George William Butt with Milk Cart

Ancestral Occupations

The story of our family unfolds through the diverse occupations of our ancestors, from farm labourers and shepherds who shaped rural life, to skilled engineers and shipwrights advancing industry and maritime trade. Their hard work as domestic caretakers, laundresses, and midwives formed the foundation of family and community, while roles in hospitality, trading, and craftsmanship reflect the vibrant social and economic landscape they lived in. Each entry—whether a cooper in a bustling dockyard, a blacksmith in a railway workshop, or a homemaker keeping the household running—offers a personal glimpse into the lives and contributions that underpin our shared heritage.

This pie chart offers a visual summary of family occupations, clearly illustrating the diversity of work found on both the paternal and maternal sides. Notably, the yellow segment—representing domestic and personal service—reflects roles undertaken exclusively by women in the family, highlighting the significant impact of gender in shaping occupational paths. Despite this, the overall distribution of work remains remarkably similar between both branches of the family, demonstrating a shared pattern of livelihoods across generations.