and "Glander"). He was living with a "Glass Gatherer" and next door to a "Glass Polisher" at the time, both of which make sense to me. But this "Glunder" thing is a mystery!

I assume it's not actually "Glunder" but another word that just looks like it. I can't work out what it might be. Can anyone shed light on this?

Yours hopefully,

Chris

Help deciphering occupation

c6pea — 30 Sep 2008 8:16:57 GMT

Can some one please help dicipher the occupation for David Oliver in the file attached. It is probably something simple but I can't work it out. Seems as though the neighbours have similar occupations.

Messenger in what?

katherineofengland — 4 Sep 2008 9:48:20 GMT

I seem to be unlucky when it comes to my ancestors' occupations and census handwriting.

http://search.ancestry.co.uk/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=uki1871&...

I'm looking at the occupation of William Hardy. It says 'Shoe maker & messenger (in .......)'

Can anyone figure out where he was a messenger? i thought it looked a bit like 'chapel' but i could be wrong.

Thanks in advance.

Logging in Maine - 1889

csnkibbie — 28 Sep 2008 12:28:18 GMT

The only information I have concerning my husband's great-grandfather was that George Harold KIBBIE (name variation is likely) died in a logging accident in Maine July 1889. His wife, Mary Elizabeth, and 18-month old son, George H., lived in New York before and afterwards. Not sure if they went to Maine at all.
Are any newspaper records available of logging casualties?
Are there any logging camp records available?
Were there local burial plots set aside for logging casualties?

Thanks, Char KIBBIE

Professor of Dancing???

katherineofengland — 2 Sep 2008 5:55:36 GMT

If you have some spare time, please look at this census image:

http://search.ancestry.co.uk/cgi-bin/sse.dll?indiv=1&db=...

I'm looking at the head of the household, John Auld, and it looks to me like Professor of Dancing? I wasn't even aware of such a thing. Can someone explain to me what this means?

Thanks in advance

Blazdell / Blaizdell (Harpmaker)

Yvonne — 11 Aug 2001 3:42:02 GMT

Alexandra Blazdell, (Spelling can vary)
Trying to find any record of this Harpmaker, known to be working in London/Middlesex 1800-1845.
He was an apprentice of Erhart, before becoming a Master Harpmaker in his own right.

Civil Engineer / Architect - training in England

LynneBanister — 9 Sep 2008 8:23:21 GMT

My ancestor, George William Vivian, born Plymouth 1829, became a civil engineer and architect. He emigrated to Australia in 1850 and designed the lunatic asylum at Kew, Victoria. In 1859 he moved to India.

What training would he have had in England? Would he have studied at university? Grateful for any help.

What is an "Echel Setter" ?

katherineofengland — 11 Aug 2008 10:51:27 GMT

I am trying to find my great-great-great grandfather, John Hartley, who was a painter. I can find him in only one census, in 1871, where his place of birth is noted as Bradford, Yorkshire. However, due to the name being so common, I'm having trouble finding him in 1861.

I have found one possible match, and his occupation is "Echel Setter". I've searched on Google but can't find a definition, so i thought that the occupation had been incorrectly transcribed, but if you take a look at the census image (http://content.ancestry.co.uk/iexec/?htx=view&r=5538&...) it's pretty clear that it does indeed say "Echel Setter"

Anyone know what this could be?

Thanks in advance.

Merchant seamen

gevans1940 — 5 Sep 2008 11:10:44 GMT

I would be interested in information from someone that was a merchant seaman anytime between the 1920's & 1950's. We have been researching a gentleman who was the cook on many different ships during that time. He sailed mostly out of the Seattle & Portland areas. Any info appreciated. Thanks

Occupation sugar maker??

infinitygrove1 — 1 Sep 2008 3:16:47 GMT

My gggrandfather, Philipp Rinn came from Bremen Germany to New Orleans in Jun 1857 with his mother and siblings. He was 21 and listed his occupation as a sugar maker upon entry. Does anyone know what he meant by this? Did they have sugar production in Germany or was he more likely a confectioner? His destination was Texas and they all ended up around the Austin area. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Julie

What collector? 1851 Census Transcription Help

stevebaxter1 — 28 Aug 2008 6:50:38 GMT

Can anyone help me transcribe the occupation of Isaac Durdin in the 1851 Weston Underwood, Bucks. census?

It look like 'hole Collector' but can't be sure.

