1841 census Occupations in Yorkshire

[hunkyhywel]

The Edson family lived in "Smelthouse" in Yorkshire in 1841.
What is the occupation of William Edson and of the six minors under his house?
Looks like for William, "(?) Factory"? and for the children, "Linen Spinner"? maybe?

What do you think?
Thanks

[Treetotal]

I wonder if it could be Importers Factory? I see Spinner but not sure it's linen.
Carol

[genjen]

I think that for William, it simply says "Emp in Factory"....(Employee)

For the offspring, yes I agree that it says "Lin. .... Spinner" but there is something in between which is less obvious. I thought at first that it was "Ap" for Apprentice but looking at the letter A in other words, that doesn't fit.

Jen

[Treetotal]

I thought that at first Jen until I compared the first letter in Edson and it is different.
Carol

[Bookbox]

Comparing with similar occupations on nearby pages, I think it is Lin Y Spinner, presumably Linen Yarn Spinner.

[jennifer c]

Yep, checked the actual census and you beat me to it, that was exactly what I came up with.

Jennifer

[genjen]

I thought that at first Jen until I compared the first letter in Edson and it is different.
Carol

That's interesting yes the E of Edson is different.. I have looked at the whole image and enlarged it and am sure that it is "... in Factory" but if it's not "Emp", I can't see what else it is.

I think that the suggestion of Lin. Y. Spinner looks quite possible. I hadn't previously noticed how the middle letter is identical to the Y in the Born in County column.

Jen

[sami]

Wonder if it could be - Insp. in Factory. Abbreviation for Inspector.

sami

[sallyyorks]

I think it will be something to do with a "Linen" Mill.
Found this bit of info and page (with photos) about the area 

http://www.hartwith.org.uk/HHG-Textiles.html

"Flax, the fibre which produces linen, was the basis of the local textile industry. There were no wool or cotton mills in our parish. With the mechanisation of spinning in the later part of the C18, the water-power potential of Nidderdale was harnessed.  Flax-dressing skills already existed here. By the C19, seven mills were operating on the Fell Beck and River Nidd, between Smelthouses and Summerbridge."