Guild of Colonial Artisans and Tradesmen 1607-1783
Member jure Jeremiah Cloud (Cordwainer); member no. 535
Member jure Jeremiah Cloud (Cordwainer); member no. 535
The Guild of Colonial Artisans and Tradesmen 1607-1783 (GCAT) honors individuals descended from ancestors who practiced a craft, art, or trade in the American Colonies from the founding of Jamestown in 1607 through the Treaty of Paris in 1783. This lineage society celebrates the role of skilled artisans who contributed to the economic and cultural development of the colonies and recognizes descendants who continue to preserve this heritage.
Jeremiah Cloud (c. 1665-1717), born in Calne, Wiltshire, England, was an early American cordwainer–an artisan who specialized in crafting shoes from high-quality leather. He traveled to the colonies with his father, William Cloud, and brothers aboard the Unicorn in 1682 as part of William Penn’s migration initiative, arriving in Pennsylvania. Their settlement helped lay the groundwork for early colonial society in the Delaware Valley, contributing to the establishment of both Pennsylvania and Delaware.
Once settled in Chester County, Pennsylvania, Jeremiah took up the trade of cordwainer and became a respected member of the community. As a skilled artisan, he provided essential goods, crafting durable, high-quality shoes that met the needs of early settlers. Beyond his trade, Jeremiah was also a foundational figure in the region’s Quaker community, participating actively in the Concord Monthly Meeting. His and his family’s presence in the Delaware Valley underscored the intertwined relationship between skilled labor and community development that was critical in early American settlements.
The Clouds were among the earliest settlers to venture into what is now Delaware, where Jeremiah contributed to establishing stable settlements that would support both Pennsylvania and Delaware’s growth. His role in this expansion effort included maintaining trade networks and supporting local governance as the area developed from a sparsely populated frontier to a structured colonial society.
Cordwainers in the colonial era were highly skilled tradespeople responsible for producing shoes and boots from newly tanned leather. Distinct from cobblers, who typically repaired shoes, cordwainers were makers of new footwear and required extensive training to master the craft. Jeremiah’s work as a cordwainer involved selecting the finest leathers and using specialized techniques to construct footwear that would withstand the rigorous demands of colonial life.
Shoemaking required both physical strength and precision, with artisans spending hours cutting, shaping, and stitching leather to form shoes that were not only practical but also reflective of colonial fashion and status. Jeremiah’s expertise as a cordwainer meant he was an integral part of the local economy, as reliable footwear was a necessity for travel, labor, and daily life. His craft would have been indispensable for the settlers in Pennsylvania and Delaware, providing comfort and durability in a challenging new environment.
Jeremiah Cloud’s life as a cordwainer and early settler in Pennsylvania and Delaware embodies the resilience and skill of colonial artisans who supported the development of thriving communities in the American colonies. His journey from England to the New World, his role in establishing Delaware settlements, and his mastery of cordwaining are central to my family’s legacy. Through my membership in the Guild of Colonial Artisans and Tradesmen, I honor Jeremiah’s contributions to the colonial economy and the lasting impact of his skilled craft on American history.
The Guild of Colonial Artisans and Tradesmen was founded on May 6, 2004, to celebrate and preserve the memory of colonial artisans. Membership is open to individuals who can demonstrate lineal descent from an ancestor who practiced an art, craft, or trade in the American Colonies during this formative period. The Guild defines qualifying trades as those practiced by skilled workers who created goods and services essential to colonial society, including blacksmiths, coopers, weavers, and other artisans.
The Guild’s mission includes promoting historical research on colonial artisans and fostering camaraderie among descendants. Members are encouraged to share their lineages and contribute to the collective understanding of colonial trades, helping to preserve the heritage of skilled laborers who played a foundational role in the establishment of American communities.
Additional memberships will be added as they are approved.
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