Setter of Yeast

peterfaulkner1 — 1 Aug 2008 12:19:05 GMT

Does anyone know what a "setter of yeast" was? This was the described occupation of an 86-year-old woman living on Sussex in the 1861 census. Because of her age I assume it could not have been anything strenuous and because of the location (Lewes area) it may have been something to do with brewing although equally could have been associated with baking.

I cann find any reference if I google the term (lots of articles about yeast infections in red setter dogs!!). So if anyone can give me a clue it would be greatly appreciated.

what is a capsule maker?

s_tudge — 2 Aug 2008 3:03:25 GMT

Anyone know exactly what this it? I can make a good guess but can't find any info on net. I have two sisters who both did this as employment pre marriage.

Any help much appreciated

Travelling Musicians

onlymepat — 23 Mar 2008 3:38:28 GMT

Does anyone know where to find a listing of musicians who may have traveled with popular dance bands in the 1930's and 1940's, particularly in the Midwest?

Travellers-Tinkers-Hawkers-Scotland

Jim Drummond — 17 Mar 2002 4:40:37 GMT

Anyone have Scottish travellers as ancestors?
Any travellers in North America who have Scottish Ancestors?

Iron foundries of Stockton

jgibson65 — 21 Aug 2008 4:36:48 GMT

Hi - I'm trying to find out if anyone knows of any iron foundries in Stockton-on-Tees, England, that may have gone bust in the late 1830s? I'm (still) trying to work out why my ancestor may have upped sticks in or around 1838 and moved his family to York for only a short period of time. The family were back North in Middlesbrough by June 1840.I figure that the main reason they would have moved would have been in his work as an Iron Moulder. It's been suggested to me that he may have been loaned by his company to work on some aspect of the railway which was being built in York in 1838-9 but having spoken to the curator of the York Railway Museum this week, it seems that although not impossible, this is unlikely, especially in relation to the manufacture of the track, which was done elsewhere.He MAY have been involved in the manufacture of the ironwork of the station, so this is a possibility. However it may simply be that his firm in Stockton went bust and he travelled further afield to find employment.Hence my question regarding the iron foundries of Stockton!Any suggestions very welcome.

Brass Founder/Gas Fitter

jennferrer — 23 Jul 2008 9:22:37 GMT

Hello! Was hoping for a clarification. I have an ancestor in England in the early 1800's with an occupation either listed as a Brass Founder or Gas Fitter. I was told that they would have needed to use brass for the gas fittings during those years. Any clarification would be greatly appreciated.

Jennifer

1915 Police Constable Records?

zena77 — 11 Aug 2008 4:33:28 GMT

Hi there,

on my grandads birth certificate his mother is listed as being a policewaman in Hereford, Herefordshire, England in 1915. Her name was Ivy Maud Dando. Im thinking that female police constables may have been a rare sight in the early 1900's.

I'm interested in trying to find out any information on her occupation, when she enlisted, left etc.

So if anyone has any idea on where I can find out any further information on her service, please feel free to contact me?

Many thanks,

Zena77 :)

agent for gov survey

MichaelRigby81 — 29 Jul 2008 8:01:13 GMT

i have a female ancestor (sarah betts howard) who is listed as head of house, but married, on the 1871, 1881, 1891 and 1901 census'. on the 1881 it says she is 'wife of agent for gov survey'. i have no details on the husband other than his name, and his title - the reverend james howard. does anyone know what agent for gov survey means or how i can find out?
thanks for your help
jo

Dock Labourer

lizrp — 23 Jul 2008 6:29:37 GMT

Hi

My Great Grandfather,james Richard Isaac, is listed in the Southampton 1901 census as being a dock labourer, is there anywhere that may have work records for him?

thanks
Liz

Arkansas - Gus Blass and Brandon Movers

ambgal — 18 Jul 2008 11:45:16 GMT

Looking for people who worked at these places that may have known my birth father, Wesely Wayne Long. He's been missing/unlocatable since 1961. The family is looking for information, people who knew him, leads and clues to go on, etc. Any information would help. He was born 2/24/1936 in AR, and lived/visited AR, GA, CA, FL, NY, DC, WA, England, Cuba, and others many times. Any clues would be most helpful.

Some friends of his are Rex Potter, Bob Hoagn, Bobby Armor, WH Pogue, Leon Hill, JoAnne Reynolds, Joyce Trimmell or Tremmell?

Thank you in advance....
Alisa ambgal@aol.com

Postal Employee Records

msbear — 15 Jul 2008 5:39:38 GMT

Does anyone know where to find employment records for postal employees who were working between 1900 and 1930? This postal employee was also a census taker during that time. His name Walter Hewitt Bush, 4th son of Jahu Bush(aka John Bush)and Angeline Hewitt.

