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From:
Subject: Re: [Irish-American] Help with Shanahan
Date: Mon, 14 Nov 2005 10:09:33 EST


In a message dated 11/13/05 7:02:31 PM Eastern Standard Time,
writes:


> 1870 his occupation was a Jour Cooper. Can
> you explain what this might be. He is further listed, after 1880 as a
> marble polisher.

I have never polished marble but, I don't think polishing stone is as
skilled a craft as a cooper (one that builds or fixes barrels, tubs, buckets,
and other staved containers). Working as a "day" (Jour in French) cooper may
not have been as steady work. Journeymen, recieve a day's pay for a day's work.
A Master ownes his business and and earned the profits, not quite the
same as "Master" in the English tradition, where a "Masterpiece" is created.
The guild system didn't didn't quite catch on in America.
I am sure there are list members that know more on the subject, they
can add to these comments. here is my take anyway, John

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