• Welcome to this forum . We are a worldwide group with a common interest in Birmingham and its history. While here, please follow a few simple rules. We ask that you respect other members, thank those who have helped you and please keep your contributions on-topic with the thread.

    We do hope you enjoy your visit. BHF Admin Team

Can anyone read this handwriting?

Joanna

master brummie
I am trying to see what it says for occupation on this Census record, for William Beard and Austin Beard but I am struggling to read the handwriting, can anyone help?
 
Which year and how old are they?
1901 Austin beard age 21 Clerk
1871 Austin Beard age 26 boot maker
 
Hi, its the 1861 Census. Austin was 16 but for some reason on Ancestry when you search you need to look for Austine. I can't read what it says next to his name and his father William.
 
It's CORDWAINER
A cordwainer (or cordovan) is somebody who makes shoes and other articles from fine soft leather. The word is derived from "cordwain", or "cordovan", the leather produced in Córdoba, Spain. (This has no connection with the so-called "Corinthian leather" used in the Cordoba automobile.) Historically, there was a distinction between a cordwainer, who made shoes, and a cobbler, who repaired them. However, this distinction gradually weakened, particularly during the twentieth century, with the predominance of shoe retailers who neither made nor repaired the shoes themselves.
 
Michael,GREAT INFO & TO POST THE CENSUS AS WELL.
what great members we have on this site, they come up trumps every time.

GOB SMACKED.
ASTON
 
Thanks so much Michael! That's fantastic and makes perfect sense as they were later described as shoe makers and boot makers.

Thanks a million!
 
So I have had the same issue of not being able to read Cordwainer. Not what I cam looking for today but hey it was a good find!
 
Isn't it great to have such help from this forum. All the more reason to give them the thanks they deserve. Glad Joanna found her answer.
Lynda:)
 
Back
Top