Genealogy Chat

A million people have probably asked this, but what is a Carman?? And is a Journeyman a travelling salesman or what? Thanks in advance for any replies! Gail.

Yep Carman is the horse and cart or handbarrow version of a " white van man" circa" 1890's...........also "Carter" Journeyman is usually someone that has served an apprenticeship as a trades man............ie electrician, plumber.etc........

I've got this one on my tree, too. Have a look at www(.)gendocs(.)demon(.)co(.)uk/trades.html#C - it's a great list for any of those mystery occupations. Linda

Thanks Bob and Linda, So would a Carman Contractor be like a man with a van?? And Journeyman is not someone who travels eg Butcher Journeyman has served an apprentiship? Gail.

I would have though Carman Contractor was a step up from white van man, more the chap you contacted if you wanted a white van man to do a job. The journeyman I always thought was a self-employed person, paid by the day he worked. On the census, does it say worker or on own account?

Yes it does Heather, thanks for that. Gail.

Gail, quite often, Carmen, would have had an arrangement say with a brewer or similar that they do their " carting".but usually it would have been freelance. The Carman contractor is probably like an agent.....

Bob and heather are both right. The craft guilds were originally voluntary associations of craftsmen. they recognised 3 grades of skill: Master craftsman, journeyman (who hired himself to a master on a daily basis) and apprentice (trainee). Most men had to serve an apprenticeship (usually 7 years) to belong to a guild. From Ancestral Trails by Mark Heber Ann Glos

Thanks to everyone for all your help. Gail.