I'm wondering if they had trade certificates in the middle 1800's. My grandfather, Geza Bako had several and one for example was 16 Oct 1902 from Tiszalok stating that he was a black smith and allowed to work in the town of Tiszadada and he had documentation proving he was eligible to be engaged in his trade. Another was the next year that stated that he was recommended as a clean living, sober, diligent and good worker. I'm looking for something for his father, Daniel Bako who was a tailor in the town of Nagyhalasz. Would I most likely find this for Daniel (if one is available) in the Szabolcs Archives in Nyiregyhaza? Sharon Dickson-Engelman

It might be worth your while, Sharon, to poke around for such things; but don't keep your hopes high. The trade education system really started to bloom after the 1867 agreement with Austria. That's when the guilds were also better organized, to gain recognition for their members. Prior records of craftsmanship will be hard to find. Your second document is a 'Character voucher', to this day issued by the government for people who need them. Joe Equinunk, PA - USA jjarfas@verizon.net tiszadada@comcast.net wrote: >I'm wondering if they had trade certificates in the middle 1800's. My grandfather, Geza Bako had several and one for example was 16 Oct 1902 from Tiszalok stating that he was a black smith and allowed to work in the town of Tiszadada and he had documentation proving he was eligible to be engaged in his trade. Another was the next year that stated that he was recommended as a clean living, sober, diligent and good worker. I'm looking for something for his father, Daniel Bako who was a tailor in the town of Nagyhalasz. Would I most likely find this for Daniel (if one is available) in the Szabolcs Archives in Nyiregyhaza? >Sharon Dickson-Engelman >