"Capitalist" as an occupation?

[leagen]

I just found out one of my ancestors (Born in Ire.) listed his occupation as "Capitalist" in the 1900 census in N.Y. where he then lived.  Anyone have any idea what he ment by this?  At other times he is listed as being a Laborer or store clerk.  He was almost 60 when he finally says he is a "Capitalist"   Leagen

[Boongie Pam]

http://rmhh.co.uk/occup/c.html

Kind of a banker.  Someone who provides capital or invests in other firms/people.

All the best,
pam
 

[Cell]

 The same sort of meaning below, an investor:

CAPITALIST
An investor who provided private capital or wealth for the production and distribution of goods.

http://www.gendocs.demon.co.uk/trades.html


 

[leagen]

Thank you both.  When I think of a capitalist I think of it in a political way.  I guess by the time he was that age he had enough money to invest/loan but it is odd that at the same time he rented instead of owned a house.  In 1886 he was working in a resturant and living in an apt.. Of course he may have Owned the resturant, I'll have to see if I can find that out. He moved between 2 different cities in 2 different states often. May have been a restless person for whom things never really worked out so kept trying something new.   Leagen

[historyn]

Just came across "capitalist" listed as an occupation for the first time today, and visited the official census website to read up on the appropriate interpretation (it's amazing how much easier it is to find answers in 2018 compared to 2004 when this question first posted!).

According to the Feds, census takers were to report as "capitalists" not only people who received income primarily generated by rental property or loans, but also from stocks, bonds, or other investments. For the official explanation of occupations listed on the 1870-1900 censuses, check out:

https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1900/occupations/occupations-part-5.pdf

Cheers,
Historyn