Thanks for your assistance
Joi Soucy
Kodiak, Alaska

Definition of "BEAMER"

EZerega9322 — 14 Jul 2008 11:20:53 GMT

My great-great-grandfather is listed as a "Beamer" in the
1890-1900 census. I've tried to find a definition of this word but only come up with BMW's. Has anyone every seen this as a job or do you have any clue as to the definition. Thanks EZ

Need help deciphering occupation in census

ksheffiel — 13 Jul 2008 1:06:45 GMT

You can see the actual handwriting here:
http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m301/freeth1nk/occupation...

The census is from Liverpool, England in 1861. Any ideas?

farmerette

Diana_Gale_Matthiesen — 10 Jul 2008 4:46:52 GMT

This is a first, for me, so I have to share...

Edith LEWIS, a 31-yr-old widow in the 1920 census of Richwoods Twp., Washington Co., MO (p. 254B), has the occupation, "farmerette."

Messenger in ordinary

AUSTFoulds — 3 Jul 2008 4:27:11 GMT

Hi,

Does anyone know what a "messenger in ordinary" was for the king (in England)? Was it a paid position? Did it have any prestige - how high up in society would you need to be to be one? The book I found it in was from the late 1700s.

Thanks very much for your help.

Regards

Olwen

Civil Engineers - England circa 1850-1891

genemonkey — 15 May 2008 12:12:37 GMT

Can anyone assist in pointing me in the right direction about finding details of a civil engineer Arthur George, or George Arthur Courtney (1835-1891). Believed to be born in Middlesex but possibly living in Kent in 1871. Is there a register or database available, I can't seem to find anything on the net. Any help or advice appreciated.

WHAT WAS A LADIES COMPANIONS ROLE??

angie_gough — 15 Aug 2005 7:04:06 GMT

My gg aunt Frances Hevingham b Staffordshire England was a ladies companion in London.
What was her role,was she just a servant?

Census Occupation Translation Please

junepicknell — 14 Apr 2008 8:45:28 GMT

Can anyone decipher the occupation here listed for Bepie Phelps - ???? Apprentice (3rd Down), and William Phelps - Brewers? Clerk? (4th Down).

Thanks to anyone who can decipher the handwriting.

June.

Plummier

ckmiller66 — 24 Jun 2008 3:43:50 GMT

My great-grand uncle listed his occupation as a young man as a Plummier. Anyone heard of that before? He lived in St. Augustine, FL. Thanks!

Jewellers Rouge Maker/Manufacturer

leesmob — 18 Jun 2008 4:38:46 GMT

I have an ancestor who was a Rouge Maker/Manufacturer in Scotland. I know that rouge was a polishing compound used for jewellery. Can anyone tell me what was involved in making rouge, and anything more about the industry generally - was it centred in any particular areas etc.

Puglist

frances_pritchard — 12 May 2008 12:40:52 GMT

William Fielder born about 1878, I believe in England because all other family in Yorkshire area. Pugilist known as Bill Fielder had 4 fights 1899, 1902, 1905 1906. Married 1912 at 36 to my grandmother - Dorothy Sharp, had two children William and Francis. His fathers name was Samuel and says a cabinet maker on Wedding Certificate. Went to war 1914? He died between 1916 and 1925?? I cannot find his birth or death records anywhere. Have looked everywhere known on sites. Nothing on census records either over these years. Can anyone help me please?

occupations

georgefoy58 — 27 May 2008 5:31:05 GMT

I am looking for any information my ggg martin foy married bridget rafferty in 1880 and on their marriage certificate martins occupation is groom,on his sons marriage cert his job is funeral proprietor, was just hoping someone can help

Clothier's Traveller

frances_pritchard — 22 May 2008 12:38:04 GMT

My Grandfather was a clothier's traveller. I understand he must of travelled with clothes but what did they actually do? Thanks

Edna - Cocktail waitress and elevator operator 1944-1945 Miami, FL

gjehjms7 — 17 May 2008 2:05:12 GMT

I am searching for information about my natural mother.

Not sure of her last name but Evans was a family name as told to me my my adoptive mother. I found her occupations from the non-identifing info. I requested.

I was born in Nov 1945 in Miami, Florida. (Dade County)

She was living at:

302 NW 5th St.
Miami, Fl.

This information is on filing certificate for my original birth certificate. Names are Mr. & Mrs. Noland M. Ebanks.

This record was filed in book 1824, page 43914 on 11/12/45 with the Florida State Board of Health - Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville, Florida.

