Traveler as occupation on certificate

[liz-bris]

Ruskie

Just looking at the page again and below the couple is a family Vickary. And next to all of them is DO as usual. The last Do next to the Eliza (Vickary) looks similar to the beginning of the word - so could be Doctor ?

Similar to the D on the facing page Margaret (Kendall) and the d in  Geo Kendall? 

What do you think?

[Ruskie]

I see what you mean about the D Liz. Doctor to traveller in a matter of a few months? Not sure, but stranger things have happened. They do have a servant in 1841 so maybe fairly well to do? Maybe he was a doctor who travelled around selling medicines of some sort?  It might be worth trying to locate the birth certificate of daur Mary to check his occupation on her birth certificate?

I'm not sure I can see an R in that first letter - maybe others can? 

[liz-bris]

Thanks Ruskie

Another certificate may be the only answer. I didn't really want to accept Doctor for the same reason as you. That's why I was more inclined towards factor, but I need to find the real answer of course! But still not sure about what the occupation traveler meant. 

[avm228]

I've got a few medics in the family tree, and none of them is described as "Doctor" in any census - they're all Physician and/or Surgeon.  I've seen a few people with "Medicinal Doctor" or "M.D."  (and a few Doctors of Divinity etc) but just "Doctor" strikes me as quite a modern way of describing a medical practitioner.

[liz-bris]

Unlikely to be a doctor then become a traveler in the same year? Both birth cert and census were for 1841.  Must be something else.   

That is why I wondered if he was a traveler (gypsy) and for some reason they put that as occupation. Has anyone seen if there is any way that the gypsy connection is shown on a birth certificate or marriage in any way? 

[Ruskie]

Thinking again about the fact that they have a servant on the 1841 census .... maybe she is a servant to someone else and boards with the family rather than being their servant.

Sorry I can't help with traveller/gypsy angle.

Benjamin and Mary's marriage certificate might help .... and or Mary's b/c .... 

Why not post the unknown occupation on the Deciphering Board where the experts hang out and you should get more opinions on what it might say. Provide a link to this post so people don't go over ground that has already been covered.

[liz-bris]

Thanks Ruskie. I will have a look at that!

[tiggi]

Hello

I have an ancestor whose fathers name is listed as traveler on his birth certificate in 1841 in Devon. So is this really likely to be a profession or is it referring to his being a 'gypsy'? His mother registered the birth and did an x for her signature. She is on census as born in parish.

In the census taken that year, a few months before his birth, his father is listed as (hard to read) either doctor or factor, but both he and an older child are listed as not born in area and of foreign parts. Any ideas where I could go from here?

Hi I have looked at the birth certificate and think its misleading you regards saying traveller ?
I think it just means that Charlotte Loosemore the mother was * travelling *at time of his birth registry and it was not unusual in those times for anyone to put a X as mark many could not read and write
 Many families travelled looking for work
 
I just wonder in 1841 Benjamin occupation could it be Docker?
1851 Charlotte alone with son Benjamin is listed as house servant I beleive working in the lodging house and would suggest she is widowed which if her husband has died she would have had to find work to support them both

 Or had they just seperated and she said widowed as this would be more acceptable to find work ?

I think you need to get if they exist Mary;s birth registry and Benjamin death that  might help answer some questions

[tiggi]

As regards Gypsy/Traveller angle the only time any would refer to themsleves as Doctor - Doc was usually in the actual name
Like  *Doc * Buckland and it ment they were not medical as to humans but horse doctors like Vets .....not trained as in schooling but because they were knowledgable about horses and cures for ailments

 *Has anyone seen if there is any way that the gypsy connection is shown on a birth certificate or marriage in any way?  * 

Obviously on births yes some are stated as Travellers but usually horse dealers basket makers grinders not just traveller

With marriages again because they usually give fathers names ( live or  deceased) the occupations usually give a clue similar to above and also witnesses help as usually related kin and usually someone knows the surname
 of either groom or bride