what occupation is a pump make(r)?

Question

My ancestor's 1870 Census says he was a pump make...I assume maker in Baltimore, MD. what is that?

Answer 1

There were definitely pumps in the 1870's but they were large industrial machines, steam engines or water/sewer movement. Baltimore was one of the first cities in the US to have a central heating system that could have had pumps too. Might have something to do with the waterworks industry or the Mills in Baltimore.

One other thought comes to mind: boilermaker. Not sure when that term appeared in the census, but people who worked in the metal fabrication for boilers, ships, and steel might qualify for this term too.

Comments

Pumps can also be shoes for men or women. :)

Answer 2

It’s exactly what it says.  Probaby a metalworker/pipefitter who made pumps, either industrial or home water pumps.  People got their water out of wells with hand pumps, pumps were powered by windmills, all kinds of industries used pumps to move fluids, boats and ships have pumps to keep the bilges dry...   Pumps have been in use for hundreds of years.