Sladesman

[CuriousDiana]

Can anyone tell me what this occupation was, please?

[Emjaybee]

Slaidsman, or sladesman one who drives or uses a sledge - from old Scottish records.

Any connections with the north?

Mike

[CuriousDiana]

Thanks for that, Mike. Yes, the connection is to Scotland, where this person was also sometimes described as a "carter". Driving or using a sledge  -  exatly how would he be using the sledge? And to carry what? Would he have a horse to pull it?  Have you any idea?  He lived in a cotton mill town called Catrine, although I do not have any reference to him being employed at the mill. Was a sledge a common form of transporting goods in the middle of the 19th century?  Any ideas would be appreciated.
Diana

[Emjaybee]

The sledge could well have been two heavy boards forming runners with a platform to load items for transport within the factory. I have a vague idea of seeing a picture of china loaded on skids ready to be pushed/pulled to the kiln.

[CuriousDiana]

Thanks again, Michael, for your helpful reply.
Diana