Genealogy Chat

My ggrandfather, John Owen, married in 1890, his occupation at that time was Draper's Warehouseman. On the 1901 census he was a Market Porter. I thought the change in occupation was strange so I re-checked the census and there is another John Owen who was a Draper's Assistant, making me think I'd originally got the wrong one. I have now checked the details and I know I have the right John Owen (wife Elizabeth and all siblings on census are correct). It still puzzles me though that he changed occupation so drastically? All the rest of my ancestors have kept pretty much to the same line of work. Has anyone else come across this? Lynne Sale CHS

Yes, Lynne My g.grandfather started work as a farm labourer in the Yorkshire Dales in 1881 Census. 1891 Census he was a Police constable with Burnley borough Police. His wife's brother was also a farm labourer, then he moved with them to Burnley and started his own laundrey business. Hazel Dalgety Bay

Hi An ancestor of mine started off working as a Blacksmith in the family owned forge but by the 1901 census he was the manager of an insurance office. George

An ancestor of my wife started off running a bakery and ended up as an insurance agent.

An ancestor of my husband started as a porter and became a jeweller. Margaret

Lynne, My GGGrandfather was a miner in 1881, a farmer in 1891 and on the 1901 census he has gone back to mining. I still dont know if any of these are a mistake though! Allie, SAL

On the 1881 census one of my ancestors was a bank clerk, on the 1901 he was an artist. Its not that unusual my husband was a miner when we married then he was a service layer and he was then a painter and decorator he now builds sheds. It just shows what we will do to feed our families

Hi Lynne, My Gtgrandfather was a policeconstable when they got married in 1873, by 1881 census he was a miner. I presume, he couldn't keep a family on a policeman's wage. June, Preston.Lan.

Thanks everyone, your responses have reassured me. Lynne