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General => The Common Room => The Lighter Side => Topic started by: Paul E on Sunday 13 February 05 20:30 GMT (UK)

Title: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Paul E on Sunday 13 February 05 20:30 GMT (UK)
We've all got them, so come on, lets have your best mistranscriptions...

To start you off

William NIPE (1881) was transcribed as William NIPER in 1891 and William WIPE in 1871.

Leonard CLARK (1881) was transcribed as Conard CLARKE in 1891.


Over to you...
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Aragina on Sunday 13 February 05 21:06 GMT (UK)
OHHHH so may but favoites were my Circus lot

Bishop as Birkett in 1871 Birkenhead
Dismore as Lismore 1851 Plymouth (Only found this one as she was with her mother  ;D )
Hawker as Hawken 1871 Bristol
 I've had Bristol in Cornwall 1871. Bodmin as  Bosmin 1871.  Redruth as Redmith 1871.
 My Favorite though is Saudi Arabian Republic as Surrey in 1891, thank goodness her twin in the same entry had Surrey  ::)

Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: SS from The Rhondda on Sunday 13 February 05 21:16 GMT (UK)
One of my favourites has got to be this piece of extreme luck skillful searching by yours truly: :D

http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,19290.msg70603.html#msg70603

The elusive George Frederick NEWBERY  was no where to be found :(

But I uncovered him. Someone transcribed the surname as UNBREE ???
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Paul E on Sunday 13 February 05 21:31 GMT (UK)
SS - my kinda guy!  I too like the first name, age, area searches the best! :)
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: forester on Sunday 13 February 05 21:35 GMT (UK)
According to FreeCEN, in 1891 my great-great-grandfather was a Hay Fruper. He must have changed jobs, because in 1881 he was a Hay Trusser.

Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: suey on Monday 14 February 05 13:27 GMT (UK)

Emily Knight 1871 born Tunbridge Wille  :o

Winifred Knapp 1891 - Winifred Naff  :(

1901 - Gas Gas Davis - should have been John James  ::)

Lester instead of Tester - Dewitt for Hewitt  :-\
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: indiapaleale on Monday 14 February 05 13:45 GMT (UK)
I finally found AMBROSE STOCKWIN

AMBRON STICKWIN !!!

Made me laugh anyway!

Indi
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: JLo on Monday 14 February 05 13:56 GMT (UK)
I can't compete with the great name mistranscriptions, but I do have a good occupation.  I wondered for ages what a 'Hay Her' was, until I looked at the original and found it was a hay tier.  Does that make him more lowly than an ag lab?
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: ryan on Monday 14 February 05 15:19 GMT (UK)
The only ones that come to mind in my case are:
Fereday mistranscribed as FereDOG. How silly, eh? Bagnell (should be Bignell) as BOGnell, as well as Munson mistranscribed as Marrison on the ol' 1901. That one sure raised a brickwall in my Munson research until Bernie Barnes helped me out. Also, on my GG Grandparent's marriage cert (Thomas John Hill m. Florence Caroline Mary Bignell) Thomas' occupation looks as if is reads 'Butcher JOINTEYman', where in fact it is actually 'Butcher Journeyman'. Yes, the handwriting was very poor (or is it my vision?)

:)
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Paul E on Monday 14 February 05 16:13 GMT (UK)
'Butcher JOINTEYman'

Probably a much more appropriate job description! ;D
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: JLo on Monday 14 February 05 17:22 GMT (UK)
I was inspired by this topic to have yet another look for the Lowenthals on 1881 and I found them - transcribed as Leonathal.  When I looked at the original record, even I would have mistranscribed it!
Anyway thanks for the inspiration  ;)
Julie
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Paul E on Monday 14 February 05 21:38 GMT (UK)
Hi Julie

The more I think about it, the more I think that a lot of 'missing' people on the census indeces are really mistranscribed.  I have  a personal theory that a lot of the companies that do the transcriptions use myopic monkeys!  However, I know that sometimes the text is really hard to decypher.
Congratulations on your find though!

Paul
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: hlbradd on Monday 14 February 05 22:07 GMT (UK)
My favourite is my great-great-grandfather Samuel Ferry.

1901 has him down as 'Surveyor....... of cats meat' ???

Was a bit confused - I had visions of him standing in the knackers yard inspecting piles of meat.  Then I realised it should have been Purveyor ! ;D

And to think, in 1881 he was only a butcher ! ;D

Helen

p.s.  have also found a Jane (mother) and Jane (daughter) both transcribed as Rose on the 1881.  No wonder I couldn't find them for days!
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Lloydy on Tuesday 15 February 05 08:35 GMT (UK)
In 1881 Cornelius Nunnerley, Son  but in 1891 he had changed to Cornelia Nunnerley, daughter!!!!!  I didn't think sex-change operations were available then!!!!

Someone checked the original image for 1891 and it's clearly Cornelius - think the transcriber must have been having a bad day.


Jan :)
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: buttercup on Tuesday 15 February 05 09:43 GMT (UK)
In 1871 i got Bogan (if i remember correctly)  for Bryan, what was wierd though all their children were listed as Bryan... ::)

In 1871 i also have some wierd name which sounded very foreign (cant remember at teh moment) but after a few days of close scrutiny i worked it out.. it should have been Pickering! (it wasnt easy though so ill forgive them) ;)

BC
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Sue Thomas on Tuesday 15 February 05 10:24 GMT (UK)
Found this one recently.........
1871 Census St pancras (RG10/242 Fo 62 p14)
Emily(Harris) daug 1 Bootmaker Do(Middx St Pancras)
I knew they left school earlier in those days but surely this must be illegal?
Ok the guy in the next line is a Bootmaker but the writer has not put a line through.......so is this the youngest worker? or is it a tax scam? :o
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Paul E on Tuesday 15 February 05 11:05 GMT (UK)
Could well be a tax scam, Sue!
But there may be something above which says for another of the daughter's profession - 'Bootmaker's Daughter' - hence the 'do'.  I keep coming across references to 'Miners Daughter' in profession here and there!

Paul
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Sue Thomas on Tuesday 15 February 05 11:09 GMT (UK)
Hum........Father was a plasterer. I think he didn't want anyone sitting around doing nothing. Too young to go to school got to go out to work then!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Paul E on Tuesday 15 February 05 11:28 GMT (UK)
What's the problem?  She probably got Sunday afternoon off.

Paul
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Sue Thomas on Tuesday 15 February 05 12:25 GMT (UK)
Are you sure about that?
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Wee Bairn on Sunday 20 February 05 03:51 GMT (UK)
Hello Everyone,First time posting and all that.I have a family name that has changed 5 times from father James Quade (valuation records)mother Jane Quete (VR) ,Their marriage is recorded as James Quiet married to Jane Ferguson (LDS)all in Ireland .Then son Andrew Meate and family on Scottish census and finally Andrew Queate(same gent) on all other BMD and census.I freely admit to a lot of help from some really determined people to have traced them at all.
Wee Bairn

Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Paul E on Sunday 20 February 05 08:27 GMT (UK)
Welcome to Rootschat, Wee Bairn!  You must have had quite a struggle tracing all those, I'll bet!

Hope to see you posting on Rootschat again soon.

best wishes

Paul
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Manchester Rambler on Sunday 20 February 05 22:10 GMT (UK)
I've just found the SOURBEER family of North Meols on the 1871 census - should be Sourbutts.  But I think the transcriber was influenced by the father's profession: Night Soiler...

Perhaps he ought to stick to whiskey?  :-\
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Paul E on Sunday 20 February 05 22:33 GMT (UK)
The pubs in North Meols are a bit ropey these days too, MR! :)

Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: joboy on Monday 21 February 05 06:58 GMT (UK)
Could'nt find him in the 1881 so I thought he had 'carked 'it ( OZ
terminology) ........ but he was there in 1891 ........... took a lot of hours to find out why I could'nt find him in 1881 ........ you know why??
In 1881 he was called 'FWITCHIS' .............. honest .. if you dont believe me take a look ............. He's the only one there with that 'dopey' name !!
joboy 
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: AngelaR on Sunday 27 February 05 14:13 GMT (UK)
Just had to let you know about the interesting place of birth I found today while browsing around Gloucester censuses. How about -
Cripple Jerome Beingfrost Bitten . 

He was actually born in Gloucester - the above being in the disability column

... and I thought that Rubble Hole, Stroud (genuine) was an interesting birthplace.....

Angela
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: mickgall on Sunday 27 February 05 15:08 GMT (UK)
Hi all
I've seen some census search results on ancestry.com, that once I've checked the image out, always leave me baffled (polite terminology :)) as to how such a mistake can be made.
e.g a search brought up a location as Norwich NORWAY - now that sounded intriguing, on the image it was clearly Norwich Norfolk.
Another ancestor who I knew to be 35 was marked down as 65 but the image showed ........35, and one that really got the alarm bells ringing for no reason was my gt granmum who was born in Dewsbury Yorkshire. The search brought up the right name and age but the place of birth was Dewsbury Buckinghamshire... :o Blimey!!!!! I could have been following a wrong branch and spent quite a considerable sum of money on this wrong branch. A look at the image showed it was Yorkshire  after all  ;D.
I've got lots of other examples but cant recall them right now as I've just got back from the pub so I'm a bit fuddled ;)

Mick
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Paul E on Sunday 27 February 05 16:58 GMT (UK)
Hi Mick

Try inputting 'Western Sahara' on the opening search screen at Ancestry, under 'keywords', and then search... I think you'll be both amazed and astounded! ::)

Paul
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: carol8353 on Sunday 27 February 05 17:32 GMT (UK)
I have ancestors born in Somerset which has been transcribed as Somalia.
A 5 year old father of 6 kids(should have been 55).
A Fred down as Frog.

