1860 Tannery

[Tom King]

Hi all..........I,m working my familys geneolgy and my question to you tanning experts that may have some knowledge of the old tanyards is .........My great great great grandfather owned and operated a tan yard in the 1860s in Georgia........There was a civil war skirmish called "The Battle of King,s Tan Yard".............Any ways ......What I want to know is how was it probably operated such as the chemicals they used and where they got them from.....anything that might come to mind?......It may be a help in traking my forefathers ......I,m a Taxidermist myself ....TY .....TD       PS.....I would like to know if someone in that day would have to have worked at a Tannery before and have training in the trade or can they start off with out training?

[Phillip]

Also known as Battle of Jug Tavern.  Google search   Battle of King's Tanyard  is rewarding and you should get some links to a local historical society.  hope this helps

[blackpup]

TD,  More info is needed. Do you know what kind of leather they tanned.  My guess is vegetable tan for harness and sole leather and saddles. large amounts of this type of leather were needed for the war.  The history  of this tannery would be very interesting. Monte