At Work in Bullitt County
An abstract of occupations from the 1850 U.S. census
(Source:Microcopy #M432, Roll #193 as transcribed by
Joan June Wright 1981)
| Farmer-639 |
Laborer-378 |
Cooper-55 |
Blacksmith-31 |
| Carpenter-25 |
Shoemaker-17 |
(School) Teacher-16 |
Miller-15 |
| Saddler-15 |
Merchant-14 |
Medical Doctor-12 |
Tailor-6 |
| Tanner-6 |
Constable-6 |
Wood chopper-6 |
Wagonwright/maker-5 |
| Clerk-5 |
Hotel Keeper-5 |
Fan maker-4 |
Cabinet maker-4 |
| Lawyer-3 |
School master-3 |
Stone mason-3 |
Plasterer-3 |
| Magistrate-3 |
Gunsmith-3 |
Peddler-2 |
Boat maker-2 |
| Pilot-2 |
Black farmer-2 |
Merchant/Tailors-2 |
|
One each
| Baptist minister |
Bar Keeper |
Bridge builder |
Cabinet maker |
| Carriage maker |
Clock maker |
Clock peddler |
County surveyor |
| Forge man |
Gardener |
Grocery keeper |
Methodist minister |
| Painter |
Rope maker |
Saddle tree maker |
Sawyer |
| Sherriff |
Sugar maker |
Tinner |
Hog Merchant |
For a total of 1315 listed as working.
Other designations:
| Poorhouse-8 |
Student-7 |
Insane-9 |
Deaf/blind-4 |
Observations: Interestingly, this demographic survey reveals a
few examples of how the county changed over its first fifty years
of existence, as revealed in what is absent from the record. Gone
is any indication of the initial industries of the county- no
saltmakers, ore miners, trappers, or founders are listed. One
sugar maker from Guadelupe was listed. The most curious occupation
listed , in my opinion, was that of Fan maker- Bullitt county
apparently had 4 fan makers working to supply the region with
fans in that day before air conditioning! This is an early example
of industry that I have not seen recognized anywhere before, and
I am not sure of the process they used.
The top two listings of farmer and laborerer comprise
over 75 percent of all occupations listed- since laborer almost
always shows up as a listing following the farmer's entry, we
may surmise that nearly all those who counted themselves as laborers
worked in the local farming industry. And of course, in that day,
homemaker was not considered an occupation. The realities of making
a home in pioneer days is explored in another page soon to come.
The single Baptist and Methodist minister listing
notably makes a distinction between their denominations. The presence
of a single bar keeper would seem to indicate that taverns were
not plentious in Bullitt County in those days.
The occupation of Cooper was well represented, with
56 being involved in that endeavor. A cooper, in those days, built
casks, barrels, and tubs from wood which served as shipping containers
for all kinds of produce and wares, thus serving this agricultural
community. Boat makers, wagonwrights, millers, pilots and merchants
also depended upon the farmer for their clientele.
One might also notice the relatively high number
of Medical Doctors for the county- 12 in all.