RootsChat.Com
Some Special Interests => Occupation Interests => Topic started by: Timbottawa on Monday 04 October 04 14:03 BST (UK)
-
Dear All,
My g-g-grandfather was a cork cutter. I've never been totally sure what that involves, but making stoppers for bottles and so forth would have been involved, I'm sure.
In about half a dozen references to his occupation, from census records, birth and marriage certificates of his children, he is always a cork cutter. To my surprise, on the most recent acquisition, another birth certificate of a child, he is a "Tobacconist (Master)". This is only 5 months after the 1861 census, in which he is still a cork cutter. Unless the apprenticeship for a master tobacconist was very short (and he subsequently returned to cutting cork!), I presume that there must be some link between these two professions. Googling doesn't show any obvious link.
Any ideas?
Thanks
Tim
-
Hi Tim
My g grandfather began his working life as a cork cutter and his father was possibly a cork manufacturer. I haven't been able to find much info about the occupation other than cork was used for insulation and as stoppers etc.
My g grandfather went on to become a police constable but I doubt there was a link between the jobs ;)
If I come across any info I'll let you know
Helen
-
Thanks Helen,
Reading my own message again, it was probably not very well worded. My g-g-grandfather didn't simply switch professions ... he was a cork cutter again after the "Tobacconist (Master)" entry, so it seems that he might have used them inter-changeably.
Of course, it's not unknown for people to inflate their professions - perhaps at the time of the particular birth registration he wanted to claim some higher station, for some reason.
Cheers
Tim
-
Hi Tim
Found this explanation
>From The Book of Trades or Library of Useful Arts 1811
(Volume 2)
" The cork-cutter's business requires but little ingenuity; the knives
used in the operation have a peculiar construction, and they must be
exceedingly sharp. The knife is almost the only instrument wanted in the
trade. The principal demand for corks is for the pourpose of stopping
bottles; these are cut by men and women, who receive a certain price per
gross for their labour. Cork-cutters sell also corks by the gross. It is
one of the blackest and dirtiest of all the trades, and not very
profitable either for the master or the journeyman."
regards
peterbennett
-
Hi Peter,
Thanks ... I found the same entry, but it casts no light on any link to tobacconists. I really can't envisage any link, so I think the answer is that there isn't one. Quite why my g-g-grandfather would have taken a break from a life-long career as a cork cutter (or, at least, claimed to have been something different) is beyond me. If cork cutting really was so menial, and he had succeeded in becoming a "master" tobacconist, which must have paid much better, why go back to cutting cork?
Cheers
Tim
-
Coincidence! The latest Your Family Tree magazine has a short letter about a Cork Cutter, a reply and a small reproduction of an engraving of a C.C.
That is the second time I have heard about Cork Cutters in a week - but the magazine one is a "Fancy Cork Cutter".
-
Hello Tim,
Re your corkcutting ancestor - I've been studying cork cutting in England for the last two years and so have quite a lot of information about it now. I have never come across any connection between tobacconists and corkcutting (until much later circa 1890 when some cutters made cork filter paper for cigarettes.) 1861 was about the time when mechanisation of the industry was really taking hold. Maybe he was made redundant, tried the tobacco job, and then found another place back in his old trade. Corkcutters who owned their business managed fairly well economically. Their workmen did not earn a very good living but it was steady work, indoors and not too heavy.
I wrote an article for Family History Monthly on corkcutting which came out at the beginning of this year. You can probably get a back number if you would like to know more about the job.
If anyone reading this had corkcutting ancestors, I would love to have their names, dates and location as I am trying to build up an index of corkcutters in England.
Thanks,
Cheryl
-
Hi Cheryl,
Thanks for your great message. I shall certainly look for your article. I think you must be right about my g-g-grandfather's occupation - her probably left the trade briefly, then went back to it.
For your database of cork cutters, his name was James BOYLE, born Leeds, in 1827. He was already a cork cutter by the time he married in 1848, but his father was not in the trade - he was a joiner. James died about 1894.
Cheers
Tim
-
1861 Census RG9/277 folio 58b
Morgan Street, Saint George in the East, Middx
Thomas HOCKADAY 64 cork cutter Middx Shadwell
George TOLL 13 cork cutter Middx St Geo in East.
Seen today!!! For Cheryl's database.
-
Thanks everyone for the cork cutter information. It's really appreciated. At the moment I have a fairly extensive list of "masters" in England, but of course there are thousands of employees that I need to collect.
Thanks Tim for your suggestion of an "occupations" section. It would certainly be a great idea if it takes off.
Cheryl
-
Hi Cheryl,
As well as my own g-g-grandfather, James Boyle, in the 1871 census they had living with them:
J. Marston; 22; born: Leeds, Yorkshire; Relationship: Lodger' Occupation: Cork cutter.
Cheers
Tim
-
Thanks Tim,
I had already picked up the Marston lodger from your 1871 census enquiry and found it quite interesting as Marston is a name that crops up in corkcutting in Liverpool, Manchester and Leeds. Of course this could be coincidence, but corkcutting was such an unusual job that I feel there are usually family ties within common surnames.
Incidentally, I have your ancestor James Boyle (probably) in 1841 in a Salford/Manchester Trade Directory. These are easy to see on the Leicester University Historical Directories site.
Cheryl
-
Hi Cheryl,
Interesting, the record of James Boyle in 1841 in Salford/Manchester, but it can't be "my" James. He was only born in 1827 in Leeds, so would have only been 14 in 1841 ... possibly apprenticing at the time, but surely too young to appear in a trade directory.
James' father was Archibald, and a joiner, but could the 1841 James possibly be "my" James' grandfather? As you say, trades tend to run in families, and I've been unable to locate Archibald before he turns up in Rothwell, Yorks, to marry a Grace Watson in 1822. I've only located two of their children - James and an older sister, so James could have been their oldest son, and named after the grandfather. Purely speculative, of course, but very interesting!
All the best
Tim
-
Hi Cheryl
I too must read the article you've written about cork cutters. My great grandfather Peter Byrne b. 1842 in Liverpool is shown as a cork cutter on his marriage certificate dated 25/08/1867. His father Joseph Byrne (deceased at the time of his marriage) was either a Cork or Cart manufacturer, the handwriting is difficult to make out. I'm inclined to think it's Cork but will have to do some checking first.
Helen
-
By the way .... this should really go on "The Lighter Side", but since the topic is on-going here ....
The surname Boyle is most closely associated with Cork, Ireland. Since at least the 17th century, mayors, bishops, virtually any dignatary you can imagine, carried the Boyle surname.
My brother and I, as well as paternal cousins, were all brought up being told that our g-g-grandfather had been Lord Mayor of Cork. Quite how my 4 grandparents had ended up solid working class in Yorkshire, I couldn't quite envisage.
But you can imagine how I laughed when I acquired my g-grandfather's birth certificate and saw his father's occupation ... cork cutter.
Anyway, now I instruct my children that their g-g-g-grandfather was Lord Mayor of Cork ... ahem ... cutting!
Cheers
Tim
-
Just read your items on cork cutting.When my g.grandfather married in 1896 his marriage certificate shows him as a cork cutter. It also shows his fathers profession as a cork cutter. Seems as though it wasn't the nicest of jobs :)Lyn
-
Can anyone explain to me just where all the cork that was being cut came from?
Lindy :-\
-
I think Portugal was/is a big producer of cork partly because it has the trees and the right climate for the trees and it had a vested interest in producing cork for the use of its own wine trade.
I have heard that since the introduction of screw-on tops for bottles and cardboard cartons for wine the cork trade has taken a hammering. There might be a pun there somewhere. ::)
-
A bit of information you could do without is that cork comes from a variety of oak tree! Oaks are of the species Quercus from which the word cork is derived.
-
Thanks Hackstaple.
For a LOT of information you could do without, see this link about the potential threat to cork oaks posed by synthetic bottle stoppers.
If saving oak trees doesn't do anything for you, maybe the cuddly lynx will tug at your heart-strings. Buy cork!
http://www.panda.org/news_facts/newsroom/news.cfm?uNewsId=4802&uLangId=1
Cheers
Tim
-
Thanks for that Tim. I knew that these people had a problem (I'd glimpsed them at work once or twice in the past) but was ignorant of the knock-on effects
-
Glad to see "corkcutting" is getting some attention again. Yes, most of the cork in England came from Portugal but by the 1880s it was coming from Spain, and Algeria too. The very first imports in the seventeenth century were from France and Spain.
Let me have your corkcutting ancestor's details for my index PLEASE. Over 700 names on it now.
Cheryl
-
If you have found any ancestors who were cork cutters I would love to have their details for my index. I'd like to know which decade(s) they were working in and where. Also, if anyone just comes across corkcutters while census searching I would really appreciate the details.
I have over 700 names so far. If anyone wants me to search the index, just let me know.
Cheryl
-
I do not have Cork Cutters in my family history, however as the Glamorganshire 1861 has an occupation search facility I entered Cork Cutters and there were 8 matches:
Glamorgan Family History Society 1861 Census CD
4031 011 067 WOMANBY STREET 10 CONNOLLY WILLIAM SV M 31 - LONDON
4073 047 171 19 BOWRINGTON ST LOVERSIDE HENRY BO - 26 GLS GLOUCESTER
4031 011 067 WOMANBY STREET 10 MILTON JAMES SO U 16 GLA CARDIFF
4103 064 027 WILLIAMS STREET 22 MURPHY THOMAS FRANCIS SO U 22 CMN LAUGHARNE
4101 057 023 CALVERT STREET 18 RIDLER GEORGE SO U 18 GLA SWANSEA
4101 057 023 CALVERT STREET 18 RIDLER GEORGE HD M 41 GLA SWANSEA
4101 057 023 CALVERT STREET 18 RIDLER JAMES SO U 14 GLA SWANSEA
4105 017 137 BETHESDA ST.7 WILLIAMS WILLIAM HD M 76 GLS BERKLEY HEATH
If you want the full entries from the census let me know
-
Thanks very much Jen, That a nice bunch for the index.
Cheryl
-
hi corkcutter
I have found a corkcutter for you.
Thomas Edward Cottier born about 1844 in Liverpool. He is listed on the 1871 census living at 3 Union Place Hulme Lancashire
1881 census living at 30 Cross st Hulme Lancashire
1891 census living at 17 Newton St Hulme Lancashire
1901 census living at Prestwich Union Workhouse listed as a pauper corkcutter
this person was my mother in laws grandfather i dont know anything else about him yet, if i can find any more info on him regarding his occupation i will let you know
sal
-
Thanks for that Sal. Manchester was a really big corkcutting area. Poor chap probably got made redundant when machine cutting took on in a big way.
-
I'm very new here, and I've been browsing through the archives just to see what I could learn. I came across this thread, and hope it isn't too late to contribute. :-\
Anyway, I have a corkcutter in my family tree! He is William Gill, born c. 1838 and died 1886, both in Exeter. He is listed as a corkcutter in 1871 and 1881. Both times he was living in Stepcote Hill, Exeter.
I hope this adds something new to your index. Thanks to you, I now know what a corkcutter is. :)
Arishmell
-
Hello, Many thanks for the information about William Gill. The only other "Gill" on my index at present is James M. Gill working in Wakfield, West Riding Yorks in 1862. This is geographically quite a jump, but I would be interested to know if there is a family connection. Such a small percentage of people were corkcutters that there is often some link in families.
Other surnames that I have cropping up in Exeter over the years are Bartholomew Worth (c. 1797), Wm. Mortimer (1822) John Tothill (1822 and 1844), John Stockham (1844) and Bailey (1895).
More significantly I have William Gale mentioned as a master in Exeter in 1882 and 1884. He is also running a business in London at Walworth at that time. Could this be your William Gill or maybe just a coincidence?
Best wishes
Corkcutter
-
Hi corkcutter!
Hello, Many thanks for the information about William Gill. The only other "Gill" on my index at present is James M. Gill working in Wakfield, West Riding Yorks in 1862. This is geographically quite a jump, but I would be interested to know if there is a family connection. Such a small percentage of people were corkcutters that there is often some link in families.
