What is the most interesting occupation in your family tree? (#2)

[philipsearching]

I had visions of circus life when I was told that one great-great grandfather and his father were "ropewalkers".

On the 1891 census they are listed as "twine spinners" - apparently they worked in long sheds, twisting twine into ropes as they walked backwards.

So much for romance and excitement!

I wonder how many other occupations involved walking backwards. Maybe I'll start a thread (or a twine, or a rope).

Philip

Moderator Comment:
This is the continuation of
What is the most interesting occupation in your family tree? (#1: locked)
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,34910.0.html

[miss marple]

I have some interesting potteries ancestors; as has already been mentioned here there was a saggar maker, but also a Parisian figure maker (which I think should have been parian figure maker), a potter's cup jollier and a dottler. On another side of the family I have just come across a silk throwster.

Jane

[mc8]

I've just learned that my ggggmother 'let donkeys for hire' in the 1851 census-presumably to the costermongers of Camberwell

[wheeldon]

I have shoe makers and watch makers - I also have a street hawker and a cousin of mine thought that he dealt with birds of prey.  She was very dissapointed when I told her he sold fish on a market.

[Katie123]

I have a potato-porter (he used to get to take a taxi to work!), a boxer and an Olympic athlete (can't say that the sportiness has been inherited lol).

Katie 

[JillJ]

I've just discovered a Yeast Dealer - the son-in-law of a Baker, which was probably quite good for business!

Jill

[Arranroots]

I've always wondered how you produce yeast commercially, Jill.

The students in my hall of residence were quite good at it on an amateur basis (unwashed crockery in the kitchen!), but I am sure there are more hygienic ways! 

[JillJ]

I have to admit it's not something I have given much thought to  as yet Arranroots, but it's a good point!   

I've been more concerned this afternoon with the fact that the Baker became Cook in a convalescent home where I then discovered his wife and grandaughter were 'inmates' - not patients!   

Jill

[GalaxyJane]

This may count as cheating because he is not in my family tree, but I found him while doing a virtual walk round the streets of Manchester, looking for elusive rellies.
 
RG9/2958/97/16.

 Charles Malacride Head 49 Philosophical Tin Hatter    born London.

                            The mind boggleth!
                                                Regards
                                                            Jane
PS. On rereading in context with an entry further up the page I realise I may have done Charles an injustice == he may be a philosophical tin MAKER.