Deciphering 1871 Census Entry

[Les de B]

I just trying to decipher the middle of these 3 entries in the 1871 Census. I'm looking for;

John E WEST born in Taunton, Somerset, however, the Ancestry transcription indicates his place of birth as Sacriston, Lonford, Ireland.

Also, his occupation - does it read "Private Secretary"? In the 1861 Census he was described as an Assistant Engineer for a Private Telegraph Company.

Les

[carol8353]

I agree that it says Private Secretary and he was born in Somerset- Taunton.

The line that makes it appear to read something else, is in fact the L from the word London below.

Carol

[josey]

I agree with Carol on both points; census ref. RG10/849/96/34.

John West seems to be in very good company at the 'Spa Hall' perhaps he found being the private sevretary to a retired tea merchant more lucrative than an assistant engineer. What is his profession in 1881?

Josey

[Les de B]

Thanks very much to both Carol and Josey's for their deciphering expertise. I was hoping that's how you read it, which is a vast improvement on how Ancestry deciphered it!

Josey, in answer to your question about John E(rnest) WEST in the 1881 Census, I'm afraid I can't find him past this 1871 Census - including his death or marriage, if one? Also, I'm not quite sure whether his was actually the private secretary to the retired Tea Merchant listed above him. I haven't got the census in front of me at the moment, but I'm sure the majority of the people listed around John WEST were all lodgers at the address.

Les