No connection that I am aware of. Most of my lot stayed firmly in Devon - very rarely they emigrated to Dorset or Somerset. William and his wife Maria Clement(s) both originated from Down St Mary, a very small village - Exeter was the big city! William's father was a bricklayer, Maria's a carpenter. Lots of siblings, but no more corkcutters found yet.
Other surnames that I have cropping up in Exeter over the years are Bartholomew Worth (c. 1797), Wm. Mortimer (1822) John Tothill (1822 and 1844), John Stockham (1844) and Bailey (1895).
More significantly I have William Gale mentioned as a master in Exeter in 1882 and 1884. He is also running a business in London at Walworth at that time. Could this be your William Gill or maybe just a coincidence?
I haven't come across any of those names. I think William Gale must be a coincidence. Stepcote Hill where William Gill lived was a very poor part of town, and I can't imagine him running a business in London and living there. He had a son also called William, but he was only 14 and a scholar in 1881 so he's not likely to have become a master by 1882. I can't find the son in 1891, and only a dubious possibility in 1901, so I don't know if he followed his father in corkcutting. If I find any more info, I'll let you know. :)
Regards, Arishmell
-
Believe it or not, I've just found another corkcutter in the family! As far as I can see they are completely unconnected, on different sides of the tree.
This one is Robert Morris of Glasgow, aged 57 in 1901 and living at 72 Holloway Street, Exeter. I know he married his wife Mary Ann Morrish in 1889 in Exeter, but I can't find them in 1891 yet.
Just think, less than a fortnight ago I'd never heard of corkcutters, now I've got links to two of them. :)
-
Thanks - Robert is now on the index. I can't see any other Morrises that would link up.
What a coincidence! Exeter was not a big corkcutting centre and the job is pretty rare. According to the census there were only ten corkcutters working in the whole of Devon by 1911 and even at its height in the 1860s, only about fifty.
Best wishes
Corkcutter
-
Just found Robert Morris in 1891 - this time he claims to be 43 and born in Birmingham! Definitely the same man though, as the wife and child are right. He's gained a middle initial too - Robert M Morris. Living at Hookway Buildings, Paul Street, Exeter. Still a corkcutter.
Interesting statistics about the prevalence of corkcutters in Devon - did you mean 1901 rather than 1911? (Or do you have privileged access to something?!) Quite a coincidence that I should claim 2 of this rare breed, and totally unrelated so far. There may be a Morrish connection, but if so I think it must be before 1800 so very remote.
-
Thanks for yet more information. I too have an amazing number of ancestors who dither over where they were born. Mind you, as they can't have just pulled places out of the air, it does give some idea of how they must have moved around in their young lives.
The only other Morris I have is a Henry working in London in the 1880s, other than that they are all in the 1700s.
By the way, yes I did mean 1911. Although they won't let us look at the personal records, it's possible to see all the facts and figures that the census was really designed to produce at the Office of Natiobnal Statistics in London.
Best wishes
Corkcutter
-
HI Corkcutter,
I found these corkcutters for you in The Deserter Index.
Surname Forename Regiment Age Birthplace Trade at enlistment; Date Published in Police Gazette
SUMPTER James 74th Foot; 26; Greenwich; Kent; Cork cutter; 20 Sep 1834
WATSON Thomas 6th Drag. Gds.; 20; Richmond; York; Cork cutter; 12 Sep 1829
WATSON Thomas 6th Drag.Guards; 25; Richmond; York; Cork cutter; 19 Nov 1834
WATTS Richard 45th Foot; 24; Banbury; Oxford; Cork cutter; 29 Jul 1837
WILLIAMS Stephen 89th Foot; 22; St. James; Bath; Somerset; Cork-cutter; 26 Sep 1832
GRIFFITHS Thomas 8th Foot; 27; Chirk; Denbigh; Cork cutter; 16 Nov 1833
ANDERSON Joseph 72nd Foot; 18; Huntly; Aberdeen; Cork-cutter; 11 Dec 1839
GREY James 2nd Drag. Guards; 23; Leith; Midlothian; Cork-cutter; 10 Nov 1832
KEENAN Charles 2nd Bat. Scots Fus.; 19; St. Andrew's; Lanark; Cork-cutter; 7 Sep 1831
THOMPSON John 6th Drag. Guards; 22; Alrdric; Lanark; Cork-cutter; 13 Sep 1837
WILSON William 2nd Bat. 60th Rifles; 20; New Gray Friars; Edinburgh; Cork-cutter; 19 Sep 1838
WILSON William 2nd Bat. 60th Rifles; 20; New Greyfriars; Edinburgh; Cork-cutter; 10 Mar 1838
CARROLL Michael 4th King's Own; 23; St. Michael's; Dublin; Cork cutter; 6 Oct 1830
GREEN George HEICS, Artillery; 22; St. Barry's; Cork; Cork-cutter; 5 Oct 1831
McGUIRE John 85th Foot; 21; Inch Magrath; Fmnh; Cork-cutter; 15 Jul 1839
SCOTT John 13th Foot; 22; St. Mark; Dublin; Cork-cutter; 15 Jan 1840
Best Wishes
Amy
-
Thank you very much Amy. That was quite an exciting surprise and an unusual source too. One name turns up in a trade directory for the correct area in the 1840s. I wonder if he was no longer "wanted" or whether this is another member of the family.
-
Hi Corkcutter,
Glad you were please with the entries. It is well worth consulting the orginal edition of the Police Gazette as the details published typically included a physical description, including height, build, facial shape and complexion, shape of nose and mouth and colour of hair and eyes. The date and place of desertion would be stated together with details of what he was believed to be wearing at the time. Of particular value are the notes which can cover a variety of matters such as the number of previous desertions, unusual physical characteristics (pock marked, scar on right thigh, sun & seven stars on right arm etc.) and occasionally a suspected destination.
The Police Gazette can be viewed at the National Archives (HO75) and at the Newspaper Library at Colindale. It can also be ordered from the LDS.
Best Wishes
Amy
-
Dear Amy,
I shall now make a point of browsing the Gazette next time I'm at the PRO. Thanks for the information
Corkcutter
-
Hello,
If you are trying to contact me after reading the article in Practical Family History - here I am. Click on "reply" to let me know details of your corkcutting ancestors.
Cheryl
-
Hallo
My G/Grandfather was a corkcutter in the Bethnal Green area
He was William Watts Born circa 1820
My 1st Sighting of him as a corkcutter was his marriage cert
11th Mar 1844, of full age living at, Cumberland St Shoreditch
He was on the 1851, 1861, 1871 census at 31 Barnsley Street, Bethnal Green. with his wife and family, although on the '71 census he had remarried.In the 1881 census he in the Whitechapel Union Workhouse.
His son William was also a corkcutter but is shown on the 1901 census as a cockcutter
Ernie Smith
-
My Gt Gt Gt Grandfather was a cork cutter who lived in Uttoxeter. His name was George Froggatt who married Elizabeth Lacy on 9/7/1821 in Stoke on Trent. He had a son also named George (christened 1824) born in Uttoxeter who became a journeyman shoemaker and moved to Northampton (do not know when) and married Louisa Sturges in 1858 at St Sepulchre, Northampton.
Do you have any record of him - would cork cutting be part of the shoe trade or was it making cork for bottles?
I would be grateful for any information, if not specifically about George Froggatt but about corkcutters in general and please feel free to add him to your index. I have given you all the information I have about him but if you have any questions you think I may be able to help with just ask.
-
Thank you for the information. I did not have George senior or junior before, nor does their surname crop up anywhere else on my index.
There was a connection between shoe making and cork as components of shoes, such as heels, had been made of cork for centuries. "Corkcutter and pattenmaker" is a common term of description in the eighteenth and early nineteenth century. I have come across shoemakers who cut cork when business was slow. Usually, however, the trades were separate, with the shoemakers relying on the corkcutters to supply them with what they needed. A great deal of a corkcutter's work was making bottle stoppers.
The July issue of "Practical Family History" magazine has an article by me in it which gives a lot of information about the trade. There is also a special mention of Uttoxeter, as this was an unusual centre for corkcutting (being neither a port or main town). There is an exhibition about corkcutting in Uttoxeter at the Heritage Centre until 31 July. Joy Dunnicliff's booklet "Uttoxeter and Cork" is also mentioned, though I am afraid your ancestor is not named in it.
Please contact me again if you need to now anything else.
Corkcutter
-
Hi Corkcutter
My great great great grandfather was a corkcutter. His name was Charles Gearey, an Irishman, but all I know about him is from his son's (my great great grandfather's)marriage certificate.
Although the Gearey's were Irish they lived in Lambeth and corkcutter is the profession listed for Charles at the time of his son's wedding - 1884.
I would love to know if you already hold his name in your index and if so, whether you have any other information on him as I know no more than what I've already told you.
Stewart
-
Hi Stewart,
Thank you for your enquiry. Unfortunately I don't have any Geareys or Gearys on the index at the moment (though yours has now been added). There were several corkcutting firms in Lambeth in the 1880s. It is likely that your ancestor was an employee, rather than a master, and records are not so plentiful on these.
If I come across any references to Gearey in the future, I will contact you.
Best wishes
Corkcutter
-
Hi Cheryl
Found these forums by doing a search on Cork Cutter as I was curious to find out what exactly that meant. After reading all these posts, I now know!
Saw that you were asking for anyone with cork cutters in their ancestry so thought I'd add mine to your collection:
William Sanger born circa 1790 (don't have a definite place of birth, but he married in Bedminster, Somerset so possibly he came from there or Wilts - tons of Sangers in the West Country). He had at least 6 children - all of whom state their father's profession as "Cork Cutter" on marriage certs - and he was deceased by 1848, possibly by 1841 when his children were living alone in London. His sons didn't carry on with their father's profession - all but one of them became tin plate workers.
If you happen to have any info on any Sanger cork cutters, I'd be glad to hear about it.
Regards - Leah
-
This month's edition of Practical Family History has an entire section of 4 pages dedicated to cork cutters and cork cutting!
In the article it refers to "Corkcutter" (Cheryl) and her corkcutting thread on this site which prompted me to make contact. I bought the magazine purely for the article and it's very interesting particularly as I knew nothing about it whatsoever other than my great great great grandfather was one.
-
Hi
When you mention that this month's edition of Practical Family History has a section on cork cutters do you mean the June issue? Two of my ancestors were cork cutters and I would like to read the article but the newagent only has the July issue :'(
Genna
-
Hi Genna
The article is in the July edition. Half way down the right hand side of the front cover you'll see it says "Old occupations: Corkcutters"
-
Hi
Thanks for the info. Off to town to buy a copy.
Cheers Genna
-
Dear Leah,
Thank you for the information about William Sanger. Unfortunately, he was not on the index (though he is now!) He was working in an area where corkcutting was not that common, though, at some distance, Bristol, Bath and Salisbury all had workshops.
I will keep your details in case I come across any more information on Sanger.
Best wishes, Cheryl (corkcutter)
-
Even here in Canada, one of the larger chains of book shops carries Practical Family History. So, after learning that the July edition has Cheryl's cork cutting article, I went round to the nearest branch (and subsequently, several others) on July 1st. Sure enough, there was Practical Family History ... the May edition!
I guess I'll have ot wait another couple of months until the next boat from the UK arrives.
Tim
-
Hi Tim.
Hope the wait is worth the suspense!
Cheryl
-
Hi again Cheryl
Re William Sanger, cork cutter - it appears that at some point in the mid-1820s he ended up in London (one of his sons states being born 1829 Lambeth on a census report) - would cork cutting have been more popular in London by any chance?
Just wondering if this is the reason they came to London from Bristol.
Regards
Leah
-
Dear Leah,
Thanks for the further information on William. Of course, we shall never know his personal reasons for moving, but this drift into London by corkcutterswas very common. London was THE place for corkcutting and so acted as a magnet for qualified journeymen who were struggling for a living elsewhere. At that time, you were not supposed to move to another area without having a job pre-arranged there, but I have found some evidence that corkcutting was among those trades that supplied some kind of travel ticket and introduction to masters in other towns.
