Hi Elizabeth, I was glad to read your letter, but sad to see it's contents. On my Grandfather's birth certificate, his father's (my great grandfather) occupation is listed as colliery fireman. As I didn't know know what a colliery fireman is, I thought that might be quite an impressive title. Sorry to hear that they were so looked down upon. My Grandfather too, was a coal miner, before they immigrated to the US. Sure am glad now that they were able to!! gretchen Michigan USA