Genealogy Chat

Does anyone know if a weaver is likely to become a blockcutter? Are the two occupations associated? I'm trying to find out my ggggrandfather might have done both at different times. Any insights would be really useful. Elaine

From googling 'old occupations' :- BLOCKCUTTER / BLOCKER - made wooden blocks used in the hat trade or laid down the blocks on which a ships keel was laid; a blockcutter was also a person who made and cut the patterns into wooden blocks for textile printing This is the website:- www.cpcug.org/user/jlacombe/terms.html Kath. x

Thanks Kath. I'm still wondering if a weaver might graduate to being a block cutter of the printing type? Elaine

Don't despair - my ggrandfather was a dairyman on 1851 census & on the only likely marriage I could find for him he is a coach lace weaver!! People have suggested that if one trade fizzles out because of change in fashion or imports or something that people changed direction. I am yet to be convinced, but it all adds to the variety. Just keep looking Jenny

My husbands great-grandfather went from being a farmer to a policeman, back to a farmer and then an innkeeper. I suppose it was much the same then as it is now - you take work where you can get it. Kath. x

Blockcutters and weavers are both jobs found in Mills. I have both in my family, I mean sometimes a block-cutter becomes a weaver and vice versa. It is certainly possible for one person to do either or both. I have recently confirmed that my man, described as variously, Ag Lab, Confectioner, Coal Merchant, Farmer, Shopkeeper, Paper maker, paper Merchant and Mill Owner is indeed one and the same man, unlikely as this sounds - it was all explained in the newspaper obituary! Marjorie

Thanks everyone. That's what I thought moving form job to job but it makes a definate identification difficult when there's only a job to use as a match. Thanks again Elaine