Best wishes
Cheryl
-
Thanks, Cheryl, for that wealth of information - it's really helped to paint a clearer picture of my ancestors.
Much appreciated - Leah
-
I read the article in PFH about Cork-cutters. My 4xGt Grandfather was a cork-cutter. George Sampson was born in London 1783 & moved to Uttoxeter before marrying there in 1808. From what I have so far, his father John died in 1797 and most of his siblings had died young. George died in 1847. His sons and descendants were mainly shoemakers. I was keen to know if the Thomas Harper in the article was connected to the Harpers in my Sampson branch in Uttoxeter. Henry Edward Harper married Lucy Sampson in 1882 and sister, Helen Harper married Thomas Sampson, Lucy's brother, in 1890
Regards, Peter Sampson
-
Hello.
Thank you for the information about George Sampson. He is on my index as he figures in a list of "fathers' names" at baptisms in Uttoxeter between 1815 and 1829. The list is from Joy Dunnicliff's booklet about cork in Uttoxeter which was mentioned in the magazine article.
Did the Harper/Sampson marriages take place in Uttoxeter?
If so, there may well be a connection with the corkcutting Thomas Harper, but I am afraid I have no proof of it. Joy may be able to help as she knew Jessie Harper personally.
The only other "Sampson" featuring in the Uttoxeter book was "Sampson Smith" which is probably just a coiincidence, but it is an unusual spelling of the first name so just possibly there is a baseborn connection?!
I shall file your interest in the Sampson/Harper names and contact you if I discover anymore information.
Best wishes
Cheryl
-
Continuation of above:
Forget the baseborn Sampson Smith theory. I"ve just checked and he is legitimate - father another Sampson Smith!
Cheryl
-
Corkcutter/Cheryl
Do you plan to make your research and the list of known corkcutters public at some point?
Regards
Stewart
-
Dear Stewart,
Yes, I would like to run a website some time but at the moment I do not have the expertise or the equipment necessary.
If you want to know anything, do ask. The article in July Practical Family History is quite a good summary of what I know so far.
Cheryl
-
I wounder if anyone has ever heard of James Etheridge who died 1909 aged 79 address 10 Finck St,Upper March , Lambeth
I dont think he is partof my tree but would love to pass death cert on to someone
-
Hi James,
He was not on the index but has been added now. I hope you find a connection to pass on the death certificate.
Cheryl
-
Finally got the July PFH issue here in Canada. Great stuff on cork cutters, Cheryl. Thanks a lot! Now, about that database ....
Tim
-
Glad you enjoyed it Tim. I'll be straight in contact with you if I find any more about your lot!
Cheryl
-
I too have found a cork cutting ancestor. I am tracing the line of my surname (Johnson) and my g.g.g.g.grandfather (James Holmes Johnson) was born in about 1828 and lived in Stepney before emigrating with his wife (Ellen White) to Australia in 1858. He remained a cork cutter all his life according to his death certificate in Victoria.
I also believe that his father was a cork cutter too, but I do not have any confirmed details on the father at the moment - can't even confirm his name.
Stuart
-
Hi Stuart,
Thank you for your submission to the index. I am afraid I didn't have your man already. Obviously Johnson is a very frequent name so it's likely that the names I do have on the index are connected, however, for what it is worth, here they are:
William Johnson, London, supplying corks to Petworth House in Sussex up to 1760.
James, working in Liverpool in 1807 - don't know if he is a master or journeyman.
James, working in Manchester, iin 1911 - a master.
William, working from the High St. in Bromsgrove Worcs iin 1828 - a master.
Do let me know if you find details of his father's name.
Best wishes
Cheryl
-
Hi Cheryl
Found this today.
1881 census
RG11/4067 folio 58 page 34
2.2ct Morton St, Oldham, Lancs
Joseph Owens Head M 34 Cork Cutter b Flixton Cheshire
Hannah Owens Wife M 35 Cork Cutter b Manchester
Hope you can add this couple to your project
Sal
-
Thanks Sal,
They were new to me.
Cheryl
-
Hi Tim,
both my g g grand father and g grandfather were cork cutters / sorters and as there lived by and worked in the east end docks of London I believed that it was to do with ships and rigging repairs. Is there any one else who could show some light on this occupation?
Regards
Spike ???
-
Hi Spike,
Although cork did get used for shipping, the main job of corkcutters and sorters was cutting corks for bottles and bungs for barrels. They were sited near the docks because raw cork was a bulky thing to move around so the cutters tended to set up shop in dock areas. Please could I have details (names, dates, address etc) that I can check against my corkcutters index? If you can get hold of the magazine Practical Family History, July issue, you may find my article there about corkcutting interesting.
I'm Cheryl by the way. Tim's and my strings on corkcutting have been blended by the moderator.
Best wishes.
-
Hi Sal,
Thank you for you reply. Richard Milligan (cork sorter)born 1829 lived in various addresses in the east end but living at 60, Sydney Street, in 1892 and his son James Milligan (cork cutter?) born1861 and in 1890 living at 154, High Street, Shadwell.
Also do you have a Joseph Milligan on your records born 1795 +/- 3 years who was Richard's father?
Thank you
Spike
-
Hi Spike,
There were no Milligan's on my index I am afraid, though their details are now in with your name as a contact should anyone else contact me about the same line.
It is almost certain that your Milligans would have been employees rather than the boss. The average size for a corkcutting shop was two to five men, though this increased in bigger concerns towards the 1890s.
We can never be sure of course, but it's a fair bet that your James worked for John Hill who ran a corkcutting shop at 171 Shadwell High Street at the right time.
Best wishes
Cheryl
-
I came across a "Cork Manufacturer" today.
George William Moore, Cork Manufacturer, Captain Carey's Lane, Bristol.
Source: Kelly's Directory of Somersetshire, With the City of Bristol, 1889, page 52
-
Hi Amy K,
Thank you for that but my ancestors lived and worked in the east end of London. Just as a point of interest do you know of a Joseph Milligan working with cork and again thank you :)
Regards
Spike
-
Hi Amy,
Thanks for that. Another one I didn't have! Keep them coming.
Cheryl
-
Hi Cheryl,
I was very interested in your article on corkcutters in Practical Family history. I have been trying to find out about the trade ever since I found that my 3&4X G-grandfathers were cork cutters in Newcastle St Andrews. William Doughty is listed on his marriage certificate 1846 as Corkcutter, and his father John Doughty's profession is also given as corkcutter.
The 1871and 1881 census have William still working as a corkcutter living in Vine ST. St Andrews, and in 1881 William's son Thomas (24) and a lodger Mark Gowens(45) are also CCutters. Do you think that this was a family business? and do you have any other Doughtys in Newcastle on your index?
Your article has been a great help to me, and I hope that my info will be of help to you.
Cheers, Pattym
-
Dear Patty,
I'm glad you found the article interesting. I only had one Doughty on the list - Doughty & Co. in a Newcastle trade directory for 1890. Interestingly there is another firm called simply Gowens listed in 1898 and 1910 - almost certainly some connection with the lodger!
Your message inspired me to go back to Newcastle records. I get most of my index from trade directories and new ones are becoming available all the time. I found lists for 180l, 1827 and 1850 (and had already covered some later dates). No Doughty or Gowens on any of these. Of course, we can't be sure, but I think your family were rather like mine - corkcutters working for other people for generations and then making it to being their own bosses just at the end of the nineteenth century when business was beginning to slack off. Poor timing!
I shall keep your name linked to Doughty as a reference and contact you if I discover anything else or if anyone else contacts me looking for corkcutting Doughtys.
Thank you for the information on your family. They are now on the index.
Best wishes
Cheryl
-
Hi
Is a cork sorter part of the same trade.
I have William H Liscoe b1870 in Bermondsey
as an employed cork sorter in 1901.No one else in the family was in the trade
Tazzie
-
Hi Tazzie,
Yes, a cork sorter was in the same workshop and there were quite a few around the Bermondsey area at that time. By 1901 the corks were being turned on treadle driven machines but then had to be quality checked for size and grain quality. Also a lot of foreign corks were being imported from the big factories in Spain and Portugal. They were sorted in the English workshops and then sold on.
A lot of cork sorters were women and I'm afraid that it was pretty bottom-of-the-hill work! Still, he will go on my index with the corkcutters and hold his head up high.
Many thanks for the information
Cheryl
-
The tobacco my grandfather used to smoke smelt like burning cork!!
-
Here's another one who I think was an ancestor_I am still researching him. He is on the 1851 census as Richard Hoffer, but Piggot's directory and IGI have him down as Heffer. I am wondering if he came from Denmark of somewhere to the port.
PIgots directory 1830 Bristol
HEFFER Richard Cork Cutter 16?? Peters Street, Bristol
I am trying to find out more about him. I think he had a daughter, Mary Ann, who married a David Morgan. Mary Ann Morgan was the landlady at the Ship In in Pipe Lane around 1888.
-
Thanks for that. The earliest mention I had for him was 1844 in a trade directory and he then turned up again in the 1850s. I don't have any other Heffers (or indeed Morgans - except for one in Plymouth). No other information at present I'm afraid, but I'll put you in as a reference with his name.
Cheryl
-
I have discovered that Robert Lincraft Heffer, born 4 Jan 1824 at Temple Bristol, Richard Heffer's son, was also a cork cutter.
Don't know if you already have him, but he is in the 1851 census.
Nikki
-
Hi Cheryl,
I just rec'd a marriage certificate of my gr-gr-gr grandparents and he, John Ball lists his occupation as a "Cork Screw Maker". They were married in 1855 in Birmingham. Would that be in the same trade as a corkcutter?
Thanks,
Karen
-
Hi Karen,
Thanks for the information. No, a corkscrew maker would be a quite separate manufacturing unit from corkcutting, though you could say they were interdependent!
Best wishes
Cheryl
-
Hi Cheryl
Just a bit of an update regarding Thomas Edward Cottier. I have now found him on the 1861 census, i will give you the full transcription as he was lodging with other corkcutters which you may not have.
RG9/2897 folio 42 page 23
15 Queen St, Hulme, Manchester
John Pegg Head Mar 50 Corkcutter born Hull Yorkshire
Sarah Pegg Wife Mar 49 no occ born Skilthorpe Lincolnshire
Deborah Pegg Daur 16 Cotton Weaver born Lincoln
Thomas Pegg Son 12 Corkcutter born Lincoln
Daniel Mckay Lodger 20 Corkcutter born Manchester
Thomas Cottier Lodger 18 Corkcutter born Liverpool.
Thomas Edward Cottier was born c1844 Liverpool, he was a Corkcutter all of his working life, based on information found on census 1861 - 1901 he died 1902 in Prestwich Union Workhouse
Hope this helps
Sal
-
Dear Sal,
Many thanks. I didn't have the Peggs or McKay. It was interesting to see how much John Pegg had moved around in his job.
Keep in touch
Cheryl
-
My g g g grandfather Nathaniel Moore was a cork cutter in Hull pre 1861, does anyone have any information about him or his job please? Would be much appreciated
-
I don't have Nathaniel Moore on my corkcutter index at the moment which indicates he was more likely to be a journeyman than an employer. If you have any address for him I would be able to tell you which corkcutting firms were working near him.
Can you let me have a few details about him - d.o.b, dates when you know he was working as a corkcutter, names of any relatives or connections who also claim to be corkcutters? I will then put him on the index with your name as a contact in case someone comes looking for his name later. I do have a few other Moore corkcutters on the index but none in Hull, and as it is a common surname, there is probably no link.
Best wishes
Cheryl
-
Thanks for getting back to me! Unfortunately i dont know much about him yet as I only recently found him on a marriage certificate for his daughter Elizabeth Moore who married John Henry Tarbotton July 2nd 1861 in st james church, holy trinity, hull. It just lists his name and deceased, with occupation as cork cutter. I thought it may have something to do with ships/boats as Hull was a large fishing port. I have tried 1851 census but so far have not found him.
-
I have some more corkcutters for your collection.
