Occupation, 1871 census

[bugbear]

This is William Tom, and his occupation is "Acoucher own practise" in 1871.  RG10/600/110 p 51.

At least that's what I think it says, but it makes no sense.

He dies in 1876, so I have no subsequent census to cross check

According to an Ancestry Tree ( ) in 1861 he was "Farmer of 100 Acres Employing 2 men, 1 boy".

When he married in 1867 he gave his occupation as "Gentleman" and his father ("John Tom") was "merchant".

So - what's an "Acoucher" (or what does it really say?)

  BugBear

[ainslie]

If spelled with two cs, accoucher, he was a male midwife.

[Karen McDonald]

Maybe it's supposed to be accoucheur, a male physician skilled in obstetrics.

Bit weird, though, if he was (also) a famer..!   

Edit: Ainslie beat me to it. 

Edit again: Just an idea: Accoucheur out practice (a physician who makes solely home visits)..?

[heywood]

Is there an occupation on his death certificate?

[bugbear]

Is there an occupation on his death certificate?

I don't have his death certificate (only just started researching him).

I do have a probate - only £20 in 1876 (around £2000 today). He was living in a fancy address though.

 BugBear

[arthurk]

Might it be short for 'out of practice'? I've seen this sometimes for people who weren't actually working when the census was taken.

[Milliepede]

If he was a farmer maybe he was a midwife to cows like a vet.

[bugbear]

Bingo!

British Newspaper Archive, Morning Post - Saturday 11 June 1870

My thanks for the tips!

   BugBear

[stanmapstone]

From the OED. Accoucheur  A person (originally only a man) who assists a woman in childbirth, esp. one who is trained professionally; a midwife

Stan