On Fri, 28 Mar 2003 22:29:20 -0500 (EST), you wrote: >I agree with those who identified a cordwainer as a shoemaker, but I >wonder how many women were actually involved in this occupation in the >1850's? Since I have a "master cordwainer" in my line of interest, I >have searched many directories online and have yet to see a female >listed as a cordwainer or shoemaker. > >I would be interested if anyone has knowledge of female cordwainers. > >Nancy Vogt > > Nancy How about this entry from the 1861 census (RG9/3372/51) for Bewley's Yard, Leeds: Sarah Houfe 39 Head Widowed Shoemaker/Mistress empg 2 men. Sarah is my great-great-great-grandmother. She inherited the business from her husbands (she's been widowed twice). I think that would be the same for other female cordwainers, that they inherited the business as there were no sons old enough to manage it. Even then, I expect most women of the period would have sold the business and lived off the annuity. Sarah Ann Hough (formerly Robinson, late Harral) must have been one tough lady. Cheers Steve