From Railway to Agriculture

[Daft Bat]

William BERRY and his wife Julia (O’)NEIL married in 1873 in the county of West Meath as I mentioned in this thread and William’s occupation was that of Railway Porter.

They moved about a bit to both County Laois and County Wexford, where William was still recorded as a Railway Porter on his children’s baptisms.

That is until 1882, when the family appear in Philipstown, Tullamore, County Offaly and he is now an Agricultural Labourer as recorded on his daughter’s baptism.

What I am trying to discover is the reason why a Railway Porter would suddenly become an Agricultural Labourer back in his home county. Did the railway close? Did he undertake some nefarious act and get the sack? Was his wife to blame (long criminal history from 1891 – mainly drunk...)?

All help gratefully received!

 

[arthurk]

I can't help thinking of "Oh, Mr Porter!" - I wonder if all Irish railways operated like that?

More to the point, I've just discovered the Irish Railway Record Society, which might be worth looking into:

http://irishrailarchives.ie/

 

[janetbooth]

Could he have had a relative in Tullamore, Jan? FMP have some Ireland Valuation Office Books records and a William BERRY appears in them from 1843 onwards as living at Tullamore, although this William BERRY looks to have been a Baker. Perhaps your William needed a place of sanctuary!!

Janet

 

[Daft Bat]

Could he have had a relative in Tullamore, Jan?

I think that is where was from originally, @janetbooth . There is a John BERRY who shows in the records later who I think was a brother. Just wondering why he went 'home' and changed jobs.

I can't help thinking of "Oh, Mr Porter!" - I wonder if all Irish railways operated like that?

More to the point, I've just discovered the Irish Railway Record Society, which might be worth looking into:

http://irishrailarchives.ie/

Thanks, @arthurk I will have a rummage.