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Occupation Commercial Traveller

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Carol

Carol Report 20 Aug 2004 17:37

I have a marriage certificate dated 1892 giving both fathers` occupations as commercial traveller. How would they have travelled commercially that long ago. Has anyone any ideas or where I could find out. thanks

Natalie

Natalie Report 20 Aug 2004 17:48

Hi Carol Lots of Commercial Travellers in my family tree, and I think it means they were travelling salesmen. I think they only travelled from place to place within the UK, rather than abroad. Like you, I'd be interested to know more.

Unknown

Unknown Report 20 Aug 2004 18:16

Walked. Rode. Gone by stage coach. Railway. I imagine the distance they travelled would depend to some extent on what they were selling - things people wanted a lot would be local, specialised items would probably be travelling further. Method of transport might also depend on what the wares were - lugging heavy samples about would be restrictive. nell

Carol

Carol Report 20 Aug 2004 18:38

Thank you for your thoughts on this. It was just that commercial traveller conjured up long distances for me. The could even be door to door salesmen really

Natalie

Natalie Report 20 Aug 2004 18:40

My g-g Grandfather is listed as 'Commercial Traveller - Drapery', and his father worked as Warehouseman in a Linen Warehouse, so I'm guessing (perhaps wrongly) that the Commercial Traveller might have been selling goods from the warehouse to shops or markets etc. I think my g-g Grandfather was mostly based in London, as he's always home on Census nights and died in London!