Hi Mary Lou, I was thinking along similar lines but perhaps a heavy engine used to operate a press in the forging of metal, he was at one time a Blacksmith. At one time I worked in an old factory machine shop in Ancoats, Manchester. This company used a 'Donkey' engine in its basement to drive a line shaft attached to the ceiling, it set all the machines in motion on the factory floor. It took over four minutes to set this beast in motion. In that time period there were a number of steam driven vehicles on the road. The steam roller was one, but also a local cotton mill had a steam driven truck/lorry making deliveries. It was a regular site on Ancoats lane. All in all, it makes me feel sure the person I am researching was not a Train driver. All my best and my thanks for your response. Mike Mike Morris Toronto Canada ----- Original Message ---- > From: "[email protected]" <[email protected]> > To: [email protected] > Sent: Tue, February 22, 2011 12:31:52 AM > > Hi Mike.....it is quite possible that he worked in the local mill: > > Stationary Engine Driver Operated steam factory engine, used for all > processes, usually linked by a system of shafts, pulleys and belts <snip> >