Paper Sorter?

[StretchyLegs]

Hi,
We are tracing our relatives on my Father's side who were from Birmingham, and it appears from the 1891 census that they were all Paper Sorters. I have been unable to google any further information and would love to know if I can find out the location of the factories in the area that they may have worked in and what the job actually entailed, hours, conditions etc.
If anyone can help at all I would be most grateful.
Thank you
Gill

[dothawkes31]

look here:
http://archiveshub.ac.uk/features/0702osp.html

and possibly here:
http://www.baph.org.u...permakers%20index.htm

[TheOtherHalf]

Hi
There were some weird occupations back then as we have found.

All my dads side of the family are from Birmingham, mainly from the Black country. My mum still lives there although she was born in Wales.
Have you found your ancestors on the 1901 and 1911 census ? If not, I do have access to these and may be able to help you.

[bookbinder]

I used to work in the printing industry (perhaps you can guess my occupation!), and I know a bit about papermaking. A paper sorter would probably do exactly what the description says; sort paper into different kinds for sending on to the paper mill. Paper mills prefer waste paper to be in lots/loads of one kind, because it makes a more-consistent paper. If a printer can send a paper mill his waste paper already sorted into lots, then the printer gets a better price for the offcuts, etc.

[dothawkes31]

as opposed to the rag sorter who probably had the dustier grubbier job lol

[Dodger666]

Anyone researching their Family History in the Birmingham area can usually find an answer to their queries at this forum website:-

http://forum.birminghamhistory.co.uk/forum.php