And my Rapkin ancestors .......you would not believe how many different ways there are of mistranscribing that one.
Rapile,Raphons,Ropkins,Rabjohns to name but a few.
I always have to search by christian name on them......well until I finally found my gt grandma Amy down as Arny RAFKIN.Born in Edgware Road,(EDURE RD)!!!

Who said genealogy would be easy  ::)

Wouldn't be any fun would it otherwise.

Carol
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: AngelaR on Sunday 27 February 05 17:39 GMT (UK)
Paul

Which screen are you looking at which has a keywords box? I can't find it  :(

Angela
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Paul E on Sunday 27 February 05 19:44 GMT (UK)
Hi Angela

You can access the keywords box in a number of ways.

If you are in a particular census year (eg 1871) and are on the blue EXACT MATCHES screen rather than the orange BEST MATCHES screen, there is an option to the left of the SEARCH button that says 'Show Advanced Search Options'.  If you click on this, you get a range of options, one of which is KEYWORDS.

Its also available on the SEARCH CENSUS RECORDS screen, which performs a search across all the censuses.  If you input Western Sahara on the Keywords box here, (you don't need to complete any other box) and click search, you'll see the result.

Hope this helps

Paul
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: carol8353 on Sunday 27 February 05 19:59 GMT (UK)
If you use Paul's method and type in born in Somalia on the census page.
It has been mistranscribed for Somerset.

You get the following results!!!!!!!!

  1871 England Census        1     
  1871 Isle of Man Census  3     
  1871 Wales Census        355     
  1891 Channel Islands Census  1     
  1891 England Census     10,099     
  1891 Wales Census      1,402     
  1901 England Census  2     

All of you with ancestors born in Taunton and surrounding areas, whom you can't find in 1891, try Somalia.

By the way Ancestry are aware and are working on putting things right.

Carol
 
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Paul E on Sunday 27 February 05 20:04 GMT (UK)
Carol - you've just dashed a thousand family historians' dreams of tracing their family back to the African plains! :)

best wishes

Paul
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Paul E on Sunday 27 February 05 20:07 GMT (UK)
In 1881 he was called 'FWITCHIS' .............. honest .. if you dont believe me take a look ............. He's the only one there with that 'dopey' name !!
joboy 

Sounds like you need to be visiting the CENSUSWHACK thread, joboy!

Paul
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Manchester Rambler on Sunday 27 February 05 20:47 GMT (UK)
On the 1871 census transcription, I recently came across

Gaston Huguenin, born Watchfield, Cheshire, Switzerland!

How the transcriber could get the name right, but misread "Naturalised British" as "Watchfield, Cheshire" defeats me!
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Paul E on Sunday 27 February 05 21:07 GMT (UK)
I always thought there was a Swiss Canton called Cheshire, MR, where the locals persisted (despite a wealth of experience to the contrary) in trying to make watches out of rock salt.
Oh, how the rest of the country laughed at them! ;)
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Manchester Rambler on Sunday 27 February 05 21:32 GMT (UK)
No, that's Fribourg FR - at least according to my husband, who comes from the canton of Neuchâtel.

By the way, we found someone from his home town on the 1891 census: it's a bit unfair to count it as a mistranscription, but here it is anyway:

George A Perrenoud, b. Chauxdefourd, Purtzerland

La Chaux-de-Fonds isn't exactly well-known, but Purtzerland for Switzerland????
 :o :o :o
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: AngelaR on Sunday 27 February 05 22:02 GMT (UK)
Thanks for the help on Keywords, Paul - I'd never tried them before!

What a great way to avoid doing the work I was supposed to be tackling ;D

Western Sahara is particularly bizarre - I can't imagine how they got that out of the records.

On the other hand, it might be easier to see how they mistranscribed an 'l' to an 'r' in the Bellamy family's address in 1881 - Clap Gate, Thorne, Yorkshire....

Angela
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Manchester Rambler on Sunday 27 February 05 22:03 GMT (UK)

All of you with ancestors born in Taunton and surrounding areas, whom you can't find in 1891, try Somalia.

By the way Ancestry are aware and are working on putting things right.

Carol
 

Several Cheshire towns have mysteriously emigrated to Switzerland on the same census - I can only suppose a transcriber used the abbreviation CH?  

And for Francoise Ashenden, who was really born in Switzerland, the transcribers have invented a new town called Naburilion B Subject.....
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: bigwood on Saturday 12 March 05 00:01 GMT (UK)
 :)Hi

Mary Stoker - Margaret Stucker - Margaret SLUCKER


meg


Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Linda_J on Monday 14 March 05 20:00 GMT (UK)
Hi all

Maybe I might find my missing ancestor in Saudi Arabia instead of Sandhurst. I better go check!  ;D

Linda
 
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Tariana on Tuesday 15 March 05 18:39 GMT (UK)
these are from US census. 1930 and 1880, the only ones I have access too. I don't know about other places, but here they charge. A LOT....  :(
Molly Jo Smith - transcribed as Mallie Joe Smith
Lity Smith - transcribed as Lida Smith
Reba Smith - transcribed as Reber Smith


this isn't one of mine, but I just found a Hottie Smith.  :D haha
ooh, and a Smith Smith - bet that name took effort
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Paul E on Tuesday 15 March 05 19:58 GMT (UK)
and a Smith Smith

I bet there are Smith family historians who dream of having this person in their tree!

best wishes

Paul
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Sue Thomas on Tuesday 15 March 05 22:36 GMT (UK)
There is one in limpley Stoke in Wilts in 1851 ;D
Smith Smith is 39 and a teazel grower born in Bath Somerset!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Manchester Rambler on Tuesday 15 March 05 22:57 GMT (UK)
Born in foreign parts....

Romanos Pfaff - Bad English Subject - Merthyr Tydfil, 1871 
(The image clearly says Baden!)

Louis Baillon - Naturalizon Englist Sulitts, France - Northampton, 1871

Mary J Birks - Naturalizee, USA - Crewe, 1871

William R L Brachebuch - Naturalesad British Sub - Whitby, 1871

MR


Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: genjunction on Tuesday 15 March 05 23:10 GMT (UK)
When I purchased the 1881 census a neighbour asked me to look for her Sarah Horsfield in the Drax area.  Sarah was not there nor was any of her family- ok she'd moved was the first reaction.
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: genjunction on Tuesday 15 March 05 23:16 GMT (UK)
When I purchased the 1881 census a neighbour asked me to look for her SARAH HORSFIELD in the Drax area.  Sarah was not there nor was any of her family- ok she'd moved was the first reaction.  All variations of the name were tried we even tried looking for Sarah in Drax - still no luck.

When the 1871 census came out we searched Drax, picked on a name and searched for them in the 1881 census via the neighbours option.

Bingo, Sarah and her family were listed as HORSEFEEDER

well, would you have thought to try Horsefeeder as a variant of Horsfield ?  No ! neither would we, but it took us about 5 years to find her, but find her we did along with her parents and siblings. 

Thank goodness for the neighbours option.

Carol Sklinar
www.wakefieldfhs.org.uk
Wakefield Family History Sharing


Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Kevwood on Tuesday 15 March 05 23:20 GMT (UK)
Paul i did the western sahara thing and found thousands from durham and looked at original and it doesn't say anything even remotely close, how the hell did they manage to get western sahara and how did you spot it???

Kev.
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Paul E on Wednesday 16 March 05 07:30 GMT (UK)
Hi Kev

I was looking for one of my ancestors in Durham and he came up listed as Western Sahara, which sounded faintly  ::) improbable unless they had discovered coal there!
I'm not sure why there are so many indexed like this, unless it is some form of abbreviation that the indexers have used that automatically gets picked up.

Now, if it had been Canada one could almost understand it, given all those Winnipegs, Ontarios and Quebecs in Durham!

best wishes

Paul
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Paul E on Wednesday 16 March 05 07:34 GMT (UK)

Bingo, Sarah and her family were listed as HORSEFEEDER


Well done in finally tracking this down though!
Horsefeeder sounds like it might just make the Censuswhack listings ...  ;)
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,29743.180.html

best wishes

Paul
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: AngelaR on Wednesday 16 March 05 12:05 GMT (UK)
One branch of my family comes from Shaw Hill, Melksham. I found some just now in the 1901 census, one row apart on the same page, listed as -

Stav Hill Fredteslan
and
Hill Melbolen

same enumerator, same (clear) handwriting  :o

Angela
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Biker on Wednesday 16 March 05 19:07 GMT (UK)
Aaaaaaaaaaarrgh!

After much hunting in 1861 at 1837online I found my Tyrrell family mistranscribed as Lunt !!!  True it is not very clear on the census either though  :-X

Jonathan
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Biker on Wednesday 16 March 05 19:30 GMT (UK)
Yet another famous one from 1837online, my Mary Juniper transcribed as Mary Jumper - maybe she liked a bit of knitting in her spare time  ;D

Jonathan
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: deadants on Wednesday 16 March 05 22:56 GMT (UK)
my Great grandmother's married name was McCooey but she was widowed only two months after she married. she got married a couple of years later. On the marriage certificate for name of Bride they have it down as McCoohy, now on the Western Australian BDM register she is listed as McCooky. Sound like something you get with a cup of coffee at a certain hamburger chain. :D

deadants
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Paul E on Thursday 17 March 05 07:35 GMT (UK)
'You say 'McCooey', I say 'McCoohy' - lets call the whole thing off!' :)
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: NigelG on Thursday 17 March 05 09:09 GMT (UK)
I wouldn't say it's my favourite mistranscription - probably the most frustrating...so far! My Great & GG Grandmothers Clara Harper & Beatrice Clara Harper - found them transcribed under the surname of Foster!

