Daily AncestorMechanic
In older records a mechanic was any skilled manual worker or tradesman; later the word narrowed to someone who builds or repairs machinery.
For most of the 1800s mechanic meant a manual worker or artisan in general. The 1860 census instructions speak of a master mechanic as a master mason or master carpenter who employed others. Later the word came to mean a person who builds or repairs machines and engines.
Census takers were told to avoid it. From 1870 the instructions say not to describe a man as a mechanic if he can be described more accurately, and 1940 repeats the rule but accepts automobile mechanic as a proper entry.
How to cite this page
Daily Ancestor. "Mechanic." Dictionary of Old Record Words. https://dailyancestor.com/dictionary/occupations/mechanic. Last checked 2026-10-10.