Occupations
Matches 1 to 11 of 11 » See Gallery
| # | Thumb | Description | Info | Linked to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | Carter Definition: Waggoner - One who drove a cart to move goods The goods could have been food from the fields, hay, or even milk cans. | ||
| 2 |  | Hurdle Maker Definition: One who made wattle fences which could be used for movable fencing, sheep enclosures, gates, wind breakers, or screens. Round rods are driven into the ground to make a 6' block. The hurdle maker weaves hazel, ash, or willow around the rods until he has filled up the block. | ||
| 3 |  | Mill Cardman Definition: One who used an implement or a machine to comb wool or cotton before spinning. A cardman was responsible for disentangling and straightening fibers, and removing clumps or imperfections prior to the spinning stage. | ||
| 4 |  | Navvy Definition: A labourer digging canals or railroads for Navigators. Navvy's were well paid but it was physically demanding work and often dangerous. | ||
| 5 |  | Paver or Paviour Definition: A man employed by a town to lay or maintain paving stones. Pavers were in high demand through the 18th century as cobblestone roads replaced the dirt. | ||
| 6 |  | Rag Sorter Definition: A worker who sorted rags for papermaking, recycling, etc. This was considered skilled labour as they needed to separate fabric by touch and sort them accurately and quickly. They were often required to remove buttons and separate seams. | ||
| 7 |  | Relieving Officer Definition: Parish of Poor Law Union official charged with care of the poor. The officer evaluates applications for assistance including investigations. They report this to the Board of Guardians who could provide financial aid, food, clothing, or authorize entry into the workhouse. | ||
| 8 |  | Section Man Definition: Railroad work responsible for maintaining a specific section of track. A section man was part of a section gang. Their duties included inspecting and repairing the track, replacing ties and rails, clearing vegetation or snow and ice, and ensuring the overall safety and function of their track section. They used speeders (handcars) to… | ||
| 9 |  | Shipwright Definition: A man employed to build or repair ships. They were crucial in the construction of everything from small boats, large sailing ships, and naval vessels. Shipwrights were responsible to keep them watertight. | ||
| 10 |  | Shoe/Boot Industry Definition: Boot Binder - The person who sews the upper leathers on. Often given to women, children and old men. They sewed on the piece that had the eyelets for laces. Definition: Boot Closer - Hand worker, or operator of a machine, that sewed together the upper parts of a boot. The upper part of the shoe or boot consisted of anything above… | ||
| 11 |  | Yeoman Definition: A man who farms his own land. The land is normally worth more than 40 shillings a year. Equivalent to almost $5 USD today. |