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Old Photographs, Recognition, Handwriting Deciphering => Handwriting Deciphering & Recognition => Topic started by: Rowan Tree on Tuesday 31 December 13 18:31 GMT (UK)

Title: COMPLETED: Occupation 1861 census
Post by: Rowan Tree on Tuesday 31 December 13 18:31 GMT (UK)

Hi,

Could anyone take a look at an occupation on the 1861 census for me?

This is how the entry is transcribed on Ancestry;

Micahel Creamer
Age 65 (1796)
Head, Male
Born Ireland
Civil Parish Liverpool

The occupation appears to read "Message Porter" but I'm unsure on the first word of the occupation and would appreciate a second pair of eyes.

Many thanks, Rowan Tree  :)

Title: Re: Occupation 1861 census
Post by: Geoff-E on Tuesday 31 December 13 19:17 GMT (UK)

Looks like Messuage to me - there is such a word, but how it fits in with being a porter is outside my comprehension. ???

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/messuage

Title: Re: Occupation 1861 census
Post by: yonderpeasant on Tuesday 31 December 13 19:22 GMT (UK)

one definition of messuage is a dwelling house.So messuage porter would not be inconstant.

Title: Re: Occupation 1861 census
Post by: Rowan Tree on Tuesday 31 December 13 19:41 GMT (UK)

Ah-ha! Thanks guys  ;)

This actually does make sense as on the 1851 census, Michael Creamer is the head of the household, living at 30 Porter Street, Liverpool and under occupation it says, "Lodging House Keeper". Given the number of people living at 30 Porter Street (15), I'd say 30 Porter Street is a lodging house.

Thanks again, Rowan Tree  :)