I suspect that being an engineer was a cut above being a labourer. My great-great-grandfathers George Knott and George Harrell, both from Strood, appear to have both worked in the cement works. George Knott is described variously as a labourer, manual labourer, cement works labourer, burner in a cement works. George Harrell, on the other hand, was an engineer, an engine driver in a cement works (I suspect this means a stationary engine) and even a traction engine driver! The Harrells lived in the nice part of Strood, while the Knotts moved from place to place among the rough bit. I suspect that the Harrells were not too pleased about their daughter marrying my great-grandfather. Simon norfolkchurches.co.uk suffolkchurches.co.uk On 25/07/2010 05:39, pam hillier wrote: > Hi Ian > I would be interested in any other opinions myself. > Although my grandfather William James HILLIER wasn't born until 1871 - in > many censuses prior to 1871, his family (father Wm and uncle George) are > listed as a boiler makers& Marine boiler makers. > In 1881 Georges daughter Emily was working for an ironfounder W E morris and > I think that it's likely Wm and George worked for him also. Engineering and > iron founderies seem to go hand in hand and follow through from their > occupations in prior censuses. Being the docks area, ship building etc, this > seemed logical to me. > Plus the fact that they came to Deptford from Bridport, a Dorset port area, > to the london docks area. > In 1891 William James HILLIER was listed as marine engineers assistant (his > father Wm was a Marine Boilermaker) > In 1901 he is listed as a general engineer > 1911 he is listed as a working engineer, electrical engineering > 1941 at my parents marriage, as an engineer (retired) > Any one with any ideas - I would welcome the input and discussion on the > list myself. > Also any ideas about how to track down any respective documents in relation > to how they achieved their qualifications might be enlightening. > Thanks in advance from both Ian and myself....grin !!! > Cheers Pam from Adelaide Australia > > > >> I was hoping to have found something a little bit more descriptive on a >> number of birth certificates where the fathers occupation was listed as >> Engineer. In the 1840's what would the description Engineer most likely >> apply to? Was this simply someone who operated machinery or drove a >> railway engine, or was it something more sophisticated ? >> > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to KENT-ENG-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message > > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 9.0.851 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3027 - Release Date: 07/25/10 07:36:00 > >