Contractor???

[Rinnie]

Hi

 I've recently obtained my Gt. Gt. Grandmothers marriage certificate and it states that her fathers occupation is a contractor? does any one have any ideas as to what he could be? on the 1881 census he is down as being a dealer in gold and silver plate does a contractor have anything to do with this?

 Thank you

 Rin

[RootsChat]

Hi Rin,

I looked up various contractor's in the 1800's and found connections to the Railways, Carting, Electricity and the Dairytrade. It appears that being a Contractor is not limited to a particular trade.

If we look at today's contractor's again it not limited to one trade but indicates that the contractor is employed for a short term contract to carry out a piece of work.

What is in common is that contracting may mean working away from home at times.  

I hope this helps !

RootsChat  

[Rinnie]

Hi

 Thanks for the information, it does help, it may explain why he cannot be found on the 1851 census in Longtown!

Thank you

Rin