Topic starter
16/02/2009 11:02 pm
I am researching the Roseberry and Wallace familes of Washington and Belmont counties, Ohio. in the 1850 census for Marietta, Ohio, Joseph W Roseberry, age 18, was listed as a boatman. I have searched long and hard for information about his occupation, what boat he may have served on, etc., but have had no luck to-date.
Does anyone know if there is a list of boatmen serving out of Marietta, Ohio in the 1850-1860 time period?
Thank you for your help in advance.
Judy Ramsay
[email protected]
17/02/2009 2:11 am
Does anyone think this may refer to a keel or flat boat man?
17/02/2009 3:56 am
Jude
census takers use the term "boatman" to cover about every one from a deckhand to owner to clerk to fireman, sometime even roustabouts. Joseph may have been working on a steamboat for a grubstake, a common practice of the time for the low men on the boat. they got room and board and could save money.
If Joseph was born in Illinois he was a carpenter in 1860 in Marion twp, Jennings Co Indiana and a farmer in Spencer twp Jennings co. Indiana. He is Married in 1870 to Margaret with 5 Children.