Thankfully, Clara's sister Daisy and a very distinctive place of birth saved the day  ::)

Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Manchester Rambler on Thursday 17 March 05 11:31 GMT (UK)
Trying to trace my Daintith connections - admittedly not the most common name in Britain, but fairly straightforward, I thought - it took me hours!  They were listed under:

Dainleth - Dainbeth - Dainlith - Dainteth - Dainbith - Dainceth - Damteth - Damtith - Damtiith - Damtish - Daintish

And those are just the ones I found!

Poor Vanda Daintith is Vandick Damtith in 1871, but I think that one is more the enumerator's fault than the transcriber's.

MR
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Jacsel on Monday 28 March 05 09:31 BST (UK)
When I first started researching my Illingworth gr x 2 grandfather, I found one of his sons listed as Horne Pybus Illingworth,  I thought his first name was influenced by the fact he was born into a very musical family!  But it was a transcription error, his name was actually Horace!
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Gilld on Monday 28 March 05 11:49 BST (UK)
After a great deal of searching I found one of my EMMINGS transcribed as COMMINGS....the old fashioned E becoming Co   !!!!!!!

Gill
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: PaulineJ on Monday 28 March 05 11:50 BST (UK)
Trying to trace my Daintith connections - admittedly not the most common name in Britain, but fairly straightforward, I thought - it took me hours! They were listed under:

Dainleth - Dainbeth - Dainlith - Dainteth - Dainbith - Dainceth - Damteth - Damtith - Damtiith - Damtish - Daintish

And those are just the ones I found!

Just be grateful that they start and end with the right letter sequence.

This weekend, I found Edward Thompson and family listed as "Shomper".

Pauline

Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Chris1969 on Wednesday 30 March 05 12:53 BST (UK)
I just found Fairy King in 1901

should be Daisy

Chris
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: miss marple on Wednesday 30 March 05 13:03 BST (UK)
One of my ancestors is called BOWTELL. His name is indexed as follows:

1861: BOUTELL
1871: BONSELL
1881: BOWTALL
1891: BOWTALE
1901: BOWSELL on National Archives website, BOWLIN on ancestry.co.uk.

So that's a full house – name spelled wrong in every census! Anyone beat that?

Jane
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: debycoles on Wednesday 30 March 05 13:09 BST (UK)
I too have ancesters in Somerset and a good many of them come up as born in Somalia.  It never occurred to those imputting the info for Somerset that SOM could be short for Somerset - it was much more likely to be short for Somalia of course!.

Today I found some apparently born in Sierra Leone - which if course they weren't. 

And one whole family of WRIDE were entered as KIDO - I checked the image and it was clear and obvious!

What goes on.  Lots of others which makes it difficult to find people but using ancestry I normally resort to using the families most uncommon christian name, the date of birth and the area to eventually track people down.
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Manchester Rambler on Wednesday 30 March 05 13:18 BST (UK)
Here's a Welsh-speaking African from the 1881 transcription:

Williams, William 22 Caernavon, Cameroon

 ??? ???

MR
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: lizdb on Wednesday 30 March 05 13:36 BST (UK)
Of the 3 main Deboo families I looked for on the 1861 index, I found one indexed under Deboo.

The other 2 took longer to track down - one indexed as BUBOS, and the other as DEVON.
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Gilld on Wednesday 30 March 05 15:27 BST (UK)
For 2 years I have searched for my 'Dumelows' on 1881... I knew that they should be there somewhere.......
Have search on Ancestry and there they were :)

They had been mistranscibed on 'family search' as DAVIDSON. ???
 
Gill
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Paul E on Wednesday 30 March 05 18:25 BST (UK)
For 2 years I have searched for my 'Dumelows' on 1881... I knew that they should be there somewhere.......
Have search on Ancestry and there they were :)

They had been mistranscibed on 'family search' as DAVIDSON. ???
 
Gill

Gill - glad to hear that for once Ancestry triumphed over family search!

Paul
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: suey on Wednesday 30 March 05 18:37 BST (UK)

Have been looking at every Rule in Hertfordshire today -Please, someone tell me how Rule became WILF!
Oh, and theres a family of Clack who ought to be Clark!
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: DebbieDee on Thursday 31 March 05 17:45 BST (UK)
Hi

Having subscribed to Ancestry I was really pleased when Wales 1901 finally appeared...however my guess is it may have been rushed through.  Anyone else struggling?  I had found ancestors on the PRO version but found it a little expensive to get the transcription and the images, so I thought I can now get the images 'for free'.

I am looking for a fairly unusual surname spelt either Assender or Assinder.  Have found them in 1891 (eventually) as Asse(i)nger by searching for Ass*...

Did the same on Ancestry's Wales 1901 and only found half the family as Assecider.  Looking at the image it is easy to see why as the writing is awful.  On the previous image I found the missing parents, same handwriting but transcribed as Asacider...grrr

If this is what happens when I know what I'm looking for  ??? ???

PS Paul, Do you think I get two more on the Censuswhack??
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Paul E on Thursday 31 March 05 20:09 BST (UK)
Hi Debbie

I think you deserve a sackful of points for locating your Ass* families!

Unfortunately, I have had notification from the International Federation of Censuswhackers, who have drawn my attention to

Censuswhack Rule 213b

Where a Rootschatter has previously posted any information regarding the Censuswhack elsewhere on the Rootschat board, that entry shall be declared null and void.   

so I can't give you any points for posting on the Censuswhack thread.




PS


Only



joking! :)
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: DebbieDee on Thursday 31 March 05 22:46 BST (UK)
Thanks Paul LOL  ;)

I just realised I mistranscribed my mistranscription oops!  :-[

It was actually Assecider and Asaseeder...

Another of my favourite mistranscriptions from 1871

Surname:  Baby
First Name:  A Dear Litta

Bless
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Tariana on Friday 01 April 05 02:02 BST (UK)
Linney Peoples mistranscribed as Sinez Peoples in the 1900 census.
SINEZ?  ???
His name looks like Linney. In the 1910 census, it's Linnie...
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Paul E on Friday 01 April 05 02:18 BST (UK)
Oh, Tariana ... those magical words '1910 Census' had me salivating, as you'll know that we're stuck back in 1901 here in the UK! :)

Sinez is a wonderful name for someone - gives you the impression he had problems with his nasal passages! :)

And Debbie ... your Dear Litta Baby is just lovely! :) :) :)
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Manchester Rambler on Friday 01 April 05 17:10 BST (UK)
On the 1871 transcription:

HRH Prince Arthur was born at Beckington Palen, Middlesex...

 ;D ;D ;D

MR
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Bryant on Saturday 02 April 05 19:46 BST (UK)
I don't know about favourites........these are TODAY's

PASTERFIELD family as WESTERFIELD !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


HARRIET PASTERFIELD as FEDRICK PASTERFIELD !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

and i'm not sure how they arrived at either.......however we do have an advantage in that...we know the name we are looking for!

This hobby of ours can be hard work at times...........

Bryant
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Alord on Saturday 09 April 05 16:01 BST (UK)
How about this then!

Searching for my husbands Sugden ancestors, I found a
Herbert Shite Sugden !!!

Of course this should have been Herbert White Sugden.

Fancy his parents calling him such a rude name.

Alison
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Steven1966 on Saturday 09 April 05 20:29 BST (UK)
Mine was a Bertice A Coulson,been mistranscribed as Vertice A Coulson in the 1871 Census.

Stephen
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: sarah e on Tuesday 12 April 05 10:09 BST (UK)
Found this post and it did make me chuckle, I thought I was the only one that had spent months floundering round looking for disappearing realatives. My G G Grandma was born Paulina so I figured hey, easy name to find. 6 months later I was still looking, finally found her as Theyner  :-\ in 1871 and then Philner  :-\ in 1881. I also had an Alice down as Alen. Like its not hard enough when they get the names right !!!
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Jaguare on Tuesday 12 April 05 11:50 BST (UK)
If the census is to be believed I have some very dark and macabre influences in my tree :o .  My great grandmothers first marriage was to a Corps which unfortunately had an 'e' added and on my grandfathers side their Keel was at one time Kill.  These two lines eventually came together, with, strangely enough the Kill appearing before the Corpse (which I suppose it would!).  That is the only skeleton I have found in my family cupboard :)
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Steven1966 on Tuesday 12 April 05 17:25 BST (UK)
Another one of mine from the 1871 Census.Was a particular branch of the family that were born in Maxstoke in Warwickshire.Various members of the family all on the same page of the census,have been transcribed as been born in either Martock or Maxtock !!.

Stephen
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Paul E on Wednesday 13 April 05 09:29 BST (UK)
These two lines eventually came together, with, strangely enough the Kill appearing before the Corpse (which I suppose it would!).  That is the only skeleton I have found in my family cupboard :)

Introducing Mr Kill-Corpse - lovely! :) :) :)

Paul
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Boongie Pam on Wednesday 13 April 05 21:16 BST (UK)
I just love looking for my 2xgreat grandmother Emma Cork.  She is variously described as being born in Clayhidon, Clayhiddon, Chayhardon, Cluddon and finally .............

Clayhardon.

Hmmm?

Pam
 ;D

Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Paul E on Wednesday 13 April 05 22:14 BST (UK)

Clay Hardon


 :o :o  Sounds like the name of a 1970's pornstar, Pam!  :)
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: corbie on Wednesday 13 April 05 23:27 BST (UK)
Searching for my CASHMORE ancestors,
            I came across the name but couldn't get much out of it as, for 'Occupation' it said "LIVES IN THE SHED"!!! The address was  End Lane!
                 Sue (corbie)
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: smouse on Wednesday 13 April 05 23:51 BST (UK)
One census writer got so carried away with his dittos that poor old 5 year old Emmanuel Jacobs ended up being a "School Girl" like his 3 sisters!   :)
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Burrow Digger on Thursday 14 April 05 05:29 BST (UK)
My family were all born in Milverton, In Somerset.

