Waner

[Sean O Callaghan]

Hi,

In the 1911 Census (Ireland), my Garnd-Aunt is listed under occupations as being a 'waner'.  I have tried in vain to find out what this means.  Any assistance would be enormously helpful.

Thanks,

Ceallachain

[Jane Eden]

Is it clearly written as a waner. If not can you post the word on this board? The closest I can find is a waver (weaver).

Jane

[Sean O Callaghan]

Jane, thanks.  I wil try to scan in the doc tomorrow.  You could indeed be right- I am trying to decipher my Great-garndfather's writing on the census form from other items he has written, and it looks to me like waner, but it may indeed be waver.  I will post it asap.

Ceallachain

[Hackstaple]

Not Wainer? That would be a wagon driver - horse drawn

[Sean O Callaghan]

A very interesting possibility!  It is definitely spelt as 'Waner', but I suppose that if you weren't sure of the spelling, that is how you would spell it!  Thank you- that is very enlightening.  Would it refer to an ordinary horse and cart though?

Ceallachain

[Hackstaple]

I suspect it would be used in reference to a proper wagon that is with two axles and a pair or team of horses, mules or oxen rather than a simple single-axle horse and cart. But, local usage would dictate. It is of little importance but our word wagon comes from the older word "wain" or "waen".
But, it may be some other meaning altogether for waner as others have guessed. After all she is your Great-aunt - not your Great Uncle so perhaps the weaver idea is closer?