I do not have a copy of my original birth certificate.

It stated in in non-identifing information that they were not actually not married but living common law together.

My birth name: Gloria Jean Ebanks

Hope someone can help me search knowing this information.

Gloria

Co. Mayo Flax Growers List of 1796 - will look up names

Catherine — 11 Nov 2006 4:25:46 GMT

If you have an ancestor who lived in County Mayo in 1796 and who you think grew flax I will look them up for you. I will need the name of the civil parish, such as, Castlebar or Knock. The information I can provide is the amount of land on which Flax was grown and subsequent number of Spinning Wheels awarded to your ancestor.

I have a copy of the information contained in the microfiches in Salt Lake City and in Northern Ireland.

Nursing organization U.K query

tstevenson1_1 — 11 May 2008 11:06:07 GMT

Hello, is there anyone who could tell me about a nursing outfit in England known as the Scottish Military Nursing Service? A relative of mine in Northamptonshire was a nurse belonging to it as far back as 1851. Being a military outfit would they have been sent into fields of battle?
Thank you.
Tom.

"Japanner"

KathleenMiller24 — 9 May 2008 6:14:33 GMT

I came across a possible ancestor with the occupation of Japanner. Anyone know what this is? Saw it in the 1860 and 1870 census records in New Jersey. Thanks for any help!

Doctors

rif1945 — 7 May 2008 12:01:03 GMT

I am looking for general information - my husband has this Dr. and he came to Aust. probably in the 1850's. married here. Where would I go to find him -only info from family is he came from the Clan area (so possibly around Glencoe), where would he have trained as a Doctor. Any help to start me looking for him would be appreciated.

Gun Maker / Picadilly / Paris

aven11 — 7 May 2008 9:21:04 GMT

Any gun enthusiasts who could give me more information about this gun maker? Possibly more than one generation of Charles Moores had shops in St. James's & Regent's Circus (Now Oxford Circus), 1820-1840ish, then moved to France? Possible partnership with a Deton?

Netherlands occupations?

lindagrounsell — 27 Apr 2008 9:24:34 GMT

My husband has Dutch ancestors, one of whom was a "grutter" and one who was a "gaarentwijnder". Can anyone tell me what they did please.

Many Thanks

Bricklayer to tailor

clare90 — 16 Apr 2008 11:47:11 GMT

I've found ship records for one of my ancestors that say when he came to U.S. he was a bricklayer. However, from the directories I've found for the next year in 1883 say that he and his son were tailors in Rochester. His son was only 16, so I'm assuming he wasn't the one in charge. Could this really be possible that a man in 1880's with a family would do something like this or could the records be wrong somewhere?

Bobbin Blocker

jgibson65 — 12 Apr 2008 3:03:44 GMT

Does anyone know what this occupation was, listed in the England 1901 census for one of my relatives?

Many thanks.

Help Please

EnglishErika — 31 Mar 2008 3:31:44 GMT

Hi all

Just wondering if anybody knows what the occupation of CHECKER L.M.S could be. It was my Great Grandfathers occupation in 1941 (I know this due to my grandparents marriage certificate). As yet I have come up blank. My thinking was maybe London Municiple something or even Munitions given the War Effort in London at that time.

Thank you in advance for any help

E

Translation required please - Unknown occupation

stu1871 — 19 Jul 2007 12:58:14 GMT

Hi All,

I have tried over and over again to work out what this occupation is on a family birth cert and allI think I can work out is '**unknown** Maker (Journeyman)'.

I don't suppose anyone out there can help with a translation of the occupation on the attached document?

Regards,

Stuart

Gale/Gayle-Robinson or Robertson-? Pennsylvania

Champlain9 — 24 Mar 2008 9:41:45 GMT

I need some help as I have hit a complete brick wall.

I have been searching for Gale/Gayle for some time now, apparently he was raised in an orphanage in Pennsylvania and served in the US army in the UK in 1944.

He was a coal miner prior to enlisting into the army which would have possibly been prior to WW2. His name has been spelt differently, he may have served in the 82nd airborne division, not 100% sure.

This is all the information I have, and would appreciate any help please.

Regards

Janice

Brusher? Webmkr?

ravensbeak — 20 Mar 2008 5:43:47 GMT

In the 1900 – 1901 Columbus City Directory, a possible relative is shown as a "brusher." The next year, 1901 – 1902 he is shown as a "webmkr." Any idea what they did?

I am completely clueless here. His brother-in-law was a stonemason; I haven't found any information on his father's trade.

