Hi! Yes, please post it to the list. I need the answer, too. Thanks, Christina Hoffman On Mon, 14 May 2001 07:46:56 -0500 Jackie Dickson <[email protected]> writes: > Hi > When I saw the question posted on the list about a colliery engine > keeper, I > awaited an answer with interest as I also had a reletive listed as > an engine > keeper on the 1891 census. It seems thst someone answered the > question privately > so could someone please post the reply on the list. > > Thanks > Jackie Dickson

As far as I'm aware, an engine keeper was the man responsible for lifting and lowering the cages into the mine. The engine didn't have to be mechanical but might also be a horse-gin - a windlass like mechanism in which a horse or mule would walk in endless circles round a winch to raise or lower the pit-cage to raise the coal (usually). Often as not, the miners had to make their own way into and out of the mine at the beginning and end of their shifts as the mine owners considered it an expensive waste to have to use their equipment to get them in and out! J. Have a look at my webpage for all my connections: http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~jmcl483136/ > > When I saw the question posted on the list about a colliery engine keeper, I awaited an answer with interest as I also had a reletive listed as an engine keeper on the 1891 census. It seems thst someone answered the question privately so could someone please post the reply on the list. > > Thanks > > Jackie Dickson