What is a sope boiler?

Answer 1

A "sope-boiler" is an occupation that was held in pre-industrial revolution era. It is to do with candle-making and is apart of the process of making such important light giving units in pre-light bulb times. See Benjamin Franklin''s Autobiography for context and quote: "At ten years old I was taken home to assist my father in his business, which was that of a tallow-chandler and sope-boiler; a business he was not bred to, but had assumed on his arrival in New England, and on finding his dying trade would not maintain his family, being in little request. Accordingly, I was employed in cutting wick for the candles, filling the dipping mold and the molds for cast candles, attending the shop, going of errands, etc." pg 10