FIRE AT MR REED'S, CORKCUTTER, WIND STREET, SWANSEA.
Cambrian newspaper, 21 April 1848.
it appears Mr Reed ceased trading....
J.F.REED, CORK CUTTER, OF SALUBRIOUS PLACE, SWANSEA, IS TO CEASE BUSINESS. Cambrian newspaper - 06 June 1851
WILLIAM JEWELL, CORK CUTTER, AT HAVERFORDWEST
Cambrian newspaper, 07 November 1840
JAMES RIDLER OF SWANSEA AGED 48.CORK CUTTER
Death notice - Cambrian newspaper, 01 January 1842
SWANSEA POLICE:GEORGE RIDDLER,CORK CUTTER,SWANSEA, FINED FOR ASSAULTING ANNE MORGAN,WIFE OF THOMAS MORGAN,CORDWAINER.
Cambrian newspaper - 03 December 1842, page 3
MR GEORGE ROGERS, CORK CUTTER, HAVERFORDWEST
Cambrian newspaper - 23 November 1844
WILLIAM RIDLEY, CORK CUTTER, CHARGED BY PC.42 WITH BEING DRUNK & RIOTOUS IN CAER STREET.
Cambrian newspaper - 05 July 1872, page 6.
-
Dear Amy,
Many thanks. Some names were new and others added information to what I already had. Two names actually linked to an enquiry I had had so I have forwarded the details on. Someone will be happy!
Cheryl
-
There is actually some more information online. I was being brief to give you an overview. It's well worth a look.
Amy
-
Will do. Thanks.
Cheryl
-
It's me agian, don't know if you have these... They're from Gloucestershire Record Office Genealogical Database.
1855 dixon henry U Wotton-under-Ed Q/Gc6/3 cork seller Gaol
1829 jones henry U Bristol Q/Gc5/3 corkcutter Gaol
1762 baker james M gloucester 1762/227 corkcutter Wills 1541 - 1800
1721 grover james M gloucester 1721/310 cork cutter Wills 1541 - 1800
1855 smith john U Coventry Q/Gc6/3 cork cutter Gaol
1817 smith john U Prescot Q/Gc5/1 cork cutter Gaol
1769 harden richard M gloucester 1769/ 37 corkcutter Wills 1541 - 1800
1840 eaton thomas U Liverpool Q/Gc5/6 cork cutter Gaol
1850 anderson wm U Bath Q/Gc6/2 cork cutter Gaol
-
Brilliant Amy, many thanks. I only had one of that lot. I really do appreciate your finds. By the way, although everything is interesting, my index is only for English corkcutters (not Welsh or Scots, Irish). Nothing personal - just trying to keep the size manageable!
Best wishes
Cheryl
-
Cheryl, some more corkcutters for your list:
William Whitworth b 1810 Hull married Sarah Mills in 1833 St Nicholas Liverpool. Listed as corkcutter.
Son Thomas Henry Whitworth b 1842 Mytongate, Hull. Father corkcutter.
1851 census: William is Cork cutter aged 42 of 10 South Court, South St, North Myton, Hull, born Hull.
Thomas married Mary Brown 1863 in St Silas, Liverpool. He was a cork cutter aged 21 of Devon St, L'pool.
His brothers were also in the trade:
GEORGE WHITWORTH b 1840? In 1881 census, a widowed cork cutter aged 39, of 47 Johnston St, Blackburn. Born Hull.
William WHITWORTH b 1834 L'pool: A cork cutter aged 17 in 1851 census - in Hull with family. Corkcutter aged 47 in 1881 of 121 Gloucester Pl, L'pool
Next generation: My ancestor, another Thos Henry Whitworth was not a corkcutter. However his cousin Henry H Whitworth (son of William b 1834) was.
Good luck with your index.
-
Many thanks for the Whitworth corkcutters. They had not occurred on the index before. They are now added with a note of your name as a reference in case anyone enquires about them. (I always ask permission of the referee before giving out the information).
Thanks again
Cheryl
-
Hi Cheryl
I throughly enjoyed reading your article on Corkcutters in PFH and and was immensely enthused to go to Uttoxeter and find out more. Thanks for explaining the link between cork cutting and shoe making.
In the meantime in reply to your request for cutting ancestors:
My 'shoemaker' ancestor (maternal g.g.grandfather) was George SAMPSON, b 1817 in Uttoxeter to George SAMPSON, a 'corkcutter' born either in 1788 Newton, Linford, Leicester to George SEMPSON (B 1789 Barlborough, Derbys), or in 1784 to George SAMPSON (St John?? the Less, London). Both sets of descendants have similar naming conventions so that doesn't clear the mystery.
George (corkcutter) was apprenticed in Uttoxeter, via the Overseers of St John the Baptist, London. There are a few letters in the Uttoxeter Heritage Centre I understand.
Have you heard of George (snr) and/or can you shed any light on his origins please?
Carole
Hello Tim,
Re your corkcutting ancestor - I've been studying cork cutting in England for the last two years and so have quite a lot of information about it now. I have never come across any connection between tobacconists and corkcutting (until much later circa 1890 when some cutters made cork filter paper for cigarettes.) 1861 was about the time when mechanisation of the industry was really taking hold. Maybe he was made redundant, tried the tobacco job, and then found another place back in his old trade. Corkcutters who owned their business managed fairly well economically. Their workmen did not earn a very good living but it was steady work, indoors and not too heavy.
I wrote an article for Family History Monthly on corkcutting which came out at the beginning of this year. You can probably get a back number if you would like to know more about the job.
If anyone reading this had corkcutting ancestors, I would love to have their names, dates and location as I am trying to build up an index of corkcutters in England.
Thanks,
Cheryl
-
Hello Carole, thanks for contacting me. I do have a George Sampson in Uttoxeter. He is mentioned as a "father at baptisms 1815-1829' in the names index at the back of Joy Dunicliff's booklet "Uttoxeter and Cork" which is mentioned in the PFH article. Sorry I have nothing else.
I think you should look back at page 4 of this string on Rootschat as a member called macphail posted some info. in July 2005. I think you are connected and maybe you can unknot your puzzles between you. Do let me know if you discover anything more.
Best wishes Cheryl
-
Good morning
Thank you Cheryl for replying and for advising me on next steps forward. I'll read the book and contact macphail.
Good luck with your cork cutters index. If you ever decide to make it publicly available, I'd be delighted to know please.
Warm regards, Carole
-
Hi Cheryl, yes me and Carole are connected through George Jnr the shoemaker and I now have a pic of his daughter (thanks Carole)
The letters were referring to the apprenticeship of George Jnr (b1817) who married Sarah Blackshaw. It's more likely George Snr trained before he moved to Uttoxeter & married there in 1808 age 24.
Cheers, Peter Sampson
-
Hi, I have a corkcutter ancestor that I have not seen in this site yet.
He was David Laing, and was known from his will to have been a practising corkcutter in Great Tower Street, London, in 1794. He was also a cork merchant, and owned several properties as well as stock.
Subsequently, in the Post Office Directory for London, 1808, Laing & Sons were described as Cork-merchants and Manufacturers and their address was 1 Gt. Tower St. London. I imagine the actual cutting was done by those who were employed by Laing & Son. The son's name was Thomas Josiah Laing.
Geoff
-
Hello Geoff,
Many thanks for contacting me. I really like these "old" corkcutters.
David is already on the index, and also (presumably) his sons, plus one other entry in the London area. Details are:
David Laing, 1 Gt. Tower St. First reference 1794. Found in Directory of London on the londonancestor website. Also a customer of William Sargent, cork merchant, and listed as such in his accounts of 1794. (These are at the National Archives: Papers of William Sargent (PRO C107/76 1794 - 1800). They show how much cork David purchased within the year and how much he paid for it. Most of Sargent's cork came in from Portugal.
In 1825 (from various directories) I have Thomas and John Laing (and alternatively Laing and son) at the same
address and also at 66 Haymarket.
In 1841 a John Laing and son are at 16 Eastcheap. (Again a directory source).
Hope this is of some help and interest. Do you know where David was born? I am interested in the drift of corkcutting to London. If you are lucky enough to discover any more about him, please let me know. I now have you as a reference to the Laings so that I can inform you if someone else is enquiring about the same line.
Best wishes
Cheryl
-
I am coming up with a completely new name for your records, because it is my grandfather, who was born in France of Italian parents. His name was Antonio (Anthony) Canini. He went to London for his mother's health in about 1896/97 (she died in 1898) and in the 1901 census, under the name of Camini, my grandfather is listed as cork cutter at the age of 17, living in Clerkenwell (Little Italy). I wonder how he came to be introduced to the trade. HIs father owned street organs and had been a musician/itinerant entertainer all his life. Obviously when my grandfather arrived in England he had to learn first of all the language. He would have been about 13 at the time.
He later volunteered in 1915 and was taken into the 6th London Regiment, received a gunshot wound in the head in 1916 and was discharged, and died in Scotland 9 years later as a result of the wound. HIs address was given as Cross Street, Essex Road, London.
Have you come across him before? Many thanks for all the information I have gathered so far from this site. Thanks very much, Antonette
-
Der Antonette,
Thank you for the information about your grandfather. I have now added his name to the corkcutters' index.
By the time he came into the trade, corkcutting was not very skilled, being done using foot driven wheels to turn the cork. Charles Booth writing in the early 1890s, says that the old system of apprenticeship had gone and that young lads who ran errands and were quick to learn were taught how to use the machines. It was not very well-paid.
At this period, the two main London areas for corkcutting were south of the river in Peckham and nearby, and north of the river around the Clerkenwell district. Even so, the number of firms were reducing in the face of foreign competition from Spain and Portugal.
Looking at my index I have found a few firms listed in 1914 in the right area for your grandfather. The most likely seems to be William Plessants who was at 70 Farrngdon Rd., but this is only a guess. I have never discovered any lists of staff etc. I'm afraid.
Hope this helps
Best wishes
Cheryl
-
Thank you, Cheryl. The Farringdon Road corkcutting firm was probably the right bet as he lived just off Farringdon Road.
After he was discharged from the Army in 1916 he went back to cork cutting because that is the occupation written on his death certificate 9 years later. So he must have felt it was a worthwhile trade and paid sufficiently well to live on.
I am in touch with a lady who helps people find their ancestors who lived in Little Italy and were Italian immigrants. She does this through St Peter's, the Italian Church in Clerkenwell Road. It was her idea for me to get in touch with you and concerning the person whose ancestor wrote 'cork cutter' and 'tobacco manufacturer', she wondered if he could have been involved in cork-tipped cigarettes! She pointed out that the Craven A company was quite close by in Mornington Crescent.
Thanks again, Antonette
-
I've just come across the Corkcutters by chance and although I haven't yet read all the posts - I'll add my twopence worth. Does anybody (other than me) have Dublin corkcutters who migrated to Edinburgh in the middle of the nineteenth century?
-
No, I have no ancestor corkcutters moving from Dublin to Edinburgh ... but probably somebody knows all about it. Did you write to 'corkcutter'? She is the lady who is the expert and is compiling a list of all firms and corkcutters.
Good luck with your research.
Netta (Antonette)
-
OK - so I'm lazy. Who is "Corkcutter"
-
I have just read what I wrote online and apart from being unfinished, it's also rather abrupt - quite unintentionally so. Comes of being a Scot, I suppose. We often get into strife thereby.
And my name is Anne, and I'm also ancient, but just a little bit less than Anonette is - or is that also too Scottish a comment?????
-
Hello again, Scots lady Anne! I didn't think you were particularly abrupt ... just to the point.
Right, the address of 'Corkcutter' is the name of a lady called Cheryl who is compiling a list of all corkcutters and it was she who started this 'Do you have corkcutter ancestors?' trail. She has a list of hundreds of names and also companies who did corkcutting.
Going back to the Scottish bit ... the other side of my family came from Scotland, name of Swan, forget which tartan they were in but it could be Macmillan. Do you have any Swans in your family?
And lastly, although I now live in Rome, I will be visiting some dear friends who live in Bridge of Allan in August. Anywhere near you?
