Boilermaker Cowmeadows (General)
It has been suggested to me that the Cowmeadow boilermakers of Drybrook (James b1832 and Joseph b1838) were descended from James Cowmeadow of Ruardean through his son William (1778-1865)and grandson William (1807-1851).
The names and dates fit with Parish Records on this site. My concern in establishing the link is with William (b 1807),who married Hannah Meek in 1831, who on most records is described as a cattle dealer. He appears to be the William Cowmeadow who is later described as a boilermaker.
Does anyone know how a cattledealer from Ruardean may have become a boilermaker in Drybrook?