Milverton has been, at different times, transcribed as Silverton, Milveston, Melverton and (my favorite)  Mulbarton
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: yoyo on Thursday 14 April 05 09:38 BST (UK)
In the 1901 census transcription a relative was listed as a conjugational member.  When I obtained a copy of the census page he was actually a congregational minister. Not nearly as much fun! ;D
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Paul E on Thursday 14 April 05 10:42 BST (UK)
conjugational member

 :o :o :o
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Manchester Rambler on Monday 18 April 05 20:23 BST (UK)
Introducing the Dupre family in St Pancras, 1871:

Frederick Dupre 1797  Electorshop Nataordaso, Lancashire, England Head
Frederica Dupre 1821  Gossian Hess, Damstald Wife 
Augustas Dupre 1836  Mary Less, Damstald Son 

Living in hope that this will turn out to be my cousin's maternal (Dupree) line!

MR
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Tariana on Monday 18 April 05 22:47 BST (UK)
Not a mistranscription or a relative (that I am aware of)
Grief Cousins Freeman
It actually said "Grief Cousins"  :o
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Paul E on Thursday 21 April 05 21:45 BST (UK)
My Clark's again - thanks to following a brother of a direct ancestor, I now have the following listed as place of birth for Leonard or his brother:

Howgrave
Hawgrave
Hawgrove
Homgrans
Hongrane

Its the last two that really tickle me! :)

Paul
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: gollygee on Thursday 21 April 05 22:38 BST (UK)
Looking for Fanny Elizabeth CLEVERLEY in the 1881 census in Wiltshire, I finally found her listed as just Fanny Elizabeth in Folkestone, Kent. Presumably servants weren't entitled to a surname!
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Molloyboy on Sunday 24 April 05 16:01 BST (UK)
In the 1871 census ROSE ANN PACKER was transcribed as ROSCOE PACHER.

Well camouflaged.

Danny
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Jane Taubman on Wednesday 27 April 05 19:26 BST (UK)
You don't want to know what they do with Taubman.
 ;D

Doesn't need a transcription,  I once got a letter addressed to
T. A. Ubman


Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Gen List Lass on Thursday 28 April 05 05:18 BST (UK)
1901 census  RG13/3825/17/25
10 Devereford Street, Middleton. Lancs.
MORAN
Edward head 49, Clap officer,  Ireland, b. Ireland

Later found him on the 1891 census - occupation "Office of Inland Revenue".

How did ............................?
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Biker on Saturday 30 April 05 14:26 BST (UK)
1861 continues to provide entertainment and evidence for why there are so many disappeared families ...

My Trowsdale family transcribed as:

Michael Trousdale (actually Richard Trowsdale) with his wife and family living with a John Gordon, Adopted Mother (actually unmarried boarder) - such a modern approach to alternative families ;D

Tripped over poor Alexander Bunn by accident somewhere in Staffordshire, transcribed as Stosander Bum  ???

Jonathan
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Jocie on Saturday 30 April 05 14:40 BST (UK)
I came across a family with four servants. The first and third were transcribed as 'servants' the second and fourth as 'seaman' !!!
Jo
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: JAP on Saturday 30 April 05 17:02 BST (UK)
I'm not sure that this counts as a mistranscription but ...

What about this in the 1841 online FreeCen Argyll census.

A household in Kilmorich (Lochgoilhead - Argyll) - no precise address given -  comprising just one person.

And that person who comprises an apparently independent household of just one person is listed as the following poor dear little soul:
CAMPBELL Archibald, born outside the census county, age 4 months!!!

JAP
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Paul E on Saturday 30 April 05 23:14 BST (UK)
1861 continues to provide entertainment and evidence for why there are so many disappeared families ...

My Trowsdale family transcribed as:

Michael Trousdale (actually Richard Trowsdale) ....
Tripped over poor Alexander Bunn by accident somewhere in Staffordshire, transcribed as Stosander Bum ???


Do you rather get the impression that the transcription of 1861 has been somewhat (shall we say) hurried? :)

I've already spotted those Durham Somalians!

I'm not sure that this counts as a mistranscription but ...

What about this in the 1841 online FreeCen Argyll census.

A household in Kilmorich (Lochgoilhead - Argyll) - no precise address given - comprising just one person.

And that person who comprises an apparently independent household of just one person is listed as the following poor dear little soul:
CAMPBELL Archibald, born outside the census county, age 4 months!!!


Bless!
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Gen List Lass on Sunday 01 May 05 01:59 BST (UK)
Its easy to see how it all happened.

A few years ago a new postman called my father in law "Mr Obee". Dad in law had the O.B.E. and official stuff had it on his address after his name.

He thought the postman "ignorant" I suspect the postman was taking the  mickey of someone he thought stuck-up. He still got his Xmas box though!
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Manchester Rambler on Thursday 05 May 05 18:30 BST (UK)
Just found John Yarwood of Pickmere on the 1901 census - transcribed as John Garwood of Dickmere....

MR
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Kennington on Thursday 05 May 05 19:48 BST (UK)
Also watch out for Percy as Perry, Kelly becomes Skelly (especially if first name ends in s ), I had a Russell into Rafsel ?? but my favourite, was Horace becoming Harriet  ;D

Mary
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Sahara on Saturday 07 May 05 17:46 BST (UK)
I have the surname SKINNER transcribed as KITTNER.

I am still confused how they got it that wrong - especially seeing as the rest of the family have been given the right surname!
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: 1000xlch on Saturday 07 May 05 17:58 BST (UK)
I had a first name Arhtur Walmsley transcribed as Ausetter Walmsley!

Try searching surname Nethercliff, Netherclift, Nethercliffe but as the parents were Draycott (male) and Netherclift (female) who never married the children decided to take one name or another or have it double barrelled both ways! ie ND or DN. Every child was different!

John Rowley
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: sandie on Saturday 07 May 05 18:00 BST (UK)
I'm used to my Dinmores being transcribed as Dinsmore, Dunmore, Dunsmore, but in 1861 one line of the family have half transcribed as DIAMOND while the other half are correct!

Sandie
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Paul E on Saturday 07 May 05 18:10 BST (UK)
I have the surname SKINNER transcribed as KITTNER.

I am still confused how they got it that wrong - especially seeing as the rest of the family have been given the right surname!


Welcome to Rootschat Sahara!  The logic defies belief! :)

Every child was different!

John Rowley

So, for once you can't bame the transcriber, John! The enumerator must have enjoyed having to put all those versions down. :)
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Shaztoni on Thursday 19 May 05 08:16 BST (UK)
I had a Nehimah transcribed as Johannah  :o, poor fellow they gave him a girls name.
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: DebbieDee on Thursday 19 May 05 08:41 BST (UK)
I've discovered my Curry family in 1861 at last mistranscribed as....

Crovry  ???

Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: SueTeakle on Thursday 19 May 05 09:05 BST (UK)
Just noticed this place name on the 1861 census while searching for someone:-
Sketty Snander..............supposedly in Gloucestershire  ???
To be fair it does look right, misheard I suppose  :)

Regards, Sue
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Su on Thursday 19 May 05 14:40 BST (UK)
Quote
Just found John Yarwood of Pickmere on the 1901 census - transcribed as John Garwood of Dickmere

He's one of mine  :-[

Su
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: KeithS on Thursday 19 May 05 15:29 BST (UK)
Hi listers
As a housing officer who often helps tenants to fill in forms for housing benefite etc I can hardly imagine a future census transcribers reactions when he finds a family where 'dad' has a different surname than mum and each of 6 kids has a surname different than either of them. Oh, and 10 years later there's a different 'dad', three of the kids have children who appear to have no dads themselves but have different surnames to anyone else in the household! I do assure you its not very far fetched.

Keith 
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: PaulineJ on Thursday 19 May 05 16:51 BST (UK)
Alongside the poor little kid around here who had to produce five Father's day cards, one for each of his mum's men-friends. Maybe the CSA will preserve their records to help a bit!.

Pauline

Oh, and back to the subject . Today I found the
Humphries family in B'ham. Indexed as Shadepeas
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Shaztoni on Monday 03 October 05 21:18 BST (UK)
Just found poot Lot Harrison who in 1891 was reduced to Sat  ::)
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: wotty on Tuesday 04 October 05 18:04 BST (UK)
I found a distant ancestor on the 1861 census who was apparently born in Chester cathedral.

He was actually born in Chester-le-Street,  County Durham.

I know they used to say that "in the olden days" women would give birth in the fields and then get straight back on with their work - but this painted quite another picture!

Wotty.
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: hlbradd on Wednesday 05 October 05 07:46 BST (UK)
Must admit that 'Cohu' Roblett had me puzzled for a while.

Then I looked at the image - it's JOHN  ::)

Thought I had enough trouble tracking my Robletts already !


At least you can report mistranscribed names to Ancestry - wish they'd get a move on so you can report babies of, say, 9 months that get transcribed as being 9 years !

Helen
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Rosemarie on Tuesday 08 November 05 01:52 GMT (UK)
1901 - Connolly written as Conn Elly and transcribed as just Elly. I tried first name, age and place of birth - on numerous occasions over a period of three years. Eventually I thought of looking for an Elly family in the home town and there were none and, despite Patrick Elly being in a conpletely town than I'd expected, I knew that at last I'd found my grandfather.

1861 - Looking for someone with a fairly common name (no, not Patrick Connolly!) and tried to narrow it down by 'place of birth' which was Ince Bludell and drew a complete blank. When I eventually traced him I discovered he'd actually been born in 'Nice Blurwell'!

Marie.
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: B1 on Wednesday 09 November 05 17:20 GMT (UK)
I was going through the GENUKI site I found looking for Lisle and Besford names.  Here's what I found:

John Ramsay=John Besford 23 Nov 1834
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: jacquelineve on Thursday 10 November 05 13:50 GMT (UK)

  Afew years ago when searching for canal boatmen

 found one who was born "in a tunnel"

                     Jacqueline.
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: TaffyBlue on Tuesday 15 November 05 17:24 GMT (UK)
In 1871 my Nobbs family was transcribed as being the Webb family.  Having looked at the census page it does look like Nobbs.  Can't see where the transcriber got Webb from. 

