Town Drummer?? in Forres

[OzKat]

I have been enjoying my travels through the 1841 census and came across this entry for one of my ancestors Peter Grant in Forres. Can anyone decipher the occupation? Does it say Town Drummer?

He is described as a town officer in other documents. Can anyone suggest what occupation he may really have had? Is he in a town band or part of the sheriff's office or something?

Kath

[AMBLY]

Hi Kath

Check this:
http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/read/GENMSC/1997-05/0863488456

It says the "Town Drummer" was the person who "sounded the alarm, called people to meetings" etc - I guess alternative title would be "Town Cryer" in England?  Allso called "Bellman".

Also here: http://www.peebles.info/index.cfm?page=places
says" the Town Drummer announced royal and other proclamations to the people of the Burgh ..."

Cheers
AMBLY

[OzKat]

Fascinating. Many thanks AMBLY. This adds a bit of interest to this family - not another ag lab or builder. 
Kath

[maclennan25]

have you seen the following info? (from http://libindx.moray.gov.uk/mainmenu.asp ) just thought it might be the same town drummer??

Reference No.:  NM089607
Surname:  GRANT
Forename(s):  PETER 
Occupation:  TOWN DRUMMER
Date of Birth:  c. 1794
Biography:  LIVED IN FORRES
Date of Death:  21 JUL 1856
Age:  62
Place of Death:  FORRES
Newspaper Description  Date  Page/Column
Forres Gazette:  receipt of new drum 04/03/1842  3/4 
Forres Gazette:  death 23/07/1856  3/6 
COURANT:  death 25/07/1856  5/3 


kind regards,
Lorna.

[OzKat]

That's really interesting Lorna. I searched the Moray Council site for him about a year ago to no avail - found heaps on his son Robert at that time though. Though I should know better I keep forgetting to revisit places I've been before to see if there is any new info.
Thanks very much for drawing my attention to the entry and this is certainly him.
Kath