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Old Photographs, Recognition, Handwriting Deciphering => Handwriting Deciphering & Recognition => Topic started by: Deskman on Saturday 10 March 18 00:41 GMT (UK)

Title: Peculiar in Shropshire
Post by: Deskman on Saturday 10 March 18 00:41 GMT (UK)
I think that a six person household in the E&W 1891 census has these entries in cols 7 & 16

Head, Deaf with one ear
Wife, Sound (at times)
Lodger, Peculiar
Servant, Deaf (at times)
Servant, Blind with one eye
Servant, Sound


Peculiar?
It's certainly odd and it's an unusual household - can you explain?
Thanks
Title: Re: Peculiar in Shropshire
Post by: AMBLY on Saturday 10 March 18 01:29 GMT (UK)
Ha ha, Sounds like the family having a laugh .... ;D one eyed AND blind lol!
Apparently, it was quite common in English Census to have a bit of fun - I marvel at the enumerator whose job it is to copy from schedule to enumeration book -  did they appreciate the fun, or did it go over their heads!

I was looking at a census the other day for Frederick Morgan (a renowned artist, married3  times, divorced from first one who accused him of adultery with 4 women included the woman who was to become his 2nd wife......

1901 Census,  HoH Frederick's  stated affliction in that last column, is "Bad Temper" and his 2nd Wife's occupation is "The Missus".

Cheers
AMBLY
Title: Re: Peculiar in Shropshire
Post by: maddys52 on Saturday 10 March 18 01:30 GMT (UK)
Looks like one of those census returns where the head of the household took his responsibilities very seriously! From memory I think there are a few threads on rootschat showing similar responses. Here's a blog findmypast wrote some time ago about the 1911 census, scroll down to item #6 - quite funny  ;D
Title: Re: Peculiar in Shropshire
Post by: Wiggy on Saturday 10 March 18 04:04 GMT (UK)
Sounds like a good sense of humour doesn't it!   :D :D

Wiggy
Title: Re: Peculiar in Shropshire
Post by: Deskman on Saturday 10 March 18 11:54 GMT (UK)
Thanks folks,

I'm relieved it is someone having a laugh.

I'll move on.