Frederick Powell Sr wrote: > > Listmembers, I have a Craven Co., NC deed written 1771 that lists as > occupation/trade "turner" [quotations mine]. In the deed Turner is > written with caps if that matters and the word does follow the > grantee's name. The deed reads like this: This indenture made the > twelfth day of April in the year of our Lord Christ one thousand > seven hundred seventy and one between William WEST of Craven County > and province aforsd. Cooper of the one part and John WATERS of the > county and province aforsd. Turner of the other part---, etc. > > What is a turner? Google provided me with definition of turner as > one who uses a lathe. For what types of work would one use a lathe? > Carpentry? Carpentry, in its broadest sense, but a rather specific part of carpentry, known as cabinetry. A turner would create those spiral bedposts, and fancy legs on chairs and stuff like that (pardon the technical term?). At one time, this was all done by hand, (that is, no lathe, either mechanical or electrical; 1765, in rural NC, they may still have been doing it by hand, but up around Thomasville they were probably using mechanical lathes). It was a highly prized and well-paid skill. (still is, to a certain extent). Among my assorted ancestors are a number of cabinetmakers and a living cousin does antique restorations. Cheryl singhals@erols.com

> Among my assorted ancestors are a number of cabinetmakers and a > living cousin does antique restorations. > > Cheryl <singhals@erols.com> Cheryl, I am so thankful for your ancestors! Other than your reply I have found no information whatsoever other than that brief statement obtained from Google. Thank you for your time and help. ### From: AEP <aepalmer@a-znet.com> > Anyone who uses a lathe can be called a TURNER. As such, the > occupation could be related to either wood or metal working. If > WOOD, it could be the making of architectural millwork such as > spindles for railings, etc. If METAL, it would be in conjunction > with a machine shop. This reply, too, just came in. Thanks to you, too, for the response to my query. Fran powell@closecall.com