Glassworkers in Butler, PA

rhoffn — 20 Dec 2002 4:38:24 GMT

I am looking for information, pictures, stories of interest on families who were Belgian or French glass workers in Butler in the early 1900's, working for Standard Plate Glass Company. I would like to correspond with any one interested.

what is a "print winder" in the carpet trade?

zoetoft — 8 Mar 2008 4:29:25 GMT

Hello all,

I have an ancestor who worked as a "print winder, carpet trade" (in Halifax, Yorkshire)according to the 1901 England census. Could anyone enlighten me as to what this job involved?

Many thanks,

Zoe
Birmingham UK

Messenger Key and Lach Bank

brig_b64 — 12 Mar 2008 3:47:49 GMT

Anyone know what a Messenger Key and Lach Bank as an occupation would be. It is taken of an 1881 English Census.
Help appreciated.

Marker Man

MilesLacey — 8 Jan 2008 1:32:52 GMT

Can anyone tell me the definition of a "Marker Man"? My ancestor was listed in the 1850 Census, and his occupation was Marker Man. Thanks.

"Lauzer" listed as occupation in death record

kinhunter2 — 10 Feb 2008 10:37:39 GMT

Anyone have an idea as to what that occupation entailed?

Occupation and handwriting from census- any ideas?

doogaldetects — 10 Feb 2008 2:08:51 GMT

Attached is the 1861 census and my relative Ann Taylor appears on the last line.

I am having trouble reading the handwriting- it looks to me like boat binder??

If anybody can decipher this and tell me what the profession is I would be very grateful!

Thank you in advance

What was a "Billiard Marker"?

joncar92 — 30 Dec 2007 7:21:06 GMT

I have Census evidence of a relative of mine working as a "Billiard Marker" at the Bay Horse(hotel), Burnley, Lancashire (1891), however he was only 12!!

:: What did a "Billiard Marker" do?
:: Would it be feasible for a 12 yo to do this work?

One definition for a Billiard Marker I have is:

A Billiard Marker keeps scores made by players and indicates them on a scoring board. In public billiard halls his duties also entail things such as allocating tables, cues, chalk, and sometimes refreshment too. He coaches learners, plays with patrons and collects fees for use of the tables.

Anyone know what a S.R.L.F.S Accountant was?

charlescatton — 6 Jan 2008 12:01:07 GMT

It was an occupation listed in the 1891 census in London UK. Anyone any idea? By 1901 he was a company accountant.
Any help much appreciated.

Thanks

Does anyone know what a pohsher was?

bonneblu — 21 Feb 2008 2:43:32 GMT

I am looking at a census where the occupation in Cincinnati Ohio was a pohsher.

Thanks!

Schoolmaster

jgibson65 — 2 Feb 2008 10:21:58 GMT

If someone was a schoolmaster in a small Yorkshire village in the 1820s, where would they have trained and qualified? Would they have to actually BE qualified? Would they have had to go to London?

Any help or advice would be much appreciated.

What occupation is a "countryman" ?

familyhistory2008 — 23 Jan 2008 9:41:56 GMT

I have just received a wedding certificate from 1846 for my G-G-G-G Grandparents, John Harland and Catherine Fagan.

John's occupation was written as "Countryman", and i was just wondering what this meant in 1846? Was it similar to an Agricultural Labourer?

Thank you

Manufacturer of "Josephine Ware"--???

vmountjoy — 17 Jan 2008 7:25:26 GMT

An occupation was listed on the 1880 U.S. census as "Mfctr of Josephine Ware." Does anyone know what Josephine Ware is?

Val

Anyone know what a S.R.L.F.S Accountant was?

charlescatton — 6 Jan 2008 12:02:30 GMT

It was an occupation listed in the 1891 census in London UK. Anyone any idea? By 1901 he was a company accountant.
Any help much appreciated.

Thanks

Shewer occupation

iainbs — 30 Dec 2007 3:40:10 GMT

I have a relative who has the occupation of "shewer" in the 1861 census return for Edinburgh, Scotland.
The online dictionaries were really helpful and said some one who "shows". Yes but shows what, where and how etc or is there some other hidden meaning to this word.
I am sure that there is some one out there who will be more helpful.
Look forward to hearing from you.

What is an 'Amusement Caterer's Showman'?

rw150677 — 6 Dec 2007 7:08:03 GMT

Have found this occupation on a certificate that I have acquired whilst doing my mother-in-law's tree (doing it as a suprise for her, so don't want to ask her too many questions at this stage). Does anyone have any idea what this is? The Amusement Caterer bit seems self-explanatory but not so sure about the Showman part.

