THOMAS POOLE..1806..MASTER MASON

[susan-y]

|help|
My husband's gg grandfather Thomas Poole, born 1806 in Gloustershire was a master mason upon his arrival in Canada. I am wondering where he would have learned his trade and if I can find records of this.
Thanks
Sue

[birdlip]

Hi Sue,

I have a couple of families of stonemasons in my tree. The trade was often passed down through the generations, from father to son(s) and/or nephews. In these cases, unfortunately no formal records of apprenticeship were written.

regards birdlip

[birdlip]

...you may be able to find him or his family in a Trade Directory though. When did he arrive in Canada?

[susan-y]

He first sailed to New York, but didn't find work there so he came to Toronto in the late 1820's...I believe. ( I haven't found him on a ship's list,yet) He was given the job of building a house for Robert Copeland who was given 200 acres in what is now Mississauga. The land was given to Copeland for fighting with the Loyalists. The house is now a "heritage house" in part of a booming city!
He also married Robert Copeland's daughter Mary and that begins another long story in the family!
I believe he came from Mailenbury? Gloucestershire, ( according to family documents)but as I have yet to get his marriage registration I haven't been able to completely trace his heritage in England....I don't know his parents names ...it is said that he had 2 sisters in England.

[birdlip]

I think that would have to be Malmesbury.

[birdlip]

hmmm...Malmesbury's in Wiltshire, so that can't be right. Though its right on the border with Gloucestershire, so perhaps the border has changed over time? I can't think of anywhere else, unless its the name of a tiny hamlet that doesn't exist any more.

[susan-y]

Thanks for your suggestions....I'll keep digging..I have looked at some of the trade lists, but so far they are all after he would have left England. Perhaps the borders have changed..seems to me I did read that they had when scrolling through some information under Price & A..... Lot's of stuff to read there. It's just sooooo interesting and there's not enough hours in a day to work on our puzzles.. if only I was independantly wealthy maybe I could have time to search it all!!!!!