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Agents and Brokers

  • Thread starter Thread starter mand
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M

mand

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Help please - does anyone know what a brooker was? I've looked in the occupation list but nothing listed.
I have Alfred Plowman on 1881 census - occupation Brooker, i can't find him on anyother census to compare.
Any info gratefully received.
Mand
 
Could it actually be 'broker'?

meaning a salesman or middleman to a supplier for arranging sales.

Terry
 
I have a broker in my tree on the Ansell (brewery) line. Then on one census it shows broker and in brackets metal. So sounds like scrap metal merchant to me.

Ann
 
I don't think its just scrap metal. Look at the entries below, a selection of some of the more impressive of those described as metal brokers in the 1892 Kellys. :
Bradley Spencer R.25 Exchange buildings, Stephenson place
Docker & Bedford, 38 Cannon street,metal brokers, agents & merchants,copper, lead, spelter & zinc merchants
Roberts Thomas Richard, 9 & 10 Peel buildings, Lower Temple street
Ryland Charles & Son, 6 Exchang buildings, Stephenson place

Sanders S. 79 Colmorerow
Stevens James, 4 Peel buildings, Lower Temple street
Storer James, metal broker, zinc, ores,oxides fec. 6 Coventry street
mike

 
Thanks all, maybe it is broker after all - I haven't seen the original form, just took details of the LDS site.

Thanks Alf, I'm still about but my searches are taking me away from Aston toShropshire, Wiltshire, South Wales, Wigan and Durham, its seems a bit rude to post my queries on here! But I haven't found any sites to rival this one:). I have found out so much from everyone on this site and continue to do so, i try and contribute if I can, but I seem to ask more questions than i answer!

Mand
 
My 4x great grandad's profession in 1881 is listed as being an agent. Does anyone have an idea what this was, and more information on it? Thanks!
 
What's he listed as on the other censuses? First thought would be insurance agent.
 
Findmypast has a list of similar occupations and it lists House Agents together with Auctioneers, Appraisers and Valuers.
 
'Agent' can also be used to describe a person who deals in all kinds of merchandise. I have lots in my family going back to at least the start of the 1800s. Sometimes they are referred to as brokers too. My 'agents' handled all sorts of things; imported fancy goods, wine, timber - from all over the world. They also worked with shipping and transport companies. And many of the male children went into the profession. Viv.
 
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