RootsChat.Com
Scotland (Counties as in 1851-1901) => Scotland => Dunbartonshire => Topic started by: juzzyje;;ybean on Sunday 23 August 09 15:23 BST (UK)
-
Hey!
Does anyone know what a Dolph Merchant is? I am fairly sure that is what it says if not, maybe someone can enlighten me.
Many Thanks Justine
-
Hi Justine
Could it be Delph? possibly a mis-writing of delft, which is pottery?
Perhaps you could post a small sample including the word in question - or else the census reference if that's what you're looking at?
Kind regards, Arranroots ;)
-
Hi
Have attached the census entry its the last one on the page no98. It is John Baynes occupation that I am interested in.
Many Thanks
Justine
-
Hmmm - delft is still my best guess. It does look like Dolph or Delph.
I guess the next question is - what was his occupation on other censuses?
If he was a merchant, there is a chance that you could find him in directories of the period. I'm not sure what's available for this area.
It might be a good idea to post again on the Dumbartonshire board, BUT make sure you lock the thread and refer to this one, so that we don't get replies on both threads.
It could be that "locals" will have other ideas that might help you.
Kind regards, Arranroots ;)
-
I have no idea about that job but this is a good site for most occupations(not yours unfortunatly) and is handy to have bookmarked ;D
http://www.census1891.com/occupations-a.htm
-
I gree with Arranroots that he was a pottery merchant
From the OED
Delft Also delph. A kind of glazed earthenware made at Delf or Delft in Holland; originally called Delf ware.
Stan
-
Thanks for the definition - and the source, lol!
;) ;D
-
Thanks for that, would post it on to the Dumbartonshire post but I haven't a clue about cross ref. and locking threads ??? Sorry. I really am a dumb blonde! lol
-
OK I will move this to the Dumbarton board for you - that seems the elegant solution!
8)
-
Thanks thats kind!
I would be afraid that I would muck something up!
;D
-
Is it possible that Dolph Merchant refers to a brand name of varnish? A varnish company out of New Jersey manufactured varnish for various purposes...but especially for coating electrical windings etc. in motors...They began their company in 1910
http://www.dolphs.com/dolphs_about.cfm
-
Justine, he might have been a ragman, exchanging Delft for rags. With the horse & cart, a la Steptoe. The call here in Glasgow, and I'm sure it must have reached the purlieus of Dunbartonshire, was "Elfy Delfy, ----- for rags", usually accompanied by an impromptu bugle recital.
Skoosh.
-
Really Skoosh? Is that in living memory? I can vaguely remember rag and bone men in Bristol, but no cries as such.
I love things like that!
:)
-
Very much Arranroots, maybe until the 60s. These ragmen hired the horse & cart by the day then sold the days take to the ragstore. There was one case in Blackhill where the carter (cairter) was too late in returning the hire to the yard and the place was shut. He took it home to the tenemented abode, unhitched the horse and took it up the stairs to the flat. It spent the night in the lobby. Had he left it in the street it would never have been seen again.
Halcyon days!
Skoosh.