" Aunt " on 1851 census

[Emmeline]

Could the term ' Aunt ' on the 1851 census signify something other than the usual meaning - might she not have been an aunt at all but known in the household as such as she was a  very elderly spinster lady.

Have found no connection to the family she is with.

Help appreciated......

[avm228]

Well, as always the information on the census return is only ever as good as what was provided to the enumerator.  If they said she was "aunt" she went down as "aunt".

I have to say, though, that in the examples I've come across there has always been some connection - sometimes an "aunt" or "niece" has turned out to be a great-aunt or great-niece, but there has always been a connection.

Anna

[Emmeline]

Hello Anna - thank you for your reply.

When I was mulling it over yesterday I did think about the fact that she might well be a Gt. Aunt.

As you correctly point out if the enumerator was told Aunt then Aunt she was.

Will keep digging - thanks again........