Nice to have met you online. Netta
-
I think the critical piece of information that you need brabanne is that if you find one of "corkcutter's" posts and click on the green scroll under her name you can send her a message.
David
-
My GGGG-grandfather, George Jack (1808 - 1885) was a corkcutter in Scotland. His occupation is listed on the 1841, 1851, 1861 censuses in South Leith, the 1871 census in North Leith and the 1881 census in Markinch, Fife. It is also listed on 1859 marriage registration of his son James (who was a shoemaker), the 1872 marriage registration of his daughter, Christina, the 1877 death registration of his wife Margaret, and his own 1885 death registration in Markinch.
George's daughter Jessie's husband, Andrew Balderstone, born abt. 1829 was also a corkcutter. His occupation was listed on his 1855 marriage registration, as well as on the 1861 census in Edinburgh and the 1881, 1891 and 1901 censuses in Markinch.
I suspect that both George and Andrew may have been cork cutters who supplied corks for Haig and Haig Limited whiskey as there were plants in both Edinbugh and Markinch. Cheryl or Tim - do either of you have any information to support this theory?
-
I'm afraid my index only deals with English corkcutters. I need someone else to tackle the Scots, Irish and Welsh sections. I know it was a particularly popular trade in Scotland.
I am always pushing this but if you want to find out about how the trade worked, try to get hold of a backnumber of Practical Family History magazine July 2005 (no.91) as my article covers everything I have discovered so far. The Scots element in the article was added by the publishers to attract a larger audience I think!
Cheryl
-
I'm new to this Rootschat game, but was reading about cork cutters and just wanted to let you (anyone?) know that I have lots in my family. Grandfather John Anderson (b1834 St.Pancras) his brothers Joseph (b1838) and Robert (b1821 Middx)their father Robert Anderson (b1801 St.George East Middx) seems like the whole clan were cork cutters. I thought it was something to do with shoe making as i've come across links to that? They lived around St.Pancras till the 81 census then around Lambeth/Southwark area. Don't know how to get in touch with Cheryl who is compiling an index??
-
Hello - you've found me.
I only have one Anderson on the index and he is in 1850 in Gloucestershire, so I doubt he is connected.
The odds are that your Andersons were simply journeymen (employees) rather than running their own business, as I have picked up most businesses from directories now (though there is always the possibility of missing a small firm).
London was the biggest centre for corkcutting, though they were spread all over the country. The move to south of the river in the late 19th century is interesting as mechanisation and change in demand was putting pressure on the industry and many small firms closed. The larger ones tended to be located south of the river at that time. Have you discovered any other reason why the family changed location?
Did you find the "corkcutter" label attached to them on b/m/d certificates and/or census entries?
If you can let me have relevant addresses and dates, I may be able to make a guess as to who their employer was.
I will now put all of them on the index with a reference to your name as submitter so that I can put you in touch with anyone else who comes looking for them.
By the way, I'm amazed at the long span of generations. Fancy having a grandfather born in the 1830s!
Cheryl
-
Don't know whether you have this one, but just in case:
RG9/272/66/36
Andrew WEBB lodger 22 - corkcutter - London
Address: 45 Church Lane, Goodman's Fields, Whitechapel
(Not a rellie, as far as I know!!)
kind regards, Arranroots ;)
-
to cjack,
My GG grandfather Samuel Green (b. Ireland ~1825; d. Edinburgh 1893) was also a corkcutter in South Leith in 1851. His son Samuel became a corkcutter as well, but my G grandfather (one of his other sons) didn't take up the trade. The family moved to the Canongate and stayed there.
Anne
-
to Netta,
I live in Australia these days, although I'm Edinburgh born and bred. So not exactly near Bridge of Allan, no ...
Anne
-
Hello Cheryl,
I notified you of my corkcutting ancestor William Gill in Exeter some time ago. Thought you might like to know I've just found him aged 2 in 1841, in the same household as a John Langbridge aged 40, corkcutter's journeyman born in Devon. They are living in Smithen Street or Butcherrow, which is in the poor West End quarter where William later plied his trade. I don't know if there is any family connection - haven't been able to find William's mother's maiden name yet.
Regards,
Maureen
-
Re message #38 for Cheryl
Hello Cheryl --- I sent a message yesterday - my first time on this site.
My gg grandfather James Rankine (Ranken) was a Cork Cutter in Glasgow and later in Edinburgh. On the 1881 Census he was 38 years old and living in EDN with his wife Margaret and his family at 30 Lower View Craig Row.
You may have seen the previous message,
Enjoyed your article - Thanks
betty
-
Thanks for the information Maureen.
I already had John, so its good to be able to make a link between them.
Cheryl
-
Hi, Anne -
I just saw your message that your ancestor Samuel Green was a corkcutter in South Leith in 1851. Do you have any info as to who he worked for - i.e. did he work for a company or did he work independently? I am looking for clues to search my own ancestor, George Jack's, working conditions/environment during that same time period.
Thanks.
Carolyn
-
Hi there,
I was recently looking at the Weir family history for my cousin, whose mother was a Weir.
Interestingly, I found that her Great Uncle was descended from a family of Cork Cutters!
"Andrew Weir, 1st Baron Inverforth, (April 24, 1865 - September 17, 1955), was head of firm of Andrew Weir and Co. shipowners of Glasgow, and was Surveyor General of Supplies from 1917-1919, and Minister of Munitions in 1919.
Andrew Weir was born in Kirkcaldy, Fife the eldest son of William Weir and his wife, Janet. Both William Weir and his father were cork merchants".
Romilly.
-
I discovered this link from the Cambrian, and noted that the Corkcutters from Swansea are my gg grandfather and his father.
Every family has to have its skeletons - and I think I have just discovered ours!
-
Cork Cutters.
This occupation vexed me for quite a while going though all of the present day uses of cork (Bottle stoppers, Floor Tiles, etc) until I lit a cigarette one day and I suddenly realised the answer was under my nose all of the time. Well 20 times a day anyway.
Cork Tipped Cigarettes!!!
Not made with Cork these days, but they were in the past and its why cigarette filters look like they do.
Further research with the 1851 census address revealed that they worked (and lived) at the WD & HO Wills cigarette factory in Bristol, England.
So the tobacconist link is quite correct.
Neil.
-
If you are trying to contact me after reading the article in Practical Family History - here I am.
Cheryl
I'd like to know in what issue of PFH was your article published?
Thanks
BD
-
I have corkcutters by the name of Howard.
David Howard B.1791, he was a blacksmith born in Bristol but, between 1841 and 1851 became a corkcutter living in Stepney. By 1871 he is a retired cork merchant lived in Islington.
His sons:
David Howard B.1820 is a clerk to a cork manufacturer in 1851 in Stepney by 1887 he is a cork merchant in Islington.
William David Howard B.1818 is cork merchant living in Greenwich before 1861.
Then in Bletchingly, Surrey. When living in Bletchingly his occupation is given as cork merchant in London.
Two of the other sons were engineer and customs officer. Any info on this family greatfully received.
Regards, Susan
-
Does anyone have any information on the Riddler family based in Swansea in the 1800's. I know that George and his sons were corkcutters - but does anyone know anything else?
-
Hi,
Yes I have information on Ridlers on my corkcutter index plus two names of people who have contacted me about them whom you might like to contact. I will send you a personal message with the details.
-
Dear Cheryl
I think I contacted you about a year ago regarding a WILLIAM SANGER, Corkcutter from Wilts who moved to South London (Lambeth and Southwark).
Well, I can now give you some more information for your files. Not sure exactly what info you note on your files - whether it is purely a name and area or more detailed info, but I'll give you all I have and you can pick out what you need.
WILLIAM RANDELL SANGER was born 1791 in St Thomas, Salisbury, Wilts. He was a Corkcutter. (his father was a Christopher Sanger born South Newton, Salisbury, but I do not know his occupation - although more than likely a corkcutter. Mother was Mary WHEALE)
His grandfather, WILLIAM SANGER b1716 St Thomas Salisbury, was also a Corkcutter.
William Sanger b1716 had a brother named CHRISTOPHER SANGER b1709 St Thomas Salisbury - also a Corkcutter by trade. This Christopher then married and lived in West Hatch of Tisbury.
I stumbled across these references on the Wiltshire Marriage Licence Bonds - both William b1716 and Christopher b1709 were Bondsmen at various marriages.
If you happen to come across any more Sanger corkcutters during your research I would be very glad to hear of it as it could well be that they are all related to my tree!
Many thanks and kind regards
Athenalaz
ps - I ordered the back issue of your article in PFH mag and it was excellent.
-
Hello Athenalaz
Many thanks for all the juicy new details. No more Sangers have turned up since we were last in contact, but I shall certainly let you know if they do. I am working on moving my index onto a website, but it is taking time.
Best wishe
Cheryl
-
Hi Carolyn,
I missed your message on Samuel Green and George Jack and have only just read it.
I'm afraid I have no information at all about Samuel's work. He moved after a year or so to the Canongate and stayed there till he died so I presume there was work in the area. His son, another Samuel, also became a corkcutter.
Sorry I can't help.
Regards,
Anne
-
I have just found this RootsChat and wonder if you have any information on my ancestors? My G.G. Grandfather, William Boud born 1823 was a Corkcutter and lived in Camberwell, London. His son, Henry Boud, (born 1845) also took up this trade. I have always wondered what a "cork cutter" did until I found this chat line.
-
I'm amazed at how many cork cutters there seem to have been!
In tracing back my family tree I have found my g g g grandfather George Kemp (born in Bethnal Green 1811) was a cork cutter. After he married he went to Hull for some years and then to Portsmouth where he settled. He died in 1895 - we think in the Workhouse!
His son, Joseph Paxton Kemp Born 1853 in Portsmouth) was a cork cutter as was another son Charles Kemp (born 1855 in Portsmouth.)
Hope this helps
-
Hi Cheryl,
I have a John Samuel Robinson, b 1853 Bethnal Green East London living in Bethnal Green in 1881 being employed as a cork cutter. On the 1891 census he, and family, have moved to 6 Lockhurst Road Hackney East London. He is still employed as a cork cutter as is his 20 year old son, also called John (b.1871 Bethnal Green).
John Samuel's father, who was also a John ( not very imaginative with names my lot) who was b 1825 was employed as a tin plate worker so it is not as though John Samuel was following his father.
old rowley
-
Hello, thanks for the corkcutter information. Your ancestors are now being added to the index. There are already 16 Robinsons on the index though spread all over England and none are obviously connected to you. However there are some London-based ones at around the correct time who might be linked to your family.
As there are rather a lot of Robinsons, I suggest you consult the index yourself when it comes online which should be very shortly as it is nearly up and running. I will let you know when it is available.
It will also contain interesting (I hope) information about the trade of corkcutting.
Thanks again
Cheryl
-
Hello,
I have been helping a friend to research her father's family who were cork cutters. The surname is MARTIN.
This is his family from the 1881 Census:
Information removed due to copyright violation. See http://www.rootschat.com/forum/copyright.php for more details
RootsChat must deal with any breach of copyright by its members.
For some time the team of Copyright Editors has been removing breaches of copyright and sending detailed personal messages to the member that had posted the information. Due to the volume of posts and members this is now impractical. Messages in breach will simply be deleted and this notice posted. We apologise for any inconvenience caused but are sure you will appreciate the importance of this issue.
I found another Robert Martin, age 54 on the 1871 Census,
who was also born in St. George in the East, and on this census he was living in St. George in the East, Tower Hamlet. He appears as Robert J. Martin in 1851.
I contacted a descendant of his daughter Caroline, and she confirmed that she has the marriage certificate of her Robert (father of Caroline) to his wife Eliza, and his father was also Robert Martin.
She located a cork cutter Robert Martin and wife Ann, both age 50, on the 1841 Census at St. Mary Whitechapel.
These would appear to be the parents of Richard and Robert.
In 1861, Richard Martin and family were living in St. Paul's, Greenwich, Deptford, and they were still there in 1871.
