The world of work has
changed greatly from the times of our ancestors, causing many occupational names
and terms to fall into disuse. If you found your ancestor named as a ripper,
seinter, hosteler, sperviter, dobber, or pettifogger, would you know what it
meant? Probably not. Yet, the work that our ancestors chose for their living is
an important part of who they were. Learning about the occupations of our
ancestors can provide insight into their daily lives, social status, and
possibly even the origin of your family surname. Not to mention, many old
occupations are interesting enough to add a touch of spice to your family
history.
This free glossary of old
occupations explains the
function of hundreds of old occupations, trades, and job titles. To find the old
occupations that you are looking for, simply click the appropriate letter in the
navigation bar located at the top of each index page in the glossary.
This old occupations glossary is a continual work-in-progress. If you come across an
old occupation that you would like to see included,
please send me an email at genealogy.guide@about.com
and include OLD OCCUPATIONS as the subject of your email.
