Actually this is a railroad term for the person who wets the cinders down along the track. Old coal and wood fired boilers put out hot cinders along the track that would often set fires. The cinder damper was that person in an area that check to be sure there wasn't a fire started after the train went by. Not sure how long they lasted, but do know they worked in the prairie states during the mid 1800's. There was always the chance that the train would start a prairie fire. Del the Dragon Associate Emeritus IBBSG Proud Rootsweb Sponsor V.P. CCH&GS ----- Original Message ----- From: Bill Fox <bfox@nightowl.net> To: <NEWGEN-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Monday, December 04, 2000 6:49 PM Subject: Re: [NEWGEN] Occupation > Probably one who fished out cinders from coal burning furnaces or boilers. > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Jim Acker" <jacker@enter.net> > To: <NEWGEN-L@rootsweb.com> > Sent: Monday, December 04, 2000 6:40 PM > Subject: [NEWGEN] Occupation > > > : Hi list' > : Anyone know what a cinder damper was? > : Jim > : > : > : ==== NEWGEN Mailing List ==== > : ROOTSWEB..............R.I.P. > > > ==== NEWGEN Mailing List ==== > NO BIT OF INFORMATION OR TIP IS MINOR WHEN IT CAN LEAD TO A MAJOR FIND. >