Maybe one too many sherberts the night before.
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Manchester Rambler on Tuesday 15 November 05 19:25 GMT (UK)
There are 7 people on assorted censuses whose birthplace is given on the transcription as Macclesfield Dissenters Burial Ground (which mysteriously changes county at will) - nothing to do with what's on the image, and no idea where this one comes from!  ??? ::)

Rambler
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: 1000xlch on Tuesday 15 November 05 19:28 GMT (UK)
I found one recently in 1881 census for Arthur Walmsley transcribed as Ausetter!  ::)

Odd one or what  ;)

another nice touch was 1851 census was Bubwith in North Yorks as Hesketh which does not exist as a village but a brick wall or dyke and Hesketh is over in Lancs by the sea not in Yorks!  Only took me 3 years to translate that one!  :'(

John Rowley
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: 1000xlch on Tuesday 15 November 05 19:31 GMT (UK)
"d y k e" as in brick wall 8)  Not anything nasty or whatever.  Software doing its job!

John Rowley
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: acceber on Thursday 17 November 05 20:43 GMT (UK)
Ive got a FITZ W Sparrow transcribed as 'TITY' W Sparrow  :o
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: JanetteO on Thursday 17 November 05 21:08 GMT (UK)
One of my great great great grandmother's Keturah Skelton was put down with a different spelling about three times, but when they called her Frederick! I'm still trying to work out how they came to that conclusion.

My great grandfather and his family get lost nearly every census... I still can't find him in 1841! In 1851 he is down as Joseph Hopman... it should have read Joseph Oakman. One of his relatives in the same year was down as Cakman we've even had a Bakman.

Jan
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: KathMc on Saturday 07 January 06 17:41 GMT (UK)
My great-great-grandfather Charles Schmieg appeared in Queens, NY census once as Schnnig and once as Schmuz. And his mom appeared once as Schmiech. Only to the determination of wonderful genealogists did I find him. Granted, not the greatest name, but just once it would have been nice to get it right.

Kathleen
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: kerryb on Saturday 07 January 06 18:26 GMT (UK)
I had a certificate arrive today for my great great gradnfather born 1852.  His name was Gaius Diana and yes....... you've guessed it, he was registered as a girl!!!!

 :-\ :-\ :-\

Kerry
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Rosemarie on Sunday 08 January 06 23:12 GMT (UK)
I've been searching for a family group named Higgins on the 1881 census for three years off and on and today I found them 'renamed' as 'Hidden' which they would  have remained had I not been so bloody-minded and stubborn!

Marie.

Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Eastman on Saturday 05 May 07 23:18 BST (UK)
I finally found AMBROSE STOCKWIN

AMBRON STICKWIN !!!

Made me laugh anyway!

Indi

Your Ambrose Stockwin wouldn't have lived in Manchester would he? A distant relative.
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: indiapaleale on Saturday 05 May 07 23:42 BST (UK)
Hi Eastman,

No sorry, my Ambron Stickwin (Ambrose Stockwin!!! ) was born and raised in Birmingham and as far as I can see he stayed there......Ambron Stickwin in 1901 in Brum.

I can see the other Ambrose Stockwins on the census and I think they too came from Birmingham and moved to Manchester...so maybe there is a connection way way back.

I'm related to Ambrose via his Mom...Maria Alldridge

Cheers
Indi
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: ozlady on Sunday 06 May 07 00:08 BST (UK)
My latest find is Pontypridd as Port Patrick! The census image is clear and quite well written.
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Rosemarie on Sunday 06 May 07 02:35 BST (UK)
How about 'Nice Blurwell' for Ince Blundell for one of my ancestors listed in the 1871 census! I think it's written quite clearly but to someone who doesn't know the name perhaps not!!
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: jmp on Monday 07 May 07 01:31 BST (UK)
Stephen Baldeff is my favourite  instead of Ratcliff. Ive left it on Ancestry as I now know how to find him  ;D
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: griz on Monday 07 May 07 02:34 BST (UK)
Not  a mistranscription,  but looking at Paul's sauce bottle reminded me of once seeing an American comedian on tv , who had problems pronouncing 'Worcestershire' sauce,  so he called it "what's this 'ere sauce"

Since then, in my house it is always referred to as 'What's this 'ere sauce.' ;D

Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: indiapaleale on Monday 07 May 07 03:02 BST (UK)
Griz...LOL....I love it...

I live here in "Umerica" and always laugh when people ask for Wor-cester-shire Sauce.
I tell them...It's Wooster........they don't get it!

But I do like your "what's this 'ere sauce"  ;D

Great stuff!

Indi

Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: liverpool annie on Monday 07 May 07 06:02 BST (UK)


Sorry to go off topic ..... but oooh errr Indi !!

that's one gorgeous photie !!  :) :) :) :)
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: sallysmum on Monday 07 May 07 13:06 BST (UK)
2 mistranscriptions surrounding my Sparkes -- Phoebe was transcribed Kirby and Jonathon Sparke transcribed as Jonathon Spook! -- yikes I've got ghoulies in me tree!

sallysmum
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Paul Caswell on Monday 07 May 07 15:10 BST (UK)
I recently found one of my gggrandfathers in the 1861 census.

He appears in:

1851 as Edmond Sears,
1861 as Edward Leeds,
1871 as Edward Seder,
1881 correctly as Edward Sears,
1891 as Edward Sear.

He has been my most challenging yet I think but my most memorable one was the hunt for a 'Kendal Blund' in Westmorland, only to notice that the 'blund' was in the 'disability' column of the census. He was blind. :)

Paul
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Comosus on Monday 07 May 07 17:47 BST (UK)
Not a census mistranscription, but I found a page where the enumerator had doodled on the paper!  Unfortunately the page wasn't for a relative afterall so I don't have a link to it :(

My Turveys have been difficult to find - Turvey, Turney, Turley, Surrey, Sarvey!

Andrew
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Benzol on Monday 21 July 08 23:03 BST (UK)
Comosus. I've just stumbled across a Turvey. It's not in the censuses. It's in the I.G.I. John Durocy married Sarah Garner 1815. John Durocy was actually a John Turvey from Houghton Regis Beds.

It was either very poor eyesight or very bad writing.

Benzol
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: 7igerby7he7ail on Tuesday 22 July 08 10:40 BST (UK)
I might have posted this one before

Not so much a mistranscription
A misreading on my part.

I thought I had found 'Adolf Hitler occupation Fuhrer'

After much magnification, I found I had 'Albert Hillier, occupation Furrier'

and there's me thinking I had some one 'famous' in the tree at last !
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: angelfish58 on Wednesday 23 July 08 13:00 BST (UK)

I couldn't find Wardell Watson in 1851 on Ancestry but someone ( Hi Ashley  ;D) found him on another site, with the ref no I managed to find him transcribed as Wardie Bertsch.
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Abiam2 on Wednesday 23 July 08 15:02 BST (UK)
Grandparents JUBB instead of Tubb 1861 changed by FindMyPast.  GFather 78 and a blind carpenter!

Hay Wire - Harry Wise ( middle name Uzbekiah just as well they didn't bother with that! 1891

Dobson - Dobron 1861
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: BettyofKent on Wednesday 23 July 08 15:49 BST (UK)
For my Stutely line I've so far found 31 mistranscriptions, the best one being poor Ellen Stutely turning into Ellen Slutsky!
My favourite is Jemima Crumpler ending up as Fanina Oompler ;D

Betty
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: janglaschu on Sunday 27 July 08 23:15 BST (UK)
I can't match Fanina Oompler  :D
but I do have a Wilfrid down as Winifred,
Denny in Stirlingshire mistranscribed as Derry,
and daur (daughter) as Mo.
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: ozlady on Thursday 07 August 08 05:53 BST (UK)
1891 Census England.

Annie Howells born Blaenarvon, Northamptonshire.
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: boosh on Friday 08 August 08 08:33 BST (UK)
Funnily enough I came across one yesterday in the 1851 census. I was looking for Catherine Whiteman born in Hackney 1844 residing in Shropshire.  Found her eventually having been given the sweet name of Catherine 'Shitewins'!   ;)

Pip
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: thornhill121 on Thursday 14 August 08 13:57 BST (UK)
While looking for my Dads Granny i found 1881 census info on both ancestry and lds stating her fathers name as JAS. It didn't match up to any other info I could find and it puzzled me til I looked at the image for myself when it clearly reads Sam!!!!

Just goes to show you can't trust everything you read.
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: chinakay on Monday 18 August 08 23:54 BST (UK)
Newly available images from the 1881 Canada census show that my ggrandfather's eldest son, described as a SERVANT, was actually a TINSMITH. A perfectly natural mistake, I'm sure.... :P

Cheers,
China
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: lynneviews on Tuesday 09 September 08 16:00 BST (UK)
I have spent two years trying to locate a Louise Wiscon clearly written on a wedding certicate I have - only to discover that her name was actually Dixon  - with very curly d's. I may get somewhere now!
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Nick29 on Wednesday 10 September 08 13:14 BST (UK)
Yesterday I was researching a g.g. aunt whose birthplace according to Ancestry was "Mary Fan, London".  It took a minute or two for the penny to drop, and for me to realise it was "Mayfair, London".  And the lady's father was born in "Ceckugham, Suffolk", which I'd fortunately already previously found as "Cretingham, Suffolk".  :)
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: aghadowey on Wednesday 10 September 08 13:25 BST (UK)
I fould a relative named Zebra the other day and thought it was a strange name for a little boy but luckily remembered seeing an unusual but similar name in another earlier census for the father's family- Sebra not Zebra! Thought the child would be easy to spot in other records but he seems to have also been called William.
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: buckaroo on Wednesday 10 September 08 13:40 BST (UK)
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,256903.0.html

Not exactly a mis-transcription... but definately my favourite find ever!
I won't spoil it by explaining, I'll let you all take a look at the thread.

