Acting Overseer

[BECA]

My g.grandfather 'held office as an Acting Overseer' in the Lawrenny area up to the time of his death in 1930. Can someone please explain what this is please.

[Orielbenfro]

I believe that “Acting Overseer” will be a hang over from the old Workhouse days. My own ancestor was quote ‘Overseer of the Carmarthen Workhouse’ back in the mid 19th and does not Dickens quote the Overseer in ‘Oliver Twist’?
My research in Pembroke Town by coincidence around the 1920’s, has an ‘Overseer’ paying out Parish or Poor relief from his rented office room in Long Entry.
If memory serves me I believe Lawrenny had a Work ‘house’ and Alms ‘House’, with luck I should be able to find out a bit more for you if required, What is the full name of the gentleman of your interest?
I would offer a health warning on this information, until it is confirmed or otherwise.
Rgds
Orielbenfro
ORIEL a welsh window on a surname

[BECA]

Thanks again  for your help Oriel.  the man in question is James Hughes d. Feb 1930.  I would be very interested if you could find more about the work house and/or alms house.  Many thanks, BECA

[Orielbenfro]

I made enquires whilst at the R.O. today to see if I could follow up on the Acting Overseer of Lawrenny, alas there does not appear to be any information that could be found nor could the Archivist advise of any further action.
Rgds
Orielbenfro

[Morganllan]

Hello 

Overseer can be used to mean a Supervisor too. I once explained a job to someone from Templeton, and he said "Oh, an overseer". First time I'd heard it!

Also the mining industry had Colliery Overseers so that may be another possibility?

Is this the occupation on his marriage certificate, census, and death certificate?

Best Wishes
Morgan