I have not found that any of Richard's children continued the family trade of cork cutting, but I see an Alfred J. Martin, age 29, living next door to Robert, on the 1871 Census.
He was born St. George in the East.
In checking the 1851 Census for Robert and Eliza, I see that they had an 8 year old son named Alfred R. Martin.
This would not be the first time I have seen two different middle initials given separately, for another Alfred Martin within this same family.
If anyone is interested in more census information, please let me know.
I am trying to trace a grandson of Richard Martin, by the name of Alfred Stennett Martin (from his birth certificate) who was born in 1885 at Peckham.
He is shown on the 1891 Census as Alfred H. Martin, living in the parish of Camberwell, village of Peckham with his family.
His last known whereabouts was reportedly at Grove Farm, West Molesey (near Esher) where he was sent to work for a Mr. Edward Ferris. He was 14 years old at the time.
Mr. Ferris has been located on a directory for 1913, living in Ivy Cottage at West Molesey, but there is no trace of Alfred Stennett Martin in that area.
Any suggestions as to how he might be located would be most welcome.
Thanks,
Foxglove
-
Thanks for all that. I have brought the index up to date and will stay in touch about release of my website which will include the index and lots of information about corkcutting generally.
Cheryl
-
Thanks Cheryl.
I would like to apologise for the copyright infringement.
It has been a while since I visited Rootschat, and I had completely forgotten about the procedure regarding the posting of any details from a census record.
ErrorSPAM
REPORT THIS POST AS SPAM (Use 'Report to Moderator'). DO NOT CLICK ON ANY LINKS IN THIS POST. DO NOT REPLY TO THIS PERSON.
]I am certainly glad that this has been brought to my attention again.
Regards,
Foxglove.[/color]
-
Hi Corkcutter,
I have just came across this thread, and have a number of Cork Cutters in my family all from Camberwell. They are the Newham family, and there names are :
Francis Newham (b1829, d1883), is listed on the 1871 census and the Birth Certificate of his son Frederick, as a Cork Cutter. I have a copy of is business card showing his address as 29 Regent Street, Surrey
Francis Thomas Newham (b1850, d1904) [son of above Francis], i have a copy of his apprenticeship papers from 1865 to a John Shriving of No1 John Street, Roupell Street in Surrey. He was a Cork cutter until he died in 1904.
Thomas Henry Newham (b1858, d 1897) [son of above Francis], listed as a cork cutter on the 1881, 1891 & 1901 census.
James Newham (b1863, d?) [son of above Francis], listed as a cork cutter on the 1881, 1891 & 1901 census.
Thomas F Newham (b1880, d ?) [son of above Thomas Henry], listed as a cork cutter on the 1901 Census.
I believe that you may have this family already from another relative (Sarah Newham), who had emailed you. if you would like to see a copy of the apprenticeship papers just PM me.
Richard
-
Dear Richard,
Thank you very much for your information. Sarah had indeed given me most of thefamily line (plus a copy of the apprenticeship indenture) but Your information allowsmeto add a few more details and I didn't have Thomas F. Newham at all.
I suppose it is too much to hope that the business card has any sort of illustration on it?
My website giving a lot of info. about corkcutting will be accessible soon and I will let you know when it is ready.
Best wishes
Cheryl
-
Hi Cheryl,
Im afraid it does not contain any Illistration.
(http://)
Richard
-
Still interesting to see though. Thanks Richard.
Cheryl
-
Hi
I have a Charles Dean 1841 southwark as a corkcutter later tailors clerk back to a cork cutter and eventually a tailor in 1891.
His father in Law John Crown was a cork cutter between 1841 and 1861 in Lambeth and Southwark.
John had a son William who was also a corkcutter in 1841.
I will PM you with the full details
Sue
-
Thanks Sue. These are now indexed.
Cheryl
-
Hurray, my corkcutter website is now complete.
Search the index for your ancestors or read all about corkcutting.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Cheryl
-
Hello everyone, Re the website, people using Internet Explorer as a browser are getting some rather large text and ugly layouts at present. It is being attended to and should improve shortly. The site is still accessible to IE though if you can put up with it.
Cheryl
-
Hurray, my website is now complete.
Search the index for your ancestors or read all about corkcutting.
I look forward to hearing from you. link removed 2018
Cheryl
Hi Cheryl
Congratulations on the website. The piece is comprehensive and very well written. It has satisfied my curiosity about the trade. From the descriptions you give it is difficult to imagine why people stuck to it, although my g-grandfather did so all his working life. It must have had its compensations, although none of his children followed him (baker, factory foreman, two plumbers, publican, etc.).
I think I have another one for your index. I mentioned when I sent details of my g-grandfather, Frederick George Martin, that his wife Elizabeth was left alone in Portsmouth with her first four children in the 1871 census. The form shows that living in the same house at 39, Plymouth St., Portsea Island, Hants., was another cork cutter named John James Spencer and his wife Sarah. He was born c1820. In 1861 he was cork cutting in London. In 1881 and 1891 he is found following the trade just across The Solent from Portsea in Binstead near Ryde on the Isle of Wight. Sadly, by 1901 he is a widower in the Isle of Wight Union Workhouse.
Hope this helps
Regards
Brian
-
Thanks Brian, I will enter him on the website. Keep in touch.
Cheryl
-
Hello Again Cheryl
PS The 1881 census viewed on Ancestry.com gives the option of searching by occupation (it seems to be the only census that offers this facility). On a whim I entered "Cork Cutter" and nothing else. I got 1,327 entries (including my g-grandfather). I only checked a few of them, but they all seem to be cork cutters, one of who was a 17 year old girl called Elizabeth Hart, listed as "Machinist (Cork Cutter)". It would be a real labour of love to trace them all through other censuses to see if they persisted with the trade.
Regards
Brian
-
PPS 87 of them were women.
Brian
-
This is very exciting news. I have only belonged to ancestry.co.uk which doesn't offer that search.
Thanks for letting me know
Cheryl
-
Hello Cheryl
Would like me to take this any further? I have already followed up Jane Beach. Her husband James first appears as a cork cutter in 1841 when was listed as 20 years old. By 1851 he is employing 2 men and has married Jane who is 5 years younger. In 1861 he is merely listed as a Cork Cutter. By 1871 he is dead and Jane has taken over the business, employing (I think) 3 men and 2 boys. In 1881 she has 4 men and 1 boy (perhaps one of them grew up), but I haven't yet managed to trace her further.
Please let me know if I can provide any other information. Obviously my time is limited and I can't follow up all of them, but if there are particular cases, give me the names and I'll do my best.
Reards
Brian
-
Dear Brian, That's an extremely kind offer. If any of them particularly take your interest, as in the case of Jane, then obviously it would be very useful. As regards Jane, could I have her husband's name and also her/their location in the census? Then I could add them to the index.
I think at some time I shall join ancestry.com and just plough through the lot. It's a mad passion that I have. Most of the index was created by trawling through hundreds of directories on the Historical Directories website.
At present I am in the thick of an educational course and won't be able to get my head above water until the end of next summer but then I should have all the time in the world.
Thanks again
Cheryl
-
Me again, Ah yes, I see I already have Jane based at Shadwell in 1882. Were the family always there and I still need the husband's name.
Cheryl
-
Hi Cheryl
James Beach was born in c1821 in the parsh of St George In The East, Tower Hamlets, London. In 1841 he was living (probably lodging) at 21 Cornwall Street, Shadwell, Tower Hamlets in the same parish, and working as a cork cutter.
By 1851 he had married Jane Bury (who was born c1826 in Scotland) and they were living at No. 50 in nearby Church Road. By now he was employing 2 men. At this point they had two sons George (3) and Thomas (2).
At the time of the 1861 census they had a further son, James (9) and a daughter Jane (4). They lived at 147 High St., still in Shadwell, and were doing well enough to have a domestic servant.
By 1871 James has presumably died and Jane is running the business employing 3 men (one of whom is her son Thomas) and 2 boys. They have now moved next door t No. 149. Her mother, also called Jane Bury, is now living with them (aged 71).
Still at the same address in 1881, Jane is employing 4 men, one of whom is Thomas - and a boy (her nephew Sidney james Thomas). She is also employing her 15 year old neice, Lily Bury, as a domestic servant.
I can find no trace of her in censuses after 1881. I haven'y searched the death records yet, but I may get around to it eventually. She must have been a formidable woman.
Cheers
Brian
-
Sorry about all the typos in the last posting. I was in too much of a hurry!
Brian
-
Thanks for that Brian. They are on the index now.
Cheryl
-
Hi Cheryl
I have a relative whose occupation was a corkcutter. Her name was Christina Bargnell. She was born in 1875 in St George in the East. When she married John King in 1894 she changed her first name to Hannah. Apparentley she was also know as the "Duchess of Watney Street".
Good luck with your index.
Mary
-
Hello Cheryl,
This is my first posting.
I have a cork cutter in my family. A John Kail living at 4, Pedley Street, Bethnal Green.Died 9 June 1897 aged 49yrs. Occupation a cork cutter.
He married Ellen Marshall 19 March 1882.On the marriage certificate it states he was a cork packer.
Good luck with your research.
-
Thanks to mg and rossi
Your ancestors will now be on the index. Check it out at http://corkcutter.info
Cheryl
-
Hello
I'm new to all of this having typed "cork cutters" in to Google only to find a whole new world I never knew existed!
I have an ancestor, Nephale Pitt, who appears in the 1851 census as employing 2 men as a master cutter. 10 years later he has women, men and boys working for him in Stroud. I gather the cork came up the canal close by. I was told cork was used in the building industry when I asked at a local history day.
Wollers
-
Hello, I was pleased to see your message about Nephale and am just about to add him to the corkcutter index at http://corkcutter.info
Have you checked out the index on the site yet. There is another Pitt in Gloucestershire. Would he be connected to your line?
Cheryl
-
Hello Folks,,, i'm new here,,,,,,i was told about this Topic while browsing Chat by Karen,,,,Ty Karen, and a very good thread it is to.
My Cork Cutter was my G Grandfather William Gregg b1853 of Oxford St, Stepney, London,
his Father also a William was described in the 1881 census as OCC "Mineral Water", and on another cert as a "Ginger Beer Maker", so there is a reason there why these two should be together maybe in a business together,,,,researching this at the moment.
On the tobacco Question my mother would refer to her cigarettes as cork tipped and i never gave this a thought until i read this thread..... were cigarettes tipped with a cork filter at one time and did cork cutters make them,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,?
-
My paternal gt gt grandfather. His name Richard White. He is shown on the 1891 census living at 12 Meard Street Strand Westminster, his age 34 yrs. Occupation: Cork Cutter. He had a son Richard age 14 yrs, who also had his occupation shown as Corkcutter, but apparently it was crossed out. :) Lyn
-
I'm new to this so please bear with me. My GGgrandfather is listed as an apprentice on the 1841 census and lived at an address in the Mile End Road East London with a whole gang of cork cutters, he was then 19yrs.
On subsequent census' until 1861 he was listed as a cork cutter (he died in 1866). In the 1871 census a 19yr old son was listed as a cork cutter and then in 1881- 1901 another son(my ggrandfather) was seen to be a cork cutter.
I,m interested to know where their actual place of occupation was.
-
Hello,
Glad to welcome a new person interested in corkcutters! Please log on to my Corkcutters of England website to find out more about the trade and see if your ancestor is already listed on the index.
Cheryl
-
Hello Cheryl
I have looked on your website but my people are not listed. They were Thomas Whalen 19yrs Apprentice 1841, Charles, his son 19yrs,1871 and then another son Henry 28yrs in1881(he was listed as an umbrella maker in the 1871 census. They lived in the Bethnal Green area of London.
Prehaps you would like to add them to your list.
Sheila
-
Thanks Sheila. I am adding them right now to the index.
Cheryl
-
A new name for your index - Lowman
John Lowman born 1879 Lambeth - Engineer(mech) in cork factory (owned by his father apparently)
John Lowman born 1851 Whitechapel - corkcutter/owner
John Lowman born 1826 place unknown - corkcutter
These were my grandfather, g-gfather, & g-g-gfather
Also brothers, uncles etc=
Henry Lowman born 1860 Mile End
William Lowman born 1854 Bethnal Green
and his sons William born 1875 Mile End & Frederick born 1877 Mile End all cork cutters.
