This is a new experience for me,and I have a lot to learn.I am trying to find occupation information about Thomas Allcock (Alcock) born 1814 in Leftwich.He is listed on the Census of 1851 as out on his flatboat;1861 as master of a flatboat;and 1871 as mariner retired.One of his five sons,John I think was on the 1871 census as mariner. I'm having trouble finding info about flatboats in general-were they called other names and what was their purpose? Looking forward to hearing from someone through this " new to me" method.Thanks Noeline