Berufe der Auswanderer - "Gerberliste"

The occupations of the emigrants make an interesting study. Among those listed are Daylaborers, Masons, Vinedressers, Farmers, Weavers, Shoemakers, Carpenters, Joiners, Clothmakers, Cartwrights, Tailors, Innkeepers, Dyers, Bakers, Coopers, Stockingweavers, Butchers, Blacksmiths, Miners, Cowherds, Shepherds, Barbers, Stonecutters, Soldiers, Judges, Mayors, and Lawyers. Of these, Gerber has estimated that in Volume I, farmers and workers on the land in general, made up only 20 per cent of the whole. The remainder of the occupations can be divided up into weavers of various sorts, 14 per cent; tailors and shoemakers, 14 per cent; masons and carpenters, 9 per cent; cabinetmakers, coopers and cartwrights, 8 per cent; smiths of various sorts, 7 per cent; and butchers and bakers, 6 per cent. In Volume II, a higher percentage of farmers is given. The value of such information, available nowhere else, for the economic background of the Pennsylvania immigrants, is self-evident.

A few individual references will be of interest at this point. Johann Georg Klingenmayr of Hdfingen was listed as a "deserted Wurttemberg soldier." Baltas Dasch of Sulz am Neckar was a "Baker and Beer-brewer." Christianus Pfingstag of Altenriet was the village Grave-digger. Eberhart Biircklin of Weil im Schonbuch was a "Peddler and farmer"; Knobloch of Kusterdingen, a "Night Watchman" and Haberle of Maichingen, a "Weaver and Field-Ranger." Of the politicians and professional men, there were Johann Caspar Gajer of Schlaitdorf, who was the Mayor of his village; the same is true for Paulus Achatius Daser of Nagold. Johannes Weiss of Gechingen, was a "Judge"; Hofelin of Steinheim am Albach, a "Lawyer". Among the doctors or surgeons were Degele, Hailer, Cramer, and Stuber. Schoolmasters included Pfaff of Steinheim an der Murr, a preacher's son; (sein Vater Gottfried Pfaff war von 1685 - 1724 Pfarrer in Steinheim) and Fissler of Lossburg. And, most interesting of all is the versatile Johannes Siglin of Neckartenzlingen—"Butcher, Landlord of the Stag Inn, Judge, Senator, and Farmer."

Source: Adolf Gerber lists