Spent some time on Thursday helping some friends search for their family history information. Much of what I was searching was in Cowley County, Kansas prior to 1900. One source of data was the State of Kansas official census taken in 1895. One column of information on the original document involved the occupation of the person listed if at least 10 years of age. In that time, many young people were employed as: chore boy, house maid, leatherwork assistant or some such simple form of work.
While looking at the page involving the key family I saw a very strange occupation listed for a 10 year-old boy in a neighboring family list. His occupation was listed as "Embryo U.S. President".
I finally figured it out. His name was Grover Conrad. He was born in 1885, the same year as the start of the first term of office for President Grover Cleveland. Obviously named after President Cleveland. I can imagine the conversation between his parents and the census taker.
Census Taker: Grover? Why Grover?
Parents: With a name like that he will surely become President someday.
Census Taker: So, what do I list as his occupation?
Parents: To do what it takes to become President.
Census Taker: OK, I'll list him as Embryo U.S. President.
Parents: OK.
That is most unique.?ÿ The Conrad's definitely?ÿhad a good sense of humor.
One entry I happened on to?ÿhad me doing a double take was one Henry Irwin from the 1920 U.S. Census in Parker County, Texas:
?ÿ
I realized once I looked up the word (unknown to me up until this point) that in 1920 the vernacular for motor vehicles had yet to develop.
?ÿ
Public jitney? Sounds like something for which you could receive a citation and then pay a fine.
Some states in New England still use the word Jitney when referring to a bus. I forget where I first saw it, be it in Massachusetts or Long Island...
