Thank You David!! That sheds a whole new light on one of my ancestors.... Her will refers to her as "Spinster", and I just thought it must have been a "clerical error", because I knew she had been married. It just never occurred to me that they would list the occupation of a woman... (at least not back in the 1700's). You have no idea how much I appreciate your posting of that information. Your efforts to help everyone are invaluable! Thank you! Carol in Oklahoma ----- Original Message ----- From: <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, May 07, 2007 10:25 AM Subject: [NJ] OCCUPATIONS > Howdy - I found a reference during my search through various volumes > of the NJ Archives series, which I thought I might share, about > occupations and what they might mean. > > In volume No. 38, of the subset Calendar of Wills, is a 'Compiler's > Note' attached to the will of Sarah WOODRUFF (NJA 39:423), of > Greenwich Twsp., Cumberland Co., 'spinster' dated 31 Jan 1797, proved > 20 Feb 1799, and which shows an explanation for why 'spinster' is > there, attached. > > Since the abstract goes on then to state names of children and > grandchildren, obviously the 'spinster' term is meant as an occupation > - 'one who spins' - rather than an unmarried woman. Sarah was the > widow of Enos, who's abstract appears in this same volume, dated 16 > Nov 1794, proved 21 Jan 1796. > > Also consider the term - husbandman - as is seen attached to some > other wills. For the longest time I thought it simply meant a > 'husband' but came later to learn it meant 'one who breeds cattle' or > other animals. > > Anyway, just thought you'd like to know! > > David - [email protected] > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > This message was sent using IMP, the Internet Messaging Program. > > > > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

I think a lot more women worked those days than we think. Maybe they just didn't get much credit for it. Loreen Wells Carol Payne wrote: > Thank You David!! That sheds a whole new light on one of my ancestors.... > Her will refers to her as "Spinster", and I just thought it must have been a > "clerical error", because I knew she had been married. It just never > occurred to me that they would list the occupation of a woman... (at least > not back in the 1700's). > > You have no idea how much I appreciate your posting of that information. > Your efforts to help everyone are invaluable! Thank you! > > Carol in Oklahoma >

I think there must be another explanation for "spinster". Women did not work in those days,at least not as an occupation. I have seen it used occassionally and the ladies were all unmarried. I should think the word would have been "Spinner" if that is what she was doing. Clyde ----- Original Message ----- From: Loreen Wells<mailto:[email protected]> To: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> Sent: Monday, May 07, 2007 7:48 PM Subject: Re: [NJ] OCCUPATIONS I think a lot more women worked those days than we think. Maybe they just didn't get much credit for it. Loreen Wells Carol Payne wrote: > Thank You David!! That sheds a whole new light on one of my ancestors.... > Her will refers to her as "Spinster", and I just thought it must have been a > "clerical error", because I knew she had been married. It just never > occurred to me that they would list the occupation of a woman... (at least > not back in the 1700's). > > You have no idea how much I appreciate your posting of that information. > Your efforts to help everyone are invaluable! Thank you! > > Carol in Oklahoma > ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Genealogy Gathering - May 14, 2007 6:00 pm New Jersey Room at the Jersey City Library 472 Jersey Avenue, Jersey City, NJ, 07302 This gathering is for anyone interested in genealogy. New comers and seasoned professionals are welcomed. The group will be able to exchange information, ask and answer questions. Discussion of forming a more formal group will also be on topic. All interested parties must register by email with your name stating you wish to attend, to our host "Bob Murgittroyd" <[email protected]> _________________________________________________________________ Get a FREE Web site, company branded e-mail and more from Microsoft Office Live! http://clk.atdmt.com/MRT/go/mcrssaub0050001411mrt/direct/01/