-
Hello Cheryl,
Are you still looking for cork cutters?
My 2xgt gf George McAdam and his brother Thomas were cork cutters (journeymen). The first record I have of them is 1841 Carlisle where they were shown as aged 15 (rounded down) and both already cork cutters.
In 1861 they were both in Whitehaven. Looking at his children's ages, he left Carlisle for London after 1850 when my gt gm Ann was born. After two children born in London 1853 and 1855, he returned to Whitehaven in time for the next one to be born in 1857. Thomas lived a few doors away in 1861 and was still there in 1871. George however had died by then.
I've seen Thomas listed on your website. He also died before 1881. I've seen him in a trade directory of 1873 where he was a cork manufacturer and publican of the Ship Inn, Douglas Passage, Market Place, Whitehaven. In 1879, he was publican at Foresters Arms, West Strand.
I was at one time thinking the cork might be for steam engine gaskets, but the pub is a bit of a giveaway.
Rob T
-
Thanks to "cats" and Rob T. Will put necessary details on the Corkcutters of England website.
Cheryl
-
The Cork Cutters of England
Broken link deleted
-
I've found corkcutters in my family now, Thomas Clay `1836-1901 lived Bermonsey Surrey. He employed 3 men and his daughter Martha Jane Clay is also listed as a cutter. I would like to know where abouts he worked and what happened to the business when he died... Roy
-
I doubt whether much equipment was necessary to do cork-cutting and it was probably a cottage industry for many.
Below is an extract from http://www.bermondseyspa.org.uk
"Industry in Bermondsey Spa
Over the last 250 years, Bermondsey Spa has seen some radical changes. At the start of the 19th century, the area was mostly agricultural land. Following this, food processing and leather industries were important in the area. The biggest industry was leather, dominated by two large tanneries - Grange Tannery and Neckinger Mills.
The Bermondsey riverfront was known as London's Larder due to the volume of foods unloaded and stored. Numerous household names were processed in the area but none remain.
Courages (beer) - Horsleydown Lane
Crosse & Blackwell (pickles) - Crimscott Street
Hartleys (jams) - Tower Bridge Road
Jacobs (biscuits) - Wolseley Street
Pearce & Duffs (custard) - Spa Road
Peek Freans (biscuits) - Drummond Road
Sarsons (vinegar) - Tower Bridge Road
Spillers (dog biscuits) - Jacob Street
As the river became an increasingly important trading centre, business boomed. Slowly, the area became more urban, with the construction of workers accommodation, until by the mid-19th century, Bermondsey Spa had some of the most densely packed, unhealthy living and working conditions in London.
Civic pride
It was also developing a sense of identity and civic pride. In 1881 Bermondsey Town Hall was built, along with schools, a library and public baths. Volunteer organisations and philanthropic individuals attempted to alleviate the growing poverty, most notably Alfred Salter who provided food, clothing, education and medical services, as well as planting trees and encouraging new businesses.
In the early part of the 20th century, Bermondsey Council embarked on a major programme to improve the area, building new housing, planting more than 6,000 trees and creating Bermondsey Spa gardens........."
-
I have Thomas listed on my corkcutter index as working from Waterloo Road, this information coming from a trade directory. Can you let me have some more details about him for my index which you can find on
website removed
Looking forward to hearing from you
Cheryl
-
Hi Cheryl
http://trees.ancestry.com/pt/person.aspx?tid=3846580&pid=-
if that link doesn't work my tree is public on ancestry. My first recollection is from years ago when my grandmother told me her grandfather owned a cork factory and her mother worked there. She was Agnes Jane Smith b.1882 Lambeth. Her mother was Martha Jane Clay 1858-1892 dau of Thomas Clay 1836-1901. Found on all censuses 1841 on except 1891, the year he married hi 2nd wife Emma Goodwin. He married his 1st wife Jane Corri in 1858 and Martha Jane was the only child. His father was Thomas Clay 1805- abt 1857 twine spinner. His only male descendants were Henry and Thomas Smith, who I have not been able to find after 1891 census. these two might have joined the armed forces as i seem to recall my gran had a brother killed in WW1 His 1st wife Jane Corri according to census was born in Wales and is also elusive....
Jane Clay 37 Wife
Thomas Clay 37 Cork Cutter
Joseph Fossey 22 Lodger Apprentice
William Stoff 51 " Cork Cutter
George Warren 29 " "
From 1871 census
-
My paternal gt gt grandfather. His name Richard White. He is shown on the 1891 census living at 12 Meard Street Strand Westminster, his age 34 yrs. Occupation: Cork Cutter. He had a son Richard age 14 yrs, who also had his occupation shown as Corkcutter, but apparently it was crossed out. :) Lyn
Just an interesting note... my ancestor James Sime lived at 13 Meard Street on the 1891 Census... guess they were neighbours :) (he was a carpenter)
-
Jopseph Shuttleworth (1873) and his father Joseph Watts Shuttleworth (1842) and his mother Elizabeth Shuttleworth (1842) were all cork cutters. They both were born in Devonport Devon were listed there (1861 census) as cork cutters
and then they all moved to London, Bow to carry on as cork cutters.
Can anyone tell me why they might have moved?
Thanks
-
Dear Cheryl,
My Great Grandfather, born in Boston, Massachusetts, was listed in every census, directory and on his death certificate as a cork cutter. He was born in 1868 died in Brooklyn N.Y in 1906.
He left Boston some time between 1900-1902 for Brooklyn. Do you know anything about cork cutters in the U.S. Was there perhaps a better position for cork cutters in Brooklyn? Do you know of any shops in Boston and Brooklyn?
Thanks,
Erin
-
Just left the cork cutter message about my great grandfather in Boston to Brooklyn. Forgot to give you his info.
Mitchell Timothy Gallagher born November 24, 1868, East Boston, MA USA-died November 25, 1906, Brooklyn, NY, USA.
I am unsure how he picked up this trade. His father, William Gallagher, who came from Londonderry, Ireland was not listed as a cork cutter on the census but as a teamster.
Thanks again,
Erin
-
Hello, I have come across your site whilst trying to find out more details re cork cutting. I am researching my family tree and have found out via my grandmother's wedding certificate that her father(my gt grandfather) was a foreman cork cutter. His name was Walter Benjamin Briten born approx 1848 in Pulham Norfolk. On 1861 census he is registered as apprentice cork cutter (14 years old) address 40 Bartholomew Thorn Lane. He then disappeared ( I think he went to Belfast...waiting for confirmation from GRO Belfast) returned to wed in Sunderland 1882 where he describes his trade as a mariner and then turns up on 1891 census 233 Kirk St Byker Newcastle and trade is once again cork cutter. 1901 census has him at 231 Kirk st and trade foreman cork cutter then he leaves the trade (possibly because its dying out) and in 1911 on my grandmothers second marriage certificate and on census form from Uxbridge he has entered the hotel trade together with one of his sons.
maramalade45
-
cheryl.
i,ve read that you are setting a record of as many people as you can that worked as cork cutters. Well my great, great fathergrand was a corkcutter in the Stepney area of london . His name was William watts born Whitechaple 1821. probabley from about 1842 till about1864 . ;D
-
Cheryl,
Two more:
Philip McGUIRE, cork cutter master
Source: listed as cork cutter on his son Terence's birth certificate March 16, 1856, 10 Bow St, Salford.
Terence McGUIRE, cork cutter
Source: listed in 1905 on his daughter's marriage certificate as "cork cutter (deceased)"
(In 1879, 1881 and 1891, he lived in Wigan but I only have his occupation for 1881 - coal miner).
The 1869 Wigan Directory lists McGUIRE and BURNS as cork cutter/ manufacturers at 6 Warrington Lane, Wigan. Do you know their forenames? I would love to know if McGUIRE was in fact Terence McGUIRE.
Thanks.
Margot
-
Hi Cheryl
2 more which aren't currently on your index.
Samuel Reilly (born 1812 in Edinburgh, dies 1854 in Camden London) and his son Samuel henry Reilly (born 1843 in St Georges Middlesex and died 1885 Hamilton, Scotland) were both journeymen cork cutters.
julie
-
Hi Cheryl
My ggg grandfather Robert Evans was a corkcutter as recorded at his marriage to Ann Penlington 15th Aug 1790, St. Mary-on-the-Hill, Chester. His occupation was also given at four subsequent baptisms in St. John's Chester, the last one in 1813. I can't find his burial at Chester, so he may have moved away, possibly following his two sons, both pipemakers, to Manchester, then Liverpool.
From St. John's Chester I found the following corkcutters:-
James Evans, wife Ann, baptisms in 1810,1813 & 1823, living at Little St. John and Foregate streets.
Paul Evans, wife Mary, baptism in 1813, living at Foregate st.
and from the 1841 Liverpool Census, James Evans corkcutter aged 55, Byrom st, born Lancs.
Jim
-
Hello Cheryl
I see that your index includes Thomas Evans of Oswestry, Master Cork Cutter.
You have earliest reference 1871 but he is was on 1861 census too. His son George was also a Cork cutter.
Beatrice Street, Oswestry.
Thomas Evans, Head, M, 38, Cork Cutter, b Oswestry.
Elizabeth, Wife, M, 23, b Newtown, Mont.
George, Son, S, 21, Cork Cutter, b Oswestry.
Thomas Charles, Son, 1, b Oswestry.
1861 - RG9/1878/113/7
40 year old George Evans, Cork cutter, in 1881 at Orchard St, Oswestry
1881 - RG11 2659/42/26
Many thanks
Morgan
-
Dear Cheryl,
I accidentally stumbled across a cork cutter whilst looking at records for Kitchers.
Here is the information:
Baptism at St Giles Cripplegate, London
Samuel son of Samuel Taylor Corkcutter and Margaret
Born Sept 28 1726 Bapt Oct 16 1726
Best wishes
Amy
-
I came across this thread quite recently and did not realise that cork cutting was so popular a trade. I have some in my family so would like to add to the register. I would also like to see any other entries on the index for Cumberland in the 18th and 19th centuries if Cheryl is still doing it. Here are some details:
1841 census: Stoneraise, St Cuthbert, Carlisle
Josiah Phillips age 40 Cork Manufacturer and publican
Philip Phillips age 23 Cork cutter
John Phillips age 20 Cork cutter
1851 census: Stoneraise, St Cuthbert, Carlisle
Josiah Phillips age 53 Farmer 100 acres employing 4 labourers, Cork cutter and Innkeeper
1861 census: Stoneraise, St Cuthbert, Carlisle
Joseph Phillips age 24 Cork manufacturer employing 2 men and 1 boy
James Phillips age 23 Partner in the cork manufacture
William Lowrey age 21 Cork cutter
James Gibson age 14 Apprentice cork cutter
1851 census: Lowther Street, carlisle
Christopher Metcalf age 53 Master cork cutter
1861 census: Lowther street, Carlisle
Jane Metcalf (widow of Christopher) age 44 Cork cutter
William Metcalf age 17 cork cutter
-
Hi, Good to hear from you with all the new information which I am in the process of adding to my index. If you go straight to the index which is on you could look up the following who were also corkcutters in Carlisle and district: James Brown, Thomas Holliday. George McAdam and Thomas McAdam.
-
Hi, Thanks for the quick reply. I've found another ancestor, in fact my g-g-grandfather who also was a cork cutter.
Joseph Dand 1829-1858 of 35 Lowther Street, Carlisle; died of scarlet fever just before the birth of his son. He was a journeyman cork cutter according to his death certificate.
