19th century business women.....

CatrionaL · Post by **CatrionaL** » Tue Jan 11, 2005 7:25 pm

I was a little surprised, while looking for one of my third G Grandmothers, Janet CRAWFORD to find in the 1851 Census for Neilston, 2 single young women aged 19 and 21, Margaret and Janet CRAWFORD, both with occupation as "Timber Merchant, employing 17 men". Didn't imagine women playing such a role way back then. Interesting.

Still don't know if this Janet is my 3rd GG, but do know that alliances between Timber Merchants were not uncommon in that part of the family.

Anybody else got business women amongst their 19th century ancestors?

Catriona

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jan 11, 2005 8:46 pm

I have a Great Gran listed as a Fancy Good Merchant(Thanks Davie)and later as a Confectioner.She was the widow of a dry salter.
HK

WilmaM · Post by **WilmaM** » Tue Jan 11, 2005 11:13 pm

In 1901 I have a lady [ my great grandfather's sister] by the name of Francis Ann who is recorded as being a :
Chandlers Shop Keeper working on her own account she was the grand age of 19!

I mentioned her to an Aunt and they all laughed

that was the infamous "Auntie Fanny" that I'd completely forgotten existed

Jack · Post by **Jack** » Wed Jan 12, 2005 7:52 am

I got a couple of censuses last year for a cousin living in Canada.

His rellie Georgina aged 37 in 1891 was a Coal Dealer, and in 1901 a Coal Merchant. Her 14 & 16 yr old daurs were Coal Saleswomen - i have visions of them humphin 1cwt bags up the tenement stairs, but i do hope they weren't!

Georgina was doing quite well, but her hubby wasn't - he was in a Model Lodging House.

Jack