Abbreviation FRCS *COMPLETED*

[Malcolm Bull]

I know that FRCS is frequently seen for people who are Fellows of the Royal College of Surgeons, but does anyone know of the same letters used in connection with the Cooperative Society?  I have a John Shillito [1832-1915] who was a wire drawer before becoming Director and Chairman of the Cooperative Wholesale Society (in Halifax) between 1883 and 1915, and his grave records him as JP, FRCS.

It seems unlikely that a wire-drawing member of the Co-op would be moonlighting as a surgeon, or vice-versa.

Any suggestions?

[stanmapstone]

"Mr. Shillito is an F.R.G.S., being keenly interested in geographical research."
 http://www.rootschat.com/links/0smj/

Stan

[GrahamSimons]

To amplify Stan's reply:

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Geographical_Society

"Fellowship of the Society is conferred to anyone over 21 who has a deep involvement with geography (through research, publication, profession, etc.) or who has been an ordinary member of the society for five previous years. The applicant must be proposed and seconded by existing Fellows and elected by the Council. Fellows are granted the right to use the initials "F.R.G.S." after their names."

[Malcolm Bull]

Thank you both.  That clears it up nicely.

Malcolm Bull