Thank you to everyone who helped with the meaning of "contractor". It makes a lot more sense now. Now I can feel more confident that I have the right person identified. Big thanks to all! Happy Holidays, Lois -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] To: [email protected]; [email protected] Sent: Sun, Dec 13, 2009 10:11 am Subject: Re: [Black Country] Contractor? So, "contractor" was more like "contract worker". In a message dated 12/13/2009 4:14:27 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, [email protected] writes: May I comment on "Contractors". I have documents from the Old Hill area referring to a relative (Frederick Parkes) whose family business had bankrupted and he became a casual worker. He worked for various Councils laying paving stones (sidewalks) on a piecework basis. He was paid so much per 50 pavers laid. He was described as a Contractor. He did not have a Company, nor any assistants as far as the record shows. He moved to Wakefield in Yorkshire and did similar work. He was described as a Contractor on the books of Wakefield Council. This was around 1901 to 1910 so the term was in common usage. Details and Documents are in the Mallen Parkes Archive at Sandwell. I speculate that the present usage is post WW2. Cheers Roger Thompson. -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of [email protected] Sent: 13 December 2009 02:44 To: [email protected]; [email protected] Subject: Re: [Black Country] Contractor? Contractor may not be a "permanent" job, perhaps just for the length of the project... does this term mean the same then and now? In a message dated 12/12/2009 7:56:07 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, maaisha writes: Yes, Chris and Kathryne are right. I'm not sure, but I'm thinking the turnpike was built about that time. I have found what could be my Thomas Mansfield as a publican in 1851. But could a publican be considered a contractor? Confounded, Lois -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] To: [email protected]; [email protected] Sent: Sat, Dec 12, 2009 7:42 am Subject: Re: [Black Country] Contractor? Details escape me now, but what were major building events at this time? Railroads, canals, etc.... it is good to go to historical picture. Kathryne in NY