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Some Special Interests => Occupation Interests => Topic started by: Swansea Jill on Friday 23 March 18 14:12 GMT (UK)

Title: Help! What was a colliery marker?
Post by: Swansea Jill on Friday 23 March 18 14:12 GMT (UK)

A report in the South Wales Daily Post of 30th April 1900 detailed an accident at the Myrtle Hill Colliery, Aberavon.  The victim, Thomas Evans (possibly my great-grandfather), was described as a marker at the colliery.  I've looked up various glossaries of mining terms but have drawn a blank as to the role of a colliery marker.

Can any Rootschatter help, please?

Title: Re: Help! What was a colliery marker?
Post by: Skoosh on Friday 23 March 18 22:35 GMT (UK)

A guess! kept a tally of the miners output?

Skoosh.

Title: Re: Help! What was a colliery marker?
Post by: Swansea Jill on Saturday 24 March 18 12:39 GMT (UK)

Hi Skoosh

I think your guess could be very near the truth.  Thomas apparently had shares in the mine, so it would make sense for him to keep a close eye on production!  Unfortunately the mine eventually went bust.

Regards
SJ

Title: Re: Help! What was a colliery marker?
Post by: Mike in Cumbria on Saturday 24 March 18 14:51 GMT (UK)

Quote from: Skoosh on Friday 23 March 18 22:35 GMT (UK)

A guess! kept a tally of the miners output?

Skoosh.

Sounds right.

"corf marker, corve marker chalks on the full trams (or tubs) of coal the tally number of the miner who has cut the coal they contain; may be done by hewer himself or by filler; cf. chalkor.counter

Title: Re: Help! What was a colliery marker?
Post by: Skoosh on Saturday 24 March 18 16:29 GMT (UK)

Trams or Tubs Mike, Scotland=Hutches!  ;D

Skoosh.

Title: Re: Help! What was a colliery marker?
Post by: Swansea Jill on Sunday 25 March 18 10:46 BST (UK)

Thanks both of you.  Every little fact helps to fill out our understanding of the life of long dead ancestors.

Regards
SJ.