George Van Horn is my 4x great grandfather. He was born 3 January 1815 in Pennsylvania. He and his wife, Jane Dudbridge, had seven children. The children are: Chrispin Pierson (my 3x great grandfather), Asher (who lived only one year), Benjamin Franklin (a Civil War veteran), Martha Elizabeth, Joanna D., George W. (who lived only one year), and William G.
The 1850 Census shows George and his wife Jane living in the 5th Ward of Kensington in the City of Philadelphia in Pennsylvania. The Census was taken that year on 28 July. George lists his occupation as a lawyer and his age as 34. Jane is three years older, at 37. Their children are: Pierson, 10; Franklin, 7; Martha, 5; and Joanna, 2. Samuel Tyler, age 30, was also living with the family. He was a team driver. He was born in New Jersey. The Van Horns were all born in Pennsylvania.
Ten years later, George has hung up his shingle as a lawyer in a major city and now shows up as a farmer in Valley Township, Chester County. His age is appropriately listed as 45. The value of his real estate owned is $6,000. Jane is listed as 47. Their children are: Chrispin P., 21; Benjamin F., 17; Martha E., 14; Joanna, 10; and William G., 8.
The ages and names all fit but I have always wondered what makes someone change from a professional white collar profession like a lawyer to a farmer? What moves someone from a big city to a township in a neighboring County?
I'm afraid without supplemental documentation, George Van Horn has come to a standstill ... at least for the moment.
The ages and names all fit but I have always wondered what makes someone change from a professional white collar profession like a lawyer to a farmer? What moves someone from a big city to a township in a neighboring County?
I'm afraid without supplemental documentation, George Van Horn has come to a standstill ... at least for the moment.
Census Sunday is a genealogical prompt of GeneaBloggers.
Thank you to everyone who messaged me privately or via Facebook concerning George Van Horn's occupation. The consensus - and seeing it, I agree - is that the 1850 Census does NOT say lawyer. Instead that first letter is a S. George was a sawyer!
ReplyDeleteA sawyer is simply one who saws wood. That occupation to a farmer just 10 years later is not so far a stretch. But why change locations? He had no ties to the Coatesville area until they moved here themselves.