Journeyman

kitpri — 14 Dec 2007 10:19:20 GMT

A Journeyman was not as presupposes, soemone who travelled, but an apprentice who had served his indentures--ie. a master of the trade who could set up his own business and employ people /apprentices

Tin Worker

yohyohy — 29 Oct 2007 10:13:16 GMT

hi there can anyone tell me what i TIN WORKER is/was thnx jacki

What is an "Apprentice Compositer"

andrewosgood — 30 Nov 2007 9:08:00 GMT

Found this profession on the census return. Is this anything to do wiht working in gardens?

Names of Canadian Montes?

Lynaded4 — 19 Nov 2007 1:38:40 GMT

Does anyone know how and where I could search for all the Canadian Montes? I am not sure but I have hearsay that one of my ancestors was a Monte. I would like to know if there are any certain webs that cover this information. Thank You

mealman

wjros1958 — 23 Jun 2007 9:04:59 GMT

one of my ancesters is shown in the 1851 &1861 census; and on his daughter's marriage certificate as a mealman whats that?

'Congreve Maker'

corinnecurtis1 — 11 Nov 2007 6:42:00 GMT

Hello,

Can anyone tell me what a 'Congreve Maker' is/was?

It is listed as the occupation of an ancestor, Richard Fear, in London, in the 1861 census.

Many thanks

Occupation: Iron Chipper

PaulGReeves — 24 Oct 2007 7:15:02 GMT

Can anyone assist me as to what an IRON CHIPPER was? I have several male members of one line of descent (HOWELL) in East London in the mid - late 1800's whose occupation is shown as an Iron Chipper. It seems to be mostly the younger men (21 yrs or so) as, by the time they got older, they were bridge erectors.

British Music Hall Occupation

jsphoto1 — 11 Nov 2007 11:24:16 GMT

Hi,

In a special search of the UK 1911 census, I have come across an ancestor who is listed as a 'Music Hall Book Boy', does anyone know what this job entails.
Thanks,
Dave

Does anyone know what a print digger was

rcldhudson — 18 Oct 2007 6:59:42 GMT

Hi,I have discovered that one of the relatives of my wifes family occupation was given as a Print Digge, I have tried to google this but have no joy. Does anyone know what this was???

Homested Steel strike

robert5630 — 27 Jun 2007 3:18:33 GMT

Looking for information on how to obtain records on employees of the Homestead steel works for the time period of 1885 to 1900. Would also like to find records for Amalgamated Association of Iron and Steel Workers for the period of 1885 to 1895. I would also like to find any articles from the period on the homestead strike. Great Grandfather Thomas McDonnell was in the strike and I am trying to locate information on him and his participation in the strike.

Vocations of our ancestors...

Steve Elliott — 11 Sep 2006 5:52:59 GMT

What is H.E.I. Service?

iamMelissaDMatt — 22 May 2007 2:44:41 GMT

Could someone please provide me with what this stands for and what this entails? I have never heard of it before

Changing jobs?

geotaylor131 — 28 Sep 2007 8:14:59 GMT

Hi,

I'm trying to find an ancestor who is described as a French Polisher on his daughter's marriage certificate in 1874, and as a Carter on the 1861 Census. All of the other details fit, but is it likely that someone would change jobs like that? I assume a french polisher would be a much sought after job and require a long apprenticeship?

Any help appreciated.

Geordie.

Jewellers and Watchmakers in London

MConaghan77 — 21 Sep 2007 11:39:36 GMT

Would anyone have ideas on where to find information on 2 of my ancesters who where jewellers and watchmakers in the early 1800s in London, they were not together it just happens that they were in the same trade.

I assume they weren't at all wealthy, one of them ended up a convict to Australia after a robbery in another Jeweller's store, the other one's son became a 14yr old convict for selling stolen snuff boxes.

Their names are Matthew SMITH and William SCAMMELL.
I am also looking for a Jeweller in Edinburgh, Scotland.

If anyone could help I would really appreciate it.

Kind Regards,

Michelle

Journalist in Late 19th Century UK

bergquistc — 20 Sep 2007 7:59:28 GMT

Is there another meaning for the job title "Journalist", other than relative to media, ie newspaper, magazine, traveller?

My ggrandfather is listed as a "Journalist" on his child's 1887 birth certificate, however, it seems as if his career may have been in the insurance accounting field. Is it possible the term journalist might refer to someone who enters journal entries into a general ledger?

He worked for a shipping company in Yokohama, Japan at the time. Thanks!

