18th Century Colonial Occupations

Many people earned a living outside.

Jobs in 18th century colonial America were very different from the jobs of today. The opportunity for an occupation was not as widespread. For this reason, many people were self-sufficient in growing their own food and making their own clothes. However, the occupations that did exist required a person to be a very skilled laborer. The people in these occupations lived in most colonies.

Smiths

Three different smiths existed in the 18th century -- blacksmiths, locksmiths and gunsmiths. Blacksmiths made products for everyone. They made axes, nails and tools for cooking. Locksmiths were not limited to making locks and improving security for buildings. They produced weapons during wartime and heads for tobacco pipes. The gunsmith made guns for the colony people. These started as muskets and were then developed into the Kentucky rifle.

Medical

The apothecary was the go-to person for medical issues and acted as the colony's doctor. Not only did the apothecary dispense medicine, like today's pharmacists, but also performed surgeries, treated illness and later delivered babies. Midwives were largely women, as men felt it was not appropriate to attend a birthing, but men started taking over toward the end of the 18th century. Midwives not only delivered the babies, but also aided the pregnant woman in her health.

Clothing

The shoemaker or cobbler made shoes and boots. A cobbler would have already made shoes available for customers, or would custom make them for people. Tailors made the clothing. Common items that could serve as "one size fits all" were pre-made. Others, such as breeches and dresses, were custom made. Weavers would produce fabric in the colonies, but it was cheaper to import. Women could work as milliners and made clothing accessories such as handkerchiefs and ruffles.

Structures and Items

Carpenters and joiners made numerous structures in the colonies. Some more common makers in the 18th century colonies included cabinet makers and brick makers. The occupation of brick making was usually reserved for indentured servants, men willing to work for little pay, convicts and slaves. Even though many of the structures were mostly constructed of wood, bricks were used for chimneys and walkways. Cabinet makers not only made the cabinets for colonial homes, but also the furniture used in the homes and the businesses.

Foods

Coopers made casks. They made containers for beverages and gunpowder. Wealthy men, such as landowners and governors, were able to hire personal chefs. Many of the people living in the colonies were farmers, but it was common for farmers to trade their goods for other goods or services.

References

• Pricketts Fort: Blacksmithing of the 18th Century
• Pennsylvania State University: Building Community: Medieval Technology and American History: The Locksmith
• Pricketts Fort: The Gunsmith and His Shop
• History.org: Colonial Williamsburg: Trades
• Midwifery Today: The History of Midwifery and Childbirth in America: A Time Line; Adrian E. Feldhusen