abbeymiller   10 #1 Posted January 25, 2007 Several of my ancestors worked in the steel industry in Sheffield and Rotherham and I would like to know more about what working conditions were like in those days.  I would be grateful if anyone could enlighten me or perhaps direct me to where I can find out?  I am already searching via Genes Re-United and Ancestry.com and I have contacted the Kelham Island museum to try to find which company they worked for, in order for me to track their employment records.  My ancestors were:  Henry Ball (b1845) was a Furnace Man or iron foundryman. Lived in Holmes Lane, Sheffield (1901); Leigh Street, Sheffield (1891 &1881); Henley Street, Sheffield (1871). His sons were  Samuel Ball (b1871) was a Steel Works labourer/assistant.  Aaron Ball (b1873) was a Steel Works labourer/assistant and later a spring maker.  Arthur Ball (b1869) was a Steel Works labourer/assistant.  Salinda Ball (b1873) (neé Burrow) worked as a machinist - wife of Aaron.  If any of this rings any distant family bells ringing, I would love to hear from you. Any other advice always listened to. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...