Finding a Description of Occupation

CToppan — 19 Sep 2007 8:25:26 GMT

Hi,
Can anyone tell me where I can find historical job/occupation descriptions. I am trying to find out what a compositor is but have other family occupations from the 1800s that I want to research. Any suggestions?

Thank you,
Carolin

WHAT IS

yohyohy — 19 Sep 2007 5:27:39 GMT

what is A JOURNETMAN? IS IT A TRAVELLER?LIKE GYPSY? THNX JACKI

church clerk

Gerry_Edwards — 18 Sep 2007 12:52:39 GMT

Could someone go from being an "ag lab" (aged about 55) in the 1841 census to being a "retired church clerk" in the 1851 census? Does that make sense ?

Schoolmaster

jgibson65 — 17 Sep 2007 11:01:17 GMT

Smithfields Meat Market, London

JessicaPearce301102 — 4 Sep 2007 11:51:21 GMT

Does anyone have or had any relatives work in this market? My husband`s great-grandfather was a head slaughterman here at the turn of the 20th century, about 1900. His name was CHARLES EDWARD PEARCE. Originally from Hampshire, he and his wife, AMELIA PEARCE moved to ESSEX. I am trying to find out about his time at the market and if employee records exist, and if so, how to aacess them? Has anyone any ideas?? Thanks Jess

Iron Moulder apprentice

jgibson65 — 28 Aug 2007 8:18:32 GMT

Does anyone know how old someone would have to have been to start an apprenticeship as an iron moulder in the early 1800s?

Many thanks.

"Imports" What's this?

LHILLMAN — 10 Aug 2007 12:51:25 GMT

I have found a new occupation for my German immigrant ancestors. While most of them seem to engaged in some form of boardinghouse/saloon business, by gg-grandfather's occupation in the 1851-52 NYC Directory was listed as "Imp.", meaning "Imports". (I found a second listing for he and his partner which gave this occupation.) The address given was lower Manhattan, only a few blocks from the wharves. Does anyone have an idea as to what these men might have been importing? Could they have been suppliers to the saloon-owner brothers?

Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

Lynn

Porterhouse vs Boarding House / Liquors vs Saloon

LHILLMAN — 31 Jul 2007 1:21:21 GMT

My gr-gr-grandfather and his brothers were engaged in the above occupations in NYC in the 1850s. What is a porterhouse? (Whenever I google it I get 1000s of returns on steak and I'm fairly certain they weren't dealing with meat.) What does "Liquors" refer to? Retail sale of beer and wine? What's the difference between liquors and a saloon? I'm having a hard time separating our 21st century local beer/wine seller ("liquors") and the bar down the street ("saloon") from whatever the 19th century definition was. And does anyone know if the names of these occupations morphed over time, i.e. what was called "Liquors" in 1850 was called "Saloon" by 1880?

On a related matter, how did one go about setting up any of these kinds of businesses? Particularly when the operator(s) (my gg-grandfather and his brothers) didn't own the buildings that housed the business...

Thanks for your help!

Lynn

Carman at civil

agricalex1 — 9 Aug 2007 4:35:18 GMT

In the 1901 census my ancestor is listed as being a "Carman at Civil". I know that a Carman is a driver of a horse drawn vechicle, but what does the "at Civil" mean? Can anyone tell me?

Ship Masters 1920

bettyinsweden — 4 Aug 2007 1:18:02 GMT

I have an elusive Ships master that I have followed all over the world only to lose him in NYC in 1920. Adrian Fritiof Dahlstedt was born in the Kalmar Slott (castle) in Sweden on September 17, 1867. (I know the names of his parents) He wandered around Stockholm for a time. In 1893 on December 7th he married Isabella Smith in New Orleans.
From Aug 28 1899 until July 1913 he worked for the United States as a civilian ships master of the cargo ship Wright, bringing men and supplies to Manila during the US/Philipine war.(I have his employment records) He returned to the US through Kobe,Japan. Then I find him on the East Coast of the country as Master of the S/S Westfield in 1918 and the S/S Sarcoxie and S/S St.Paul(1920). He disappears for me in 1920 when he left the St.Paul and listed the Hotel McAlpine as his destination. He is listed as married on all ships except the last one. Either Isabella died or she got tired of waiting for him. The Hotel McAlpine does nor exist any longer-converted to a co-op.
Does anyone have an idea where I might find more information?
Thank you for taking the time to read this long post.

