Cook/Steward/Collecting Clerk

[diesse]

Hi all,

Would someone please advise what the difference is between a cook and a steward.

One of my ancestors was described as both of these during his lifetime.

The death certificate described him as a cook and on his son's marriage certificate was described as a steward. Maybe a bit of snobbery here 

Also, what duties would a collection clerk have?

Is there a website that gives descriptions of occupations from the 1700s-1900s?  If so, would you please advise.

Many thanks,

Di

[Billiegirl]

Hello Diesse, I hope you're still about, as this is a fairly old post. I have a similar situation with a relative and I'm wondering what time frame you're talking about.

My relative starts as a servant from at least 1805 to 1822 (he's mentioned in his employer's will). Then in 1839 he's on one of his son's marriage certs as a cook. Then in 1845 he's described as a steward, deceased.

Its odd that we both have the same problem with these "job descriptions", and thought it might be relevant to a particular time period. Did you ever clarify your relative's occupation?

Best wishes, Billiegirl

[diesse]

Hi Biliegirl,
Great to hear from you and yes I am still around and still looking for family info.

I never did find out what the duties were for my relative. He was born in 1770 and died 1838.
He was a Steward at his son's marriage in September 1838. A gentleman on another son's marriage certificate then an Esquire then a cook on his death certificate.

Still, I think they must have had interesting if not hard working lives.

Good luck with yours.

Cheers,
Di

[stanmapstone]

Also, what duties would a collection clerk have?
Is there a website that gives descriptions of occupations from the 1700s-1900s?  If so, would you please advise.
Many thanks,
Di

On the railways a Clerk Collector combined the duties of a clerk and ticket collector.
"The Book of Household Management" by Isabella Mary Beeton has detailed descriptions of domestic staff and their duties   http://www.rootschat.com/links/01eic/
Stan

[diesse]

Hi Stan,

Thank you for the link.
I have sufficient information now to describe what my ancestor might have done as a cook and steward. It all helps to put flesh on the skeleton.

Cheers,
Di

[Billiegirl]

Hello Di, many thanks for your reply. It seems our relatives led parallel lives to some extent. Did you ever find out where yours worked? Mine worked for many years at Kilmory House in Argyll for Peter Campbell Esq but after that I lose track of him; perhaps he used his knowledge to reinvent himself as a cook.
I had a great chuckle at the description Stan found in Mrs Beeton's book. Just amazing; wish I'd been a fly on the wall!