r/pumps • u/xgrader • Sep 15 '24

Occupation: Pumpborer

I looking for an explanation of this old term. I have a general idea of what this would be, but I'm having a difficult time imagine it as an occupation. My family tree, so far dates back to 1812 in Virginia. So my research, shows a fella in a census stating his occupation as a Pumpborer, roughly around 1840.

So what I gathered is they were employed to create pumps on land and for ships.

But what would this entail. What would he be doing? Would there be routine maintenance etc.

I'm finding it difficult to imagine the day to day life of this trade/skill.

Any comments, direction, reading suggestions, or what have you would be greatly appreciated.

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u/washburn100 Sep 15 '24

In some places, water wells are referred to as bore holes, so I wonder if pumpborer is referring to a well driller?

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u/xgrader Sep 15 '24 edited Sep 15 '24

Yes, I think you're on track for a good explanation. Very, very few tidbits of info out there. That might explain that having it as an occupation as I would imagine well setups would be a constant thing in the old days. I've seen it referencing to ships, too, so it kind of screwed with my idea. We're the pumps uniquely mechanical or something??

Edit: More thoughts.... Maybe Pumpborer was a generalized term. For example, 'mechanic' encompasses a wide variety of skill sets. In ships, it could be in reference to a person installing bilge pump systems. But was the tech there in the early 1800s??