Hi Keith
I don't think there is any way of knowing "the true answer" as to why the wife is listed as a master carter along with her husband. I tend to agree with the idea that it was an enumerator's mistake, but it is possible that she was an equal partner in the business, perhaps for the reason suggested by Suttontrust. If she had been a widow, I would not be at all surprised to see her listed as a carter, as quite a few women went on running businesses after their husbands died, but it is unusual when the husband was still living.
As to the title, "master carter", it is likely that he used the word "master" to indicate that he owned the business and was not just a man employed as a carter. As you suggested,
probably inflating his importance, just a little.
No, a carter was not a maker of carts. A man who made carts was called a cartwright.
I have not exactly "put you out of your misery", but I hope you feel a little better.
Cheers,
Carmela
