What's the occupation?

Post by **Hilary** » 13 Jan 2010 17:31

Another query from a member.

1881 census RG11 3657 folio 4 page 2

John R Williams born Manchester what is his occupation?

Many thanks

Hilary
Ed Officer

Post by **dickiesam** » 13 Jan 2010 18:28

Hello Ed,
I believe it reads: Engine driver for Amer Line of stmrs.

I interpret this as Engine driver for American Line Steamship Company
See: http://www.theshipslist.com/ships/lines/american.html

The written A in Amer could be taken as an O and it is unusual to see an upper case A written as a 'big' lower case. But I still think it is an A.
John Williams probably worked dockside for the company on a steam-driven engine. Could be a locomotive or a crane?

Dickiesam

Post by **Hilary** » 13 Jan 2010 19:20

Hi

Many thanks for that we had wondered about American Line but hadn't thought of an engine driver on the docks.

Thank you

Hilary
Ed Officer

Post by **MaryA** » 13 Jan 2010 20:13

dickiesam wrote: Engine driver for Amer Line of stmrs.

Couldn't do anything but agree with that interpretation.

Post by **northmeols** » 14 Jan 2010 00:53

the engine driver on the steamship would have been the man incharge of the lever signals from the helm and ajusted the engine speed and direction in the engine room

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