Enjoy!!
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: chinakay on Saturday 14 January 12 16:03 GMT (UK)
Grandparents JUBB instead of Tubb 1861 changed by FindMyPast.  GFather 78 and a blind carpenter!

Just found this very old post....it's funny, because I have a JUBB that's mistranscribed as TUBB :)

Jubb and Tubb can be hard to find, because in the old handwriting the capital J, I, F and T look pretty similar.

Cheers,
China
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Ray T on Sunday 15 January 12 14:25 GMT (UK)
Found this last night -

I read it as - Albert Holmes - Clerk in Holy Orders (C.E.) - Chelmorton Vicarage

It was transcribed as - Albert Holme - Clerk in Holy Rider (C.E) - Chelmorton Quarry

Really!
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: coombs on Sunday 15 January 12 21:25 GMT (UK)
A lady called Henry Thomas Roberts in 1851.

Woodbridge wrote down as Wootriop.

Gertrude transcribed as Jarichaede.

A Pernella E Smell born Phedge Naton, Oxfordshire. Reality Priscilla Smith born Brize Norton.
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Gaille on Sunday 15 January 12 22:07 GMT (UK)
LOL gt granny Planceana (OK I know its unusual!)
Found her s transcribed a Plant suna!

her complete hame was planceana mary childs .  . found her listed once as child of Mary Plant once!

Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Rosemarie on Saturday 02 February 13 11:45 GMT (UK)
I may have posted this previously, but it's one of my favourites: I discovered that an ancestor I believed had been born in Ince Blundell, was in fact born in Nice Blurwell, or that's what a transcription of the 1861 census would have me believe.
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Meezer on Saturday 02 February 13 12:44 GMT (UK)
These are wonderful! I'm sitting here with tears pouring down my cheeks ;D ;D ;D

I really lost it at "Adolf Hitler, Fuhrer"!!
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: groom on Saturday 02 February 13 14:30 GMT (UK)
My great x 2 grandfather was Welcome Howell apparently, I always thought he was William, at least that is what it said on his birth and marriage certificate.  ;D

Another set of relatives must have had one of the first same sex marriages, as in the census Thomas's wife is called James. (should be Jane)
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: BordersCrafter on Wednesday 06 February 13 21:32 GMT (UK)
This has had me in fits of laughter - my sides hurt!!!

Favourites were the blind carpenter, the person born "in a tunnel" and the person who "lives in the shed"

Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: pinefamily on Tuesday 12 February 13 11:32 GMT (UK)
My great x 2 grandfather was Welcome Howell apparently, I always thought he was William, at least that is what it said on his birth and marriage certificate.  ;D

Another set of relatives must have had one of the first same sex marriages, as in the census Thomas's wife is called James. (should be Jane)

I have one of those same sex marriages too, although not in a census. In a burial record, Jane Carrington, wife of Benjamin, was transcribed as James (!).

And I still think one of the best census ones I have seen myself is "Oeanter", Devon given as a birthplace. Took me ages, and some verbal accenting, to discover it was Okehampton.
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: lizdb on Tuesday 12 February 13 12:14 GMT (UK)
I've just this minute found 60 yr old William - as a 'son' to 35 yr old Charles and 32 yr old Jane.

Amazing!

Actually the image says "serv" abbr. for servant.

You would have thought that the transcribers would have realised that what they put could not possibly be correct.
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: suey on Tuesday 12 February 13 19:08 GMT (UK)

lizdb - if that's what's written on the page that's what transcribers must write down.   Them's the rules I'm afraid ???
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: aghadowey on Tuesday 12 February 13 19:33 GMT (UK)
I've just this minute found 60 yr old William - as a 'son' to 35 yr old Charles and 32 yr old Jane.

Actually the image says "serv" abbr. for servant.

Then census transcription should read serv NOT son  ::)
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Jaxyfone on Wednesday 13 February 13 00:06 GMT (UK)
I have found an Original Mackness, and also an entry that lists one ancestor's occupation as a stain maker.

Actually, it's not always a case of transcribers having to put in exactly what's written. Sometimes they just don't seem to be able to read the handwriting. One census entry lists my ancestors as Macknep, but on the original image it is clearly written Mackness. Having said that, though, I do work in admin and often have to read/transcribe some of the most atrocious handwriting, so maybe I can see what others can't. Maybe I should get a job working as a census transcriber.
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: roopat on Thursday 14 February 13 01:22 GMT (UK)
Browsing through a census on Familysearch tonight I found a lady whose age was transcribed as 999  :)
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: blamcca on Thursday 25 April 13 03:55 BST (UK)
I love reading through these mistranscriptions  ;D

I saw one the other day, I don't remember what it exactly said but it was something like, 'Clergyman Church Engld Without Care of Souls" I don't know whether it was a mistranscription or not  ???

I didn't see what the original it said, though.
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: pinefamily on Thursday 25 April 13 04:15 BST (UK)
I have seen that before. "Without care of souls" means he didn't have a parish of his own.
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: stanmapstone on Monday 06 May 13 22:34 BST (UK)
Parish Priests are said to have the 'cure of souls' in their parish. Cure' means 'care'. The bishop has the universal cure of souls in a diocese but, subject to this, the incumbent of a benefice (or team rector and team vicar(s) in a team ministry) has the exclusive cure of souls within his or her parish or parishes.

Stan
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Deirdre784 on Tuesday 07 May 13 00:49 BST (UK)
I've found a Wagser for Walter, a Wm Burts for William Brooks, and a 4 year old son listed as a servant.  ;D
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: locksmith on Wednesday 08 May 13 12:28 BST (UK)
Any one looking on the 1911 Census (on one of the well known sites) for Constance Louisa Chapman, born in Switzerland, will struggle to find her unless of course they recognise her as Rogestrace Louice CHAAFENG born in Hortyeland.

Simon
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: panda40 on Wednesday 08 May 13 12:33 BST (UK)
My Chapman relations listed on the 1911 census as SMITH it was only by looking for their house keeper that I found the family. Should have gone to spec savers  >:( ;D ;D
Regards panda
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: janglaschu on Wednesday 08 May 13 12:48 BST (UK)
In the 1891 census I have a Wilfrid Fletcher, son, transcribed by the census enumerator as Winifred, daughter! :)
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Redroger on Wednesday 08 May 13 12:54 BST (UK)
Sydney Harold Luffman shown as Sydney Harrold SUFFOMA on the 1911 census. Found by entering his first name plus details of date and place of birth. Otherwise would have been completely hopeless.
I believe many of these transcription errors are due to the transcription being carried out by people who do not use the Latin alphabet in their first language, and to the transcriptions being let to the lowest competitive tender; which I believe is always risky.
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: annber on Wednesday 08 May 13 13:45 BST (UK)
One of my ancestors was transcribed as Freak instead of Fredk, the abbreviation of Frederick!
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Redroger on Wednesday 08 May 13 13:49 BST (UK)
I have known the word Feek as a surname; I believe it is East Anglian.According to the site "Surnames of England and Wales" in the 2002 census their were 153 people unfortunate enough to be named Freak!!
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: suey on Thursday 09 May 13 07:57 BST (UK)
Any one looking on the 1911 Census (on one of the well known sites) for Constance Louisa Chapman, born in Switzerland, will struggle to find her unless of course they recognise her as Rogestrace Louice CHAAFENG born in Hortyeland.

Simon

If there was a prize for finding the worst mis-transcription I think you just won it Simon  :o
It's a wonder we can find anyone..
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: chinakay on Thursday 09 May 13 15:15 BST (UK)
Second that ;D
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Duodecem on Thursday 09 May 13 15:53 BST (UK)
I can offer the following from 1851: William Pes Bern, Hanrh Bern, Elilia Bern, Bobart Bern   , Charlot Bern-  who are, of course members of the Osborne family-William, Harriet, Eliza, Robert and Charlotte!
Luckily they were at the same address as 1841 and 1861.
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Redroger on Thursday 09 May 13 18:43 BST (UK)
Mine moved about (and still do!!) which makes it harder. I think we can agree the next transcriptions MUST be made by native English speakers to ensure we get the best product possible. Remember there will be no more censuses available from 2022 until 2052 due mainly to WW2 and the resultant loss of records. So the transcription of the 1921 census MUST be done to the highest possible standards.
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: pinefamily on Thursday 09 May 13 23:18 BST (UK)
Can we start a campaign to get the next census released earlier because it will be the last one for quite some time (at least in our lifetimes!)?
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: g eli on Thursday 09 May 13 23:44 BST (UK)
When I first started looking for my Tanser relatives I had great difficulty, occasionally they were right but I have found Tawser ,Lancer, Lanser, Saucer, Sancer, Fancer, now I know what to look for, but I still wonder if they missed a certain census or were hiding under a different name.
Liz
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Redroger on Sunday 12 May 13 18:41 BST (UK)
Though this was first mentioned in my earlier post, and I am on the whole in favour of early realease of census data; I believe that in view of the forthcoming 30 year gap; certainly on the census, though the headcount of 1939 may also be released I would suggest in 2040, reducing the gap to 20 years, I think it more important to ensure an accurate transcription is released rather than rushing things, and thereby falling into the cheap and nasty trap yet again.
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: coombs on Sunday 12 May 13 22:12 BST (UK)
Jarichnaede Wallaker, 1871. Real name Gertrude Georgeanna Wallaker.
One ancestor sibling had his birthplace mistranscribed as Woodtriop, Suffolk, really Woodbridge.

