Friday, August 10, 2012

1900, Again

Here are a few more tidbits of information gleaned from the 1900 census:
  • Only two ship's pilots are listed (as a result of the opening of Hatteras Inlet in 1846 most Ocracoke pilots moved to Hatteras).
  • There is one "manufacturer" (Henry Doxsee of the Doxsee Clam Factory -- see http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112110.htm).
  • Eight men served in the United States Life Saving Service.
  • Ocracoke had four "dressmakers" and five "carpenters" but only one "boat builder."
  • Two merchants were identified.
  • One woman is listed as "stenographer." She was the daughter-in-law of one of the merchants.
  • Thirty-six men worked on the water as fishermen, oystermen, and such.
  • Seventeen men are listed as sailors and seamen. 
  • One resident made his living by "tying nets."
  • One woman is listed as "WD Boat House Proprietor." Even Blanche couldn't identify the WD Boat House!
  • Ocracoke also had two day laborers, two school teachers, one agent for the Norfolk & Southern Railroad (as mentioned in a previous blog), two ministers (also mentioned previously), one lighthouse keeper, and one shoemaker. 
The other adults were generally listed simply as "Head" or "Wife" so we are uncertain of their occupational status.

Just some Ocracoke trivia for our readers today.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Hurricane House and the Hurricane Boards. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072112.htm.

1 comment:

  1. Anonymous8:46 AM

    Philip -

    Thanks for this and your other columns with census information. They are all very interesting. Collectively, they give a good sense of Ocracoke history and the movement of people to and from the island.

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