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Occupation of Boston Males, 1790
Explanation: The following is a compilation of occupations reflected in the Tax and Rate Book, 1790; Record Commissioners' Report, X.
Source: Kulikoff "Progress of Inequality in Revolutionary Boston" - William and Mary Quarterly (July 1971)
- I. GOVERNMENT OCCUPATIONS - 67
- Federal Officers - 11
- Law Enforcement - 10
- State Officers - 13
- Town Officers - 33
- II. PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS - 219
- Accountant -3
- Apothecary - 17
- Architect - 1
- Dentist - 1
- Doctor - 26
- Lawyer - 21
- Minister - 20
- Schoolmaster - 16
- Sea Captain - 114
- III. TRADESMEN - 474
- Auctioneer - 7
- Banker -1
- Broker - 16
- Bookseller - 2
- Chandler - 17
- Hardware Shop - 11
- Lemondealer - 10
- Lumber Merchant - 5
- Merchant - 206
- Peddler - 6
- Retailer - 133
- Stationeer - 5
- Tobacconist - 17
- Trader - 13
- Underwriter - 1
- Wharfinger - 24
- IV. CLERICAL OCCUPATIONS - 66
- V. ARTISANS A to G - 1271
- A. BUILDING CRAFTS - 245
- Carpenter - 140
- Glazier - 12
- Mason - 44
- Painter - 34
- Joiner - 5
- Sawyer - 7
- Stonecutter - 3
- B. CLOTH TRADES - 289
- Cardmaker -24
- Combmaker - 2
- Duckcloth Maker - 17
- Furrier - 3
- Hatter - 29
- Leather Dresser - 13
- Shoemaker - 78
- Shoedealer - 6
- Silkdyer - 3
- Tailor - 100
- Tanner - 10
- Weaver - 3
- C. FOOD TRADES - 175
- Bacon Smoker - 1
- Baker - 64
- Bonecutter - 1
- Butcher - 10
- Confectioneer - 1
- Distiller - 47
- Gingerbread Baker - 2
- Grocer - 33
- Miller - 4
- Slop Shop - 4
- Sugar Boiler - 8
- D. MARINE CRAFTS - 219
- Blockmaker - 16
- Caulker - 14
- Head Builder - 5
- Mastmaker - 7
- Rigger - 11
- Sailmaker - 30
- Sea Cooper - 16
- Oarmaker - 1
- Pumpmaker - 4
- Shipjoiner - 7
- Shipwright - 65
- Staysmaker - 1
- Ropemaker - 42
- E. METAL CRAFTS - 132
- Blacksmith - 59
- Coppersmith - 4
- Founder - 15
- Goldsmith - 23
- Gunsmith - 1
- Ironmonger - 1
- Jeweler - 3
- Silversmith - 5
- Tinner - 14
- Whitesmith - 1
- Pewterer - 6
- F. WOODWORKERS - 106
- Cabinetmaker - 15
- Carver - 4
- Chairmaker - 11
- Cooper - 20
- Turner - 1
- Upholsterer - 4
- Woodsealer - 1
- G. MISCELLANEOUS CRAFTS - 107
- Bookbinder - 5
- Chaisemaker - 16
- Huckster - 4
- Instrument Maker - 3
- Musician - 3
- Paper-stainer - 3
- Printer - 17
- Saddler - 6
- Soapboiler - 6
- Watchmaker - 8
- Wheelwright - 8
- Misc. Trades - 28
- VI. SERVICE OCCUPATIONS - 183
- Barber - 42
- Boarder-keeper - 24
- Carter - 9
- Chaise-letter - 3
- Coachdriver - 6
- Hackdriver - 7
- Sexton - 11
- Stablekeeper - 3
- Taverner - 26
- Truckman - 50
- VII. MARINERS - 117
- Fisherman - 37
- Mate - 20
- Pilot - 2
- Sailor - 58
- VIII. UNSKILLED OCCUPATIONS - 188
- Chimney Sweeper - 6
- Gardener - 15
- Laborer - 157
- Lightman - 7
- TOTAL EMPLOYED: 2585
- UNEMPLOYED AND RETIRED - 106
- Gentlemen -23
- Poor (no trade) - 27
- Poor, sick, lame - 28
- Unemployed - 28
- Servants (white) - 63
- GRAND TOTAL - 2754
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Last modified: February 24, 2017.
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