Clive
-
Hi all "Cork cutter" Fans,
I've added an occupations field to the SIT,
so if you all enter your Surnames there,
it will be easier to keep track of them all ;D
Topic: New possibilities in the SIT: Occupations
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,612580.0.html
regards,
Bob
-
Hi Cheryl
Just an update for you. Re a posting I made on your thread back in Nov 2004. Quite a while later, I was contacted by you, as you had been contacted by another member regarding the details I had entered, as she though we shared a family connection. We corresponded regulary and shared information we both had. It turns out we both share the same 3x gt grandmother, through her 2nd marriage. Up until that time I had, although I had information, I did not realize there was a 2nd marriage. I now have photos and details of a whole extended family.
Keep up the good work. Regards.. Lyn :)
-
So pleased the index helped with your research.
Best wishes
-
Just came across this post after looking for information on cork cutters.
I had a gt aunt who was a cork cutter in Kilmarnock in 1911. This may have been linked to her father, who was a spirit merchant in Kilmarnock, but unfortunately he died in 1903.
Although it has been classed as menial work, I just wondered if this had to be done through necessity after her father died, although he did leave a tidy sum after his death.
Census 1911 597/00 001/00 012
-
Hi Cheryl, stumbled upon this post after seeing I'm related to some corkcutters! You may well have them in your list already, but just in case...
Joseph Sowerby b. 1791, Yorkshire, living in Shadwell and also his son John Sowerby b 1833 in Shadwell.
The 1861 census seems to list Joseph (age 70) as a cork manufacturer, unless I've misread this. Would this be the same thing?
Charlotte
-
If you are still collecting, there is George Stephenson of Hillgate, Gateshead a cork cutter on 1841 and 1851 census
-
The corkcutter page is no longer in use (for family history), it is a real shame
-
I was doing some family research recently and came across a cork cutter. Not knowing anything about them I did a search and came upon this site. I have found 2 Cork Cutters in the same family. John Orritt or Orrett born about 1796 in London appears as a Cork Cutter (Master) in 1851 in Gloucester. His brother Charles born in 1802 appears in the 1851 census as a Cork Cutter in London employing 9 men. I don't know if these are on your list.
-
Cheryl,
Any chance I can find out what you know in the database about my ancestors: Terence McGuire born 1856, listed as a Cork Cutter, and Philip McGUIRE, cork cutter master (as of 1856). I'd be especially interested in where they worked and when.
I'd also like to add 2 more to the database:
James McGuire, born 1838 Woolwich, cork keeper (in 1861 census)
William McGuire, born 1845 London, cork cutter (in 1861 census)
FYI, these four are all from the same family: the father Philip and his 3 sons.
Thanks.
Margot
-
Hello Cheryl,
My 4th great grandfather was a cork cutter. Not sure if he owned the business or was a laborer. I don't know much about him that I can authenticate. He's on the outskirts of my research. His name was John Hallawell. (Census docs have him as Halliwell) His wife was named Ann. (possibly Taylor) His son was a Druggist and went on to establish a very successful drug export business to Brazil. So, John may have had money, hard to say. The only document I can find with "Cork Cutter" in it was the marriage of his son Joseph to Mary Dugdale. I've attached the file.
I would love to know more about John Hallawell. If you run across his name in your research, please let me know. I can't find his grave, but I'm pretty sure I know where he died. There is a house in the Lake District called "Kitty Crag" in Grasmere, Cumbria. His grandson Harry Hallawell wrote that he lived and died at Kitty Crag. I also have a photo of the family by the house including John taken in 1874.
Most of the Hallawell family centered around Manchester, Lancashire. Liverpool and Wales has also been mentioned.
Thank you, Todd Hallawell
-
Cheryl, I noticed that the file I sent wasn't legible. Hope this one is better. Todd
-
Hi Cats,
I wonder if you are still searching for corkcutter ancestors as your message was posted some time ago, but the Lowmans were also my ancestors. What I am particularly interested in finding out is about the time I believe John James Lowman and his wife spent in Malaga Spain, where I understand he ran the corkcutting business for a while. I believe that it would have been towards the end of the nineteenth century or the beginning of the twentieth century. I would be most interested to hear of any information you might have about this.
-
Hi Maravilla, I haven't looked at this forum for quite some time - so apologies! It seems you have more info than I do .I can remember my Dad talking about his father(John William 1879-1919) and his grandfather(John James born 1851) going to Spain regularly to purchase cork and arrange for it to be shipped to London. It may well be that his father (John Henry born 1826) may have done the same. I didn't know anything about his wife Sarah going with John James nor any mention of Malaga. Where did you find this info-there may be other things about my family I haven't heard about and any help would be appreciated.
Regards from Cats
-
Hi Cats,
How lovely to have heard from you. My great grandfather was also John James Lowman, so I guess that makes us second cousins. My late mother was the daughter of Emily who would, I presume, have been your great aunt. I never knew my grandmother as she died before I was born. Sadly my mother also died fourteen years ago, but she mentioned several times about her grandparents having lived in Malaga with the corkcutting business and how her grandmother Sarah found the heat in Malaga very oppressive in the summer. I am presuming that this would have been around 1900. My mother was very interested in Spain probably because of this connection, visited the country several times and studied the language, as do I. When I visited Malaga last year I enquired at the municipal offices to see if I could find out any more information but I am afraid I drew a blank because although I knew the name to search under they needed a street name, and all I knew was what my mother had said, namely that they lived in the dock area, which made sense if they were involved in exporting the cork. Therefore, I was unfortunately unable to find out anything more and there is nothing in my mother's family papers about the time her grandparents were in Spain. My mother was the youngest of nine children, all of whom are deceased, and I am doubtful whether anyone else in my branch of the family would have any more information. I am afraid that this will probably not take you much further - but if you do find out anything more please let me know and I will do likewise. In any event, I am pleased that we have made contact. Best wishes, Maravilla
-
I have a corkcutter ancestor (born about 1770) who lived and worked in York until sometime between 1807 and 1811 when the family then moved to Doncaster. He carried on working as a corkcutter in Doncaster and stayed there for at least another 20 years. He then moved back to York with his second wife and was recorded on the 1841 census as a corkcutter.
What I would like to know is why a corkcutter would move from York to Doncaster and then back to York. I'm intrigued.
Paul
-
Hello,
I'm not sure if this quest is still active - but in the research for a project, I came across a number of listings for this profession on this site:
https://www.lan-opc.org.uk/
Apologies in advance if it has already been well-combed. I'll list a few entries here
Baptism: 23 Jan 1797 St Peter, Liverpool, Lancs.
Frances Cottral - Daughter of William Cottral & Frances
Born: 20 Dec 1796
Abode: not given
Occupation: Corkcutter
Register: Baptisms 1793 - 1799, Page 61, Entry 30
Source: LDS Film 1656377
Baptism: 23 Jan 1797 St Peter, Liverpool, Lancs.
Frances Cottral - Daughter of William Cottral & Frances
Born: 20 Dec 1796
Abode: not given
Occupation: Corkcutter
Register: Baptisms 1793 - 1799, Page 61, Entry 30
Source: LDS Film 1656377
Baptism: 21 Dec 1856 St Mary, Oldham, Lancs.
Emma Jane Bell - [Child] of James Campbell Bell & Ellen
Abode: Smethurst Street
Occupation: Corkcutter
Baptised by: F. Parsons, Curate
Register: Baptisms 1850 - 1858, Page 266, Entry 2125
Source: LDS Film 1656163
Baptism: 30 Mar 1806 St Peter, Liverpool, Lancs.
Eliza Wynn - Daughter of Richard Wynn & Ann (formerly Davies)
Born: 3 Mar 1806
Abode: Stanley St.
Occupation: Corkcutter
Register: Baptisms 1799 - 1810, Page 204, Entry 6
Source: LDS Film 1656377
-
Baptism: 24 Nov 1805 St Peter, Liverpool, Lancs.
James Jones - Son of Edmund Jones & Mary (formerly Scarsbrick)
Born: 5 Nov 1805
Abode: Gradwell St.
Occupation: Corkcutter
Register: Baptisms 1799 - 1810, Page 195, Entry 14
Source: LDS Film 1656377
Baptism: 23 May 1802 St Peter, Liverpool, Lancs.
Ellen Jones - Daughter of Edmund Jones & Mary
Born: 1 May 1802
Abode: Gradwell St.
Occupation: Corkcutter
Register: Baptisms 1799 - 1810, Page 131, Entry 10
Source: LDS Film 1656377
Marriage: 17 Feb 1877 St Luke, Chorlton on Medlock, Lancs.
Thomas Benbow - 31 Groom Bachelor of 17 Royle Street
Agnes Howley - (X), 30 Servant Spinster of 9 Melbourne Street
Groom's Father: Charles Benbow, Coachman
Bride's Father: James Howley, CorkCutter
Witness: John Walmsley; Margaret Warmsley
Married by Banns by: William Arthur Darby M.A. Rector of St Lukes
Register: Marriages 1859 - 1883, Page 119, Entry 237
Source: LDS Film 477547
-
Baptism: 5 Mar 1797 St Peter, Liverpool, Lancs.
Richard Corfield Bucknal - Son of Jn Bucknal & Mary
Born: 14 Aug 1796
Abode: Coopers Row
Occupation: Corkcutter
Register: Baptisms 1793 - 1799, Page 64, Entry 5
Source: LDS Film 1656377
Marriage: 2 Oct 1854 St Mary, Walton on the Hill, Lancs.
Anthony Chapman - of full age, Cork Cutter, Widower, Walton
Jane Keatley - (X), of full age, Spinster, Walton
Groom's Father: Anthony Chapman, Cork Cutter
Bride's Father: Nicholas Pinder, Deceased, Bricklayer
Witness: John Whitely; Mary Whiteley, (X)
Married by Banns by: Thomas Hornby Vicar
Register: Marriages 1854 - 1859, Page 34, Entry 68
Source: LDS Film 1647985
Marriage: 19 Aug 1857 St Mary, Walton on the Hill, Lancs.
Henry Francis - of full age, Cabinet Maker, Bachelor, Kirkdale
Louisa Brien - of full age, Widow, Kirkdale
Groom's Father: Richard Francis, Carrier
Bride's Father: William Leathwood, Deceased, Corkcutter
Witness: Ellen Hunter; John Hop
Married by Banns by: Thomas Hornby Vicar
Register: Marriages 1854 - 1859, Page 159, Entry 318
Source: LDS Film 1647986
-
Hi
Can anyone tell me how I can get a copy of Cheryl's article. I've searched a lot and can only find back copies of Family History Monthly back to 2005.
Thanks in advance.
-
Hi
Can anyone tell me how I can get a copy of Cheryl's article. I've searched a lot and can only find back copies of Family History Monthly back to 2005.
Thanks in advance.
Hello .... you may by now already have an answer to your question above ??
No, I haven't found the article by Cheryl either, but I did come across the following reference to it >
"Barks Requiem : The Forgotten Trade of Cork Cutting" - by Cheryl B.....* - 'Family History Monthly' - January 2005 - pp 22-24 :
http://whistlerhistory.com/corker/corkCutter.htm
... see "Notes" reference (1) on last page :
[ * I've omitted author's surname in this post. ]
~ Lu
-
Hi Peter,
Thanks ... I found the same entry, but it casts no light on any link to tobacconists. I really can't envisage any link, so I think the answer is that there isn't one. Quite why my g-g-grandfather would have taken a break from a life-long career as a cork cutter (or, at least, claimed to have been something different) is beyond me. If cork cutting really was so menial, and he had succeeded in becoming a "master" tobacconist, which must have paid much better, why go back to cutting cork?
Cheers
Tim
A tobacconist was someone who had a small shop - in French the word 'tabac' (pronounced taba) still means what the English would call a corner shop or newsagent and the Americans a mom-and-pop store.
-
Wow glad I found this I thought 'Cork Cutter' was a slightly sarcastic way of saying 'does nothing / gentleman'
Just been researching a Salisbury family in one Census (1891) George Salisbury was a Cork Cutter on other dcumentation / Census records he was a Barman, Licensed Victualler, most often down as a Gentleman.
btw this was in Walton on the Hill, Liverpool, Lancashire, England.
-
Think of a world without plastics.
When I was a kid all kinds of bottles had corks - medicine bottles, whiskey bottles, wine bottles of course.