I have come across birthplaces which dont exist such as Dedman, Suffolk or Maderlane Kent.
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: pinefamily on Monday 13 May 13 08:48 BST (UK)
I think the place names are the best for a mistranscription, whether by the enumerator, or by the transcriber of the record.
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: sallysmum on Monday 13 May 13 09:52 BST (UK)
One of my favourites is 'Pestermanbybing Wales'

Gt uncle Charles was actually  born in 'Peitermaritzburg Natal'.  His father was a soldier and served 5 years in South Africa.  I think the Wales bit came as the transcriber looked at where his mother was born and assumed the same!

sallysmum
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Stanwix England on Thursday 16 May 13 20:59 BST (UK)
My favorite is my own name which is mistranscribed in the England and Wales Birth Index.

My name is Ilona but in the index I am listed as 'Shona'.

There is something about my name that causes administrators to make mistakes. I've seen it written the wrong way hundreds of times!
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: elin on Thursday 16 May 13 21:12 BST (UK)
This one made me laugh! One of my Welsh relatives, Myfanwy,  entered  by the presumably Welsh enumerator as My Fanny!
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: pinefamily on Thursday 16 May 13 23:18 BST (UK)
 ::)
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: thecatsmother on Thursday 06 June 13 18:03 BST (UK)
The one which caught my eye whilst looking for Irish ancestors who came to England - A young lady who was  born, apparently, ''barn in Ireland'' Intruiged I read more. Her occupation was (best Irish accent please) ''fish warker''!
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: patrish on Sunday 09 June 13 23:28 BST (UK)
A long time back I was researching for friend a Caroline Johnson, and on one census, her christian name had been mis transcribed as Pardon  ::)
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Peter Spencer on Monday 10 June 13 17:04 BST (UK)
I have come across several census entries where the marital status has been written as windower
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Duodecem on Monday 10 June 13 17:46 BST (UK)
I have come across several census entries where the marital status has been written as windower
"Windower" seems to be the default version for both widows and widowers in most of the transcriptions I've looked at-odd!
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Pheno on Monday 10 June 13 19:59 BST (UK)
Took me ages to find my missing Lot Croisdale - transcribed as Sip Crowdalter!
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Treetotal on Wednesday 19 June 13 16:45 BST (UK)
One of mine was transcribed as a Trunter's Assistant...should have read Fruiter's Assistant.

Carol
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: susan hemmings on Wednesday 19 June 13 16:56 BST (UK)
I have found quite a few blunders...

Oh dear, reading this thread has made me cry with laughter.  Cheered me up no end

Susan
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Treetotal on Wednesday 19 June 13 17:01 BST (UK)
One of my ancestors was transcribed as Freak instead of Fredk, the abbreviation of Frederick!

Love it..... ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Carol
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Millmoor on Wednesday 19 June 13 17:43 BST (UK)
Just found this occupation in the 1871 Scottish Census  "Internet on Mongron Bank" and no it was not for the Berners Lee family.

William
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Peter Spencer on Wednesday 19 June 13 19:11 BST (UK)
On Saturday 15 June I attended the Southern Family History Day in Wilton, near Salisbury, Wiltshire where there was talk on census errors. Apparently transcribing census records was outsourced to countries whose first language was not English; India for example. To make matters worse each transcriber could only see one line of the original document and was therefore unable to compare individual letters in a difficult to read word with perhaps a similar letter in a word on another line the meaning of which was plain to see.
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: jaybelnz on Friday 29 April 16 10:42 BST (UK)
I know this is an old post but just had to add my one! 

My great great grandparents and their family!  Our family name is Mathews. I searched for this for years, but finally someone on the Sheffield Indexers forum found it for me last year!

Really just as well that I already knew all the Christian names, and the names and birth places are also correct. Apparently it was was indexed as MASTERS😄

1861 Census

Piece 3496 Fol 49 Page 17 Brightside Bierlow Yorkshire

Rock St

John G Markus 43 manger of Manchester Sheffield Rly.born Ireland
Mary J Martews 43 born Ireland
Henry M D" 16 born Hounslow Middlesex
Mary G" 12 born Hounslow
John R A" 10 born Manchester Lancashire
Robert W" 5 born London
+ 2 visitors and 1 servant,John G's occupation is my "interpretation" of the census info!

(Not my "interpretation" mentioned above - that's what the volunteer added)
John's Occupation was Manager not Manger! 😀😄

Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: pinefamily on Friday 29 April 16 22:31 BST (UK)
Not quite census mistranscriptions, but there are some beauties in the England and Wales Non-Conformist and Non-Parochial Registers 1567-1970 dataset on Ancestry. There are a lot of French and Walloon names, so I can allow a bit of leniency for unfamiliarity, but when the letters are clearly the same as the word next to the name.....  ::)
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: ScouseBoy on Friday 29 April 16 22:48 BST (UK)
On Saturday 15 June I attended the Southern Family History Day in Wilton, near Salisbury, Wiltshire where there was talk on census errors. Apparently transcribing census records was outsourced to countries whose first language was not English; India for example. To make matters worse each transcriber could only see one line of the original document and was therefore unable to compare individual letters in a difficult to read word with perhaps a similar letter in a word on another line the meaning of which was plain to see.
      I think you are wrong about India.           A large proportion of India      does speak  English.

But which year Census are you referring to, please.
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: pinefamily on Friday 29 April 16 22:51 BST (UK)
I get these two mixed up, but 1901 and 1911 are the two that I know were "outsourced". One was done by the "residents" of HM Prisons, and the other was done in India.
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: pharmaT on Saturday 30 April 16 10:58 BST (UK)
Transcribers only being able to see one lime at a time helps explain my transcription error. Whole family transcribed as Dickson except my grt Grandfather who wad transcribed as Dockerson.  I was confused because when you looked at at the image his Dickson looked the same as the other Dickson. I couldn't understand why they transcribed one as Dickson but not the other when they looked the same.
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Redroger on Saturday 30 April 16 17:35 BST (UK)
From memory (dangerous) it was the 1901 that was done by prisoners, the 1911 outsourced to India. Problems with both, the prisoners weren't too co-operative and many of the India transcribers had English as second language.
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: coombs on Saturday 30 April 16 17:38 BST (UK)
I keep mistaking this thread for "Your favourite census", even though I have posted in this thread before.

I come across a swear word within a grossly mistranscribed birthplace word. Sh*tedpelob.
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: westdale on Saturday 30 April 16 17:50 BST (UK)
I have great sympathy for transcribers but I suffer a lot from their art.
1)  My main wish for the last 20 years has been to find Hannah Delanoy.
     Salt Lake City and all the other transcribers are insistent that most Delanoys are Delaneys.
     Including the most recent Gt Budworth parish register project :-(
2) I am half Welsh and if you haven't been to those censuses you have a treat waiting!
    Llancystenyn, Llancystenin, Llancystennin and Llangwstenin -- those are not transcription errors but what is actually written :-) The last is the modern name.
     
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: pinefamily on Saturday 30 April 16 22:37 BST (UK)
From memory (dangerous) it was the 1901 that was done by prisoners, the 1911 outsourced to India. Problems with both, the prisoners weren't too co-operative and many of the India transcribers had English as second language.

That is the way I remember it too, Roger.
Virtually all Indians learn Hindi and English at school, as well as learning their own dialects at home. Of course, that doesn't mean they are fluent enough to be able to cope with English handwriting, and British place names!
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Redroger on Sunday 01 May 16 17:53 BST (UK)
exactly that's  the main problem >:(
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: barmaid1971 on Sunday 01 May 16 18:55 BST (UK)
From memory (dangerous) it was the 1901 that was done by prisoners, the 1911 outsourced to India. Problems with both, the prisoners weren't too co-operative and many of the India transcribers had English as second language.

I can't blame them.  Having spent the best part of Saturday looking at late 17th/early 18th century BTs, I am of the view that a lot of the authors had english as a second language then!!!!!!

My best ones are:  Shuelby for THurlby, Chelsworth for Halesworth and Blaut for Plant...........
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: sugarbakers on Sunday 01 May 16 19:03 BST (UK)


4 yr old Alexander Smeathers lived with his parents and younger brother in High Street, Wellingborough, in 1841.

The wonderful Anc**y transcription shows him as ...

Mercedes Jameater
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: jaybelnz on Sunday 01 May 16 21:45 BST (UK)
 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: pinefamily on Sunday 01 May 16 21:48 BST (UK)


4 yr old Alexander Smeathers lived with his parents and younger brother in High Street, Wellingborough, in 1841.

The wonderful Anc**y transcription shows him as ...

Mercedes Jameater

Sounds like a character from the Harry Potter series.
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Redroger on Monday 02 May 16 11:15 BST (UK)
From memory (dangerous) it was the 1901 that was done by prisoners, the 1911 outsourced to India. Problems with both, the prisoners weren't too co-operative and many of the India transcribers had English as second language.

I can't blame them.  Having spent the best part of Saturday looking at late 17th/early 18th century BTs, I am of the view that a lot of the authors had english as a second language then!!!!!!

Remember that there was no standardised spelling before the late 18th century (Dr. Johnson), so the recorder whoever they were could only write down what they heard. Remember that in his own will Shakespeare spelled his own name three different ways!

My best ones are:  Shuelby for THurlby, Chelsworth for Halesworth and Blaut for Plant...........
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Beeonthebay on Tuesday 03 May 16 12:56 BST (UK)
Not census but birth records.

I've just come across some parish register entries on FindMyPast where the child is transcribed as i.e.  Mary BASEBORN mother Elizabeth, no surname.  ::)
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Beeonthebay on Tuesday 03 May 16 16:43 BST (UK)
And just came across Helsby, CHINA instead of Helsby, Cheshire on the 1901.
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: ..claire.. on Tuesday 03 May 16 18:36 BST (UK)

Whilst searching for a burial on Anc* Yorks parish registers I came across the entry

" a cry-some child of Sarah ?

