Hi All Life did become harder for Shoemakers as the 1800s progressed. The typical shoemakers in the villages and towns were being replaced by the shoemakers in the factories, especially in Northampton. This made employment difficult for many. One of mine, James GRETTON with wife Ann, went from Tipton Staffs, Walsall, Staffs, Newhall Derbyshire, back to Rushall Staffs where two children were burnt to death, off to Stafford, then Birmingham, where he died, and she remarried. Some years ago a Northamptonshire Shoemakers index was started and invites to register your shoemakers were issued. It might have been on Rootsweb. I havn't seen it lately, but it may exist somewhere. perhaps Some Bright Researcher knows of it? With Regards Hilary Thomas Melbourne Australia, nee Nottingham