Genealogy Chat

George Payne christened 1803 Fareham (IGI) 1841 George age 35 Fareham occupation ? 1850 marries for 2nd time occupation Shopkeeper 1851 census looks like shoemaker 1852 son gets married gives father's occupation as Cordwainer! 1857 son remarries, fathers occupation somethingmaker 1871 census George is now a Baker 1877 dies - Master Baker Son's name is Charles Pargent Payne - Pastry cook on both marriage certificates Have I been looking at two different Georges or is he just being a "Pain" in the neck Opinions/suggestions welcome Jean

A cordwainer was a shoemaker.

Hi, I would say it is likely that they are different people. A Master Baker would have to have served an apprenticeship and he seems rather old to have switched careers. He would have to be "qualified" as a journeyman baker before he was allowed his own apprentice making him a master. Shoe makers or cordwainers usually served apprenticeships as well. It would be very unusual for one man to have served two apprenticeships. The county record office may have lists of apprentices and masters. They may also hold copies of apprenticeship "contracts". Those who qualified often became Freemen so may appear on those lists. Hope this helps, Gwynne

One line of my ancestors began as cordwainers/shoemakers. Then were recorded as leather sellers and eventually became grocers. This took place over about four generations. Anne

I wouldn't be surprised if they were the same chap! I have one chap who went from being a bargemaster to a grocer to a pork butcher and his son went from a butcher to a "gentleman". These are indisputably the same people throughout but it often depends on who gives the information. I have a few sons on marriage certificates elevating their fathers' occupations - baker to pastry chef being one of them (despite the father himself giving baker as his occupation before and after the marriage in censuses) Don't know if this'll help! :) David

Thanks everyone for the suggestions, I must admit I thought going from cordwainer to master baker a bit odd but the ages seem right and the son@s name isnt particularly common. Unfortunately Georges death was'nt registered by his wife or a name I recognize. There was another son & daughter so I might try their marriage certificates to see what they say. Thanks again Jean

Could it be the Bakery had previously been run by an older member of George's family and he inherited it? I have a gt gt grandfather who was an "agents clerk" on successive censuses then suddenly in his 70s became a wheelwright (a business started by his father and carried out by older brother until then)