Possible other employees of William Vanderbilt?

tiffinny66 — 27 Jul 2007 2:55:02 GMT

My Grandfather, Joseph E. Jackson worked for William Vanderbilt in Portsmouth, RI as a riding master for his children and then later for him as a farmer at his Cricket Creek Farm on Oblong Road in Williamstown, Mass. I'm not sure of the years but I want to say it may have been around the mid to late 1920's. I got this information from his obituary and it doesn't give any dates but he was born in 1904 in Fall River so I'm guessing he probably worked there in his twenties. Does anyone else have any relatives that may have worked for the Vanderbilt's around the same time?

Coachpainting History (Colchester area)

masgrace — 24 Jul 2007 9:56:05 GMT

A question for local historians -
Any history of coachpainting in Colchester? How and where may a young man learn his coachpainting trade in the 1820's? Is this a trade that has apprentices, and if so are there any records?

Thanks.

Records of those in domestic service

AlisonSmith827 — 21 Jul 2007 6:38:44 GMT

Can anyone give me any tips on how I might trace records of my great grandmother who I believe was a Lady's Maid to a family of some distinction before my grandfather's birth in 1898? She is on the census for 1881 in her childhood home but cannot trace her after that and it is possible she was living at her employer's residence. Any tips on where to look would be much appreciated.
Thanks
Alison

Jack Cutter; Jack Maker

DMLewis — 15 Jul 2007 3:44:28 GMT

Thanks to US Census reports, I've just discovered that my 2nd Great-Grandfather, [Joshua Williamson (1805-1888) of Marshfield, Plymouth, MA] was a "Jack Cutter" (1850), a "Jackmaker" (1860), and a "Farm Laborer" (1870).

I've search every listing of 19th century occupations that I could find, but the only jacks I found were 1)Jack-young male assistant, sailor, or lumberjack; 2)Jack-Frame Tenter-worker who operated a jack-frame used for giving a twist to the thread in the cotton industry; and 3) Jack Smith-maker of lifting machinery, etc.

From 1645 to 1871, the biggest industry in the Marshfield area was shipbuilding along the North River. If his occupation was related to shipbuilding, the fact that it had ended by 1871 might explain why he became a farm laborer.

I'll greatly appreciate any help you can give me.

Thanks!

What is a 'Dog Holler"?

BlueSkyGirl — 13 Jul 2007 6:51:53 GMT

I saw this listed on a census in Louisianna ca. late 1800's.

Dry Goods Salesman

rgbpar — 24 Apr 2007 3:37:54 GMT

Please forgive what might be quite obvious to those who live in the USA, but what exactly is a "Dry Goods Salesman"? My ancestor has this down as his occupation in the 1910 census in Buffalo, NY. However when he was in England (where I come from) he is a travelling salesman.

Is it something to do with clothing? I noticed Dry Goods Department Stores in Buffalo on a website. Thanks.

LMS?

KathleenMiller24 — 27 Jun 2007 6:41:45 GMT

I've already asked for the explanation for the designation of LMS following the occupation of Blacksmith; but in searching for other ancestors I have come across LMS again.
Have found it following these job titles: Apprentice, Laborer, and Machinist - all in 1870 in Paterson, New Jersey.
Does anyone have any idea what this refers to or where I might be able to find an explanation? Any help is very appreciated!

Celulloid and 'Blacksmith,LMS'

KathleenMiller24 — 22 Jun 2007 12:12:13 GMT

Does anyone know what was involved in Celluloid manufacturing? My GGrandfather was a 'turner' in a Celluloid manufacturing plant in 1910 and 1920, in Essex County, New Jersey.
I also came across the occuapation for my GGGrandfather as 'Blacksmith', followed by what looks like the capital letters 'LMS' in 1870, Passaic County, N.J. - can anyone explain this to me?
Thanks!

sea turf manufacturer?

janmac195 — 4 Jun 2007 6:44:10 GMT

I saw this given as an occupation on a tombstone and I'm intrigued. I googled it but the only references are to the springy grass found near the sea, not anything manufactured. Does anyone know what it was?

Sp Deal

jgibson65 — 19 Jun 2007 9:40:24 GMT

Can anyone tell me what an "Sp Deal" might be? Listed as an occupation on the 1841 Scotland census.

Thanks.

Occupation-F.S.

ballahassall — 10 Jun 2007 9:51:55 GMT

On the UK census', what do the initials F.S. stand for in the occpation column? I have several ancestors with this occupation but don't know what it is.

Defunct Funeral Directors Philadelphia PA

iterry — 19 Jun 2007 8:51:24 GMT

Trying to locate the family FD, Hally P. Johns. His establisment was on either Columbia Ave or Diamond St. as late as 1941. Thank you very much