Just for a second I thought 'what kind of minister would put that sort of thing' doh! until the light bulb came on :o obviously it was supposed to say "Chrisom Child"

claire

Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: carlineric on Tuesday 03 May 16 18:48 BST (UK)
Rather risqué. An*stry was very uncomplimentary to our most northern islanders when they referred to them as Sh*tlanders.

Eric
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: pinefamily on Tuesday 03 May 16 21:33 BST (UK)
I have been chuckling over my breakfast reading these posts.  ;D
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: ..claire.. on Tuesday 03 May 16 21:41 BST (UK)
There's a website that has the best US gaffes in the census, some are too risque for on here  ;D
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: westdale on Wednesday 04 May 16 08:26 BST (UK)
I think we are all over 18 here ... so give us the link !    :P :)
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: ..claire.. on Wednesday 04 May 16 09:11 BST (UK)
Now I'm not easily offended, so I apologise to anyone who is, they aren't gaffes neither, some parents should be ashamed  ::) ;D

but this is the list from Anc*.com that took some of these names from the US Federal census  ;)

Uranus Stukey
Ghoul Nipple
Acne Fountain
Lust T. Castle
Mary A. Jerk
Ima Whore
Mutton Bucker
Hugh Jass
Fanny Whiffer
Tackle Feigenbutz
Envy Burger
Bum Snoddy
Mule E. McCart
Lard Mooney
Good Hell
Emma Royd
Noble Butt
Naught E. Bishop
Stud Duck

https://inaneworld.com/tag/names/

claire
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: pinefamily on Wednesday 04 May 16 12:16 BST (UK)
Major Major anyone?
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: ..claire.. on Wednesday 04 May 16 12:23 BST (UK)

It is a bit of a Catch 22 situation with names like that  :)

Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Brie on Wednesday 04 May 16 16:01 BST (UK)
One I finally found the other day, not surprising it took me so long  ::)

Joseph Brndutt Stutts (Brentnall Stubbs). Amongst others in the Stutts (Stubbs) household there is his Vagelli (Daughter) Huby Simiey Stutts (Ruby Linney Stubbs) along with two of her brothers Wallis (Walter) and another son Brend Natt (Brentnall)

Oh and they are living near Melton Mowsbray - and there are at least 4 more mistranscriptions in the entry.

Brie
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Beeonthebay on Wednesday 04 May 16 20:12 BST (UK)
One I finally found the other day, not surprising it took me so long  ::)

Joseph Brndutt Stutts (Brentnall Stubbs). Amongst others in the Stutts (Stubbs) household there is his Vagelli (Daughter) Huby Simiey Stutts (Ruby Linney Stubbs) along with two of her brothers Wallis (Walter) and another son Brend Natt (Brentnall)

Oh and they are living near Melton Mowsbray - and there are at least 4 more mistranscriptions in the entry.

Brie

Ouch!!  :o
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: pinefamily on Wednesday 04 May 16 21:29 BST (UK)
Perhaps that transcriber had a "stutter"....... ::) ::)
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Redroger on Sunday 08 May 16 13:04 BST (UK)
My father has so far appeared on the 1901 and 1911 censuses. In both cases there are errors, the 1901 not too serious as both the address and family names are correct. 1911 was a shambles and worth repeating again. I think the problem comes back to unfamiliarity with copper-plate handwriting as very many surnames beginning with L are suffixed on the transcription with S. There may of course be similar errors on other letters. This is worth bearing in mind across the alphabet in my opinion. W The census should never be farmed out again for transcription other than to people who know the commonly used script as their first written language.
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: ..claire.. on Sunday 08 May 16 13:32 BST (UK)
My Gt Grandparents just can't be found in 1901, however in the 1911 census the whole family are together Dad, Mum and three children. Dad being Thomas Nearney, Mum being JAMES Nearney (should read Janey)

Surely a transcriber can read the word 'wife' and note the name actually ends in a 'y' , why take a punt on 'James' ?

claire

I actually think it looks like Jonesy, but that's me  :)

EDIT: This is how much luck I have with this family, my grandmother CLARA who is very clearly stated with them in 1911 had a fine name at baptism, I know its her, I have her birth Cert.

Baptism: 19 Nov 1899 St Mary Magdalene, Burnley, Lancashire, England
THOMAS Nearney - filius Thomae Nearney & Mariae Joannae (formerly Anderton)
 Born: 11 Oct 1899
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Beeonthebay on Sunday 08 May 16 15:25 BST (UK)
My Gt Grandparents just can't be found in 1901, however in the 1911 census the whole family are together Dad, Mum and three children. Dad being Thomas Nearney, Mum being JAMES Nearney (should read Janey)

Surely a transcriber can read the word 'wife' and note the name actually ends in a 'y' , why take a punt on 'James' ?

claire

I actually think it looks like Jonesy, but that's me  :)

EDIT: This is how much luck I have with this family, my grandmother CLARA who is very clearly stated with them in 1911 had a fine name at baptism, I know its her, I have her birth Cert.

Baptism: 19 Nov 1899 St Mary Magdalene, Burnley, Lancashire, England
THOMAS Nearney - filius Thomae Nearney & Mariae Joannae (formerly Anderton)
 Born: 11 Oct 1899

Janey is Jomey on FindMyPast.
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: ..claire.. on Sunday 08 May 16 15:30 BST (UK)

It gets worse  :o

claire
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: pinefamily on Monday 09 May 16 07:45 BST (UK)
My Gt Grandparents just can't be found in 1901, however in the 1911 census the whole family are together Dad, Mum and three children. Dad being Thomas Nearney, Mum being JAMES Nearney (should read Janey)

Surely a transcriber can read the word 'wife' and note the name actually ends in a 'y' , why take a punt on 'James' ?

claire

I actually think it looks like Jonesy, but that's me  :)

EDIT: This is how much luck I have with this family, my grandmother CLARA who is very clearly stated with them in 1911 had a fine name at baptism, I know its her, I have her birth Cert.

Baptism: 19 Nov 1899 St Mary Magdalene, Burnley, Lancashire, England
THOMAS Nearney - filius Thomae Nearney & Mariae Joannae (formerly Anderton)
 Born: 11 Oct 1899

It took me a minute to get it. Wow! Was the minister having a bad day? Or didn't take notes properly, to fill out later?
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: ..claire.. on Monday 09 May 16 09:03 BST (UK)
I guess we will never know. At least she had a baptism, albeit in the eyes of God she's Thomas  :(

Maybe the minister had drunk all the communion wine that day  ;D ;D

claire

Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: ScouseBoy on Monday 09 May 16 09:08 BST (UK)
When they pay those transcribers who have made  substantial errors in their work,  then, in my opinion,  they should accidentally   make a mistake with their name and the amount  and forget to sign the cheque.
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: pinefamily on Monday 09 May 16 09:10 BST (UK)
I daresay the transcribers for the 1911 census would not have been paid much at all (in India).
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: groom on Monday 09 May 16 09:14 BST (UK)
I guess we will never know. At least she had a baptism, albeit in the eyes of God she's Thomas  :(

Maybe the minister had drunk all the communion wine that day  ;D ;D

claire

Presumably during the ceremony, which is the bit that counts, she was referred to as Clara and was baptised in that name. I expect it was just a careless bit of recording on behalf of the minister. I wonder how many of us may be recorded under a different name? I have my Christening certificate but have never looked at the original records.  ;D
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Andrew Tarr on Monday 09 May 16 09:19 BST (UK)
... I think the problem comes back to unfamiliarity with copper-plate handwriting as very many surnames beginning with L are suffixed on the transcription with S. There may of course be similar errors on other letters.

And oddly enough, capital T can be read as L.  A misread capital may be the most difficult error to allow for when searching an index.  My grandfather Tydeman could only be found from his children's first names when he was indexed as Lydeman - not normally a 'similar' name any search system will think of.
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: ..claire.. on Monday 09 May 16 09:34 BST (UK)

38 years later Clara and my Grandfather baptised their fourth son, my Dad. I have his birth cert. and his birthday was always celebrated 14th September, birth year  1937.
LanOPC however transcribed his date of birth as the fourth of September.
Obviously not transcribed correctly, but I did get a bit of a shock when I found that record that day :)
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: Redroger on Monday 09 May 16 11:26 BST (UK)
... I think the problem comes back to unfamiliarity with copper-plate handwriting as very many surnames beginning with L are suffixed on the transcription with S. There may of course be similar errors on other letters.

And oddly enough, capital T can be read as L.  A misread capital may be the most difficult error to allow for when searching an index.  My grandfather Tydeman could only be found from his children's first names when he was indexed as Lydeman - not normally a 'similar' name any search system will think of.

Yes indeed, You have reminded me of incidents which occurred regularly with my late father's handwriting copper plate (b1899), his signature Luffman was often taken as Tuffman which led to endless complications.
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: suey on Tuesday 10 May 16 12:41 BST (UK)
... I think the problem comes back to unfamiliarity with copper-plate handwriting as very many surnames beginning with L are suffixed on the transcription with S. There may of course be similar errors on other letters.

And oddly enough, capital T can be read as L.  A misread capital may be the most difficult error to allow for when searching an index. My grandfather Tydeman could only be found from his children's first names when he was indexed as Lydeman - not normally a 'similar' name any search system will think of.

Several of my Tuckey's are indexed as Luckey among other things, I think they've been one of the most difficult to find.
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: jaybelnz on Tuesday 10 May 16 13:37 BST (UK)
I guess you could count yourself as "Luckey" then suey!!  :)
Title: Re: Your Favourite Census Mistranscriptions!
Post by: myluck! on Sunday 21 May 17 14:49 BST (UK)
Not quite transcription more literacy as it is transcribed as on the original
The informant on my gggrandfather's death certificate was "son of the diseased"!
Presumably should read "deceased" or maybe not!!