Genealogy Chat

I was really flumoxed by an entry on one of the census which gave the occupations of the younger members of my family, some as young as 7yrs, as Sabocarvers. The entry was in dreadful scrawly, spidery writing and I wasn't sure if I had read it correctly so I took myself off to the Ref. section of the public library and found some good books on Occupations. Through this I discovered that my ancestors had earned extra money carving wooden shoes or sabots, hence Sabotcarvers Has anyone any more unusual occupations for their ancestors? Rose

Rose I'm afraid most of my relatives were boring old aglabs/domestic servants. I had a gt grandfather who was a "wood turner" on all the censuses. Recently my mum gave me some newspaper obituaries and he worked for a furniture manufacturers, so I know what kind of wood turning he did. Also most amused to find grandfather put "artist" as occupation on his wedding cert - he ran a picture framers shop. Another relative whose father was a dairyman (old fashioned milkman who took milk round in the street to sell) put "provisions merchant" for his dad's occupation on the marriage cert. Just goes to show you can't always trust what is on an official document! This is a useful site for old occupation definitions: www*.rmhh*.co*.uk/occup/ remove * first. nell

I had a marriage certificate through last week. The groom's father's occupation was ' artist's model' The bride's fsther's occupation was 'police constable' The mind boggles. What a combination!!! Jackie

I have a gt gt gt grandfather who is listed as a cordwainer. A La de da term for a shoemaker! they only made shoes from the finest cordovan leather aparently. (Had to look it up on Google) Also have Brass finishers, A Beagle / Town crier. Lead & Coal Miners, Booksellers, a Baker, a Plummer & Draper :) Sioux

I had one on the 1901 census transcribed as Brad..... !!!! Had to look it up to check and it was Brake Proprieter. Old name for a mini - cab business, apparently. Elaine x.

One of my ancestors is listed as a 'Tea Expert'. I liked that one, since I always have the kettle on! Not sure he'd approve of my 'Tesco Own Brand' teabags though!