Fund Holder? *COMPLETED*

[Latchfordian]

I've found a possible ancestor in the 1851 census and his occupation is given as FUND HOLDER. What exactly does that mean?

Jim

[CaroleW]

Have a look at the answer to the same question on another board

http:///boards/request-help-your-family-history-research/3827-fundholder.html

[Latchfordian]

Have a look at the answer to the same question on another board

http:///boards/request-help-your-family-history-research/3827-fundholder.html

Thanks for that CaroleW but all I get when I follow that link is a web-site which sells surf boards etc!

Jim

[CaroleW]

That is weird - I've just Googled it and got the website up - the link is the same as I showed but I also get nothing if I click on it

Here's what was asked/replied

Can anyone tell me what a Fundholder was in 1861/71 census. Had an ancester who was a housemaid for two sisters. One was born in St Petersburg Russia but I don't know if thats significant. Both sisters were shown with the Occupation of Fundholder while one, elder, was the head.

Someone did say it may be something to do with investment but would like a second opinion

Could possibly be another name for an Annuitant?!

This is an excerpt I found on Google

"..but described himself as a 'Fundholder' and living on his income from land and dividends..."

A fundholder was indeed someone whose main income was from the interest and dividends received from investments, usually made to secure an income in old age. Most such were quite modest people, which is why when dreadful things happened in Stocks and Shares, like when the South Sea Bubble burst, they were left destitute. Similarly, if the investment advice was wrong or investments were embezzled by crooked solicitors. Charles Dickens' novels were based on experiences of the time, and illustrate well what could happen.

[stanmapstone]

Have a look at the answer to the same question on another board

http:///boards/request-help-your-family-history-research/3827-fundholder.html

This link works http://www.rootschat.com/links/0kzl/

Stan

[Latchfordian]

Thanks CaroleW for that useful information and thanks Stan for the correct link. I have a follow-up to this which you may be able to answer for me. The same ancestor who was a Fund Holder in the 1851 census had his occupation given as "Ind" in the 1841. Am I right in thinking this means "Independent" and if so is there any difference between that and a fund holder?

Jim

[stanmapstone]

Independent implies he had an independent income, from an annuity, a pension, or savings and did not depend on anyone's money to pay for his living expenses. There is no difference to Fund Holder.

Stan

[stanmapstone]

this is the 1841 Census instruction to the enumerator http://www.histpop.org
Stan

[stanmapstone]

These instructions were changed for the 1851 Census. http://www.histpop.org
Stan