Majority of the first settlers to North Carolina were farmers. This list shows the occupations of persons living in North Carolina between the years of 1747 and 1762.

Adams, Johannes-potter

Ardnt, Peter-tavern keeper

Baker, Henry-wagonmaker

Baker, Samuel-miller

Barth, Johann Ludwig-butcher, tavern keeper

Bashford, Thomas-innkeeper

Beard, John Lewis-butcher, tavern keeper

Berry, James-candlemaker

Boise, Bostain-tailor

Boone, Jonathan-spinner

Boone, Squire(senior)-weaver

Bowers, James-tavern keeper

Braly, John-schoolmaster

Brandon, James-miller

Brandon, John-tailor

Brunner, George-gunsmith

Bunting, John-tailor

Carson, James-tanner

Carter, James-millwright, surveyor

Cathey, Andrew-shoemaker

Cathey, George-miller

Craig, Archibald-innkeeper, ferry operator

Cranston, Andrew-doctor

Cusick, Edward-innkeeper

Deane, Luke-Indian trader, innkeeper, ferry operator

Dickey, John-gunsmith, merchant and store keeper

Dickson,Michael-weaver

Douglas, Alexander-stonemason

Dunn, John-attorney

Feree, Isaac-ferry operator

Forster, Hugh-saddler

Franck,Jacob-innkeeper, distiller

Frohock, John-miller

Gillespie, Elizabeth-innkeeper

Gillespie, Matthew-cordwainer

Graham, James-stiller

Grob, Henrich-millwright

Hall, David-blacksmith

Harrison, William-attorney, innkeeper

Hendry, Henry-schoolmaster

Hickey, John-merchant

Horah, Henry-weaver, innkeeper

Hughes, Edward-tavern keeper

Huggen, James-tavern keeper

Johnston, John(juinor)-hatter

Jones, David-weaver

King, Richard-clothier

Lock, Francis-carpenter

Long, John-tavern keeper, planter-merchant

Luckie, Robert-wheelwright

Lynn, James-architect

Lynn, John-doctor

McConnell, William-merchant

McDowell, David-joiner

McGuire, John-Indian trader

McHenry, Henry-tailor

McKnight, WIlliam-malster

McManus, James-merchant

Magoune, George-innkeeper

Michael, Conrad-tanner

Miller, James-tailor

Mitchell, John-merchant

Montgomery, Hugh-merchant, tavern keeper

Montgomery, William-tavern keeper

Morrison, William-miller

Oglethorpe, John Newman-surgeon

Oliphant, John-miller

Parker, John-doctor

Patton, John-blacksmith

Reed, Samuel-cordwainer

Rintelmann, Christopher-weaver

Rounsavill, Benjamin-ferry operator

Ryle, John-innkeeper

Shinn, Samuel-mason

Sleven, William-weaver

Steel, Robert-schoolmaster

Strayhorn, Gilbert-tailor

Thompson, John-cooper

Thomson, John-Presbyterian minister

Verrell, John-attorney, tavern keeper

Walton, Richard-tanner

Whitesides, John-miller

Williams, William-hatter

Woods, Robert-carpenter

This list derives from the book entitled, “Carolina Cradle” written by the late Robert B. Ramsey. Dr. Ramsey was a history professor at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. Definitions of a portion of the occupations are as follows:

weaver-person who weaves fabric

hatter-person who makes and sells hats

mason-a person who works with stone

millwright-person who designs or repairs machinery

The settlers mentioned in this article were living in the Piedmont area of present day North Carolina. The Yadkin River would have been near the center of the area. Wishing you all great success on your research and Thank You So Much for your support.