Deciphering occupation on census

[liz-bris]

I was on another thread on the traveling people area and they suggested I posted a query here about deciphering the occupation of ancestor on a census.

 http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,595294.0.html

It is the 1841 census in Barnstaple Devon Piece 203 Book 7 Folio 12 Page 18

Benjn Russell age 35 occupation ? very hard to read.

He has wife Charlotte and child Mary with him

On birth of son Benjamin in same year 1841, his occupation is Traveller.

I would appreciate any input. I see the possibilities as Doctor, Factor or Rector.

Some one on the other thread felt doctors were not called doctors but were called Surgeon or Physician.

Thanks Liz

[Ruskie]

Hi Liz - I hope you get some good responses to this. 

[Alexander.]

I think it must say Doctor - compare the first letter to the 'D' on the 'D^o' after Francis.

I'm not sure precisely what was meant by this - but as stated it is unlikely to be a medical doctor. The occupation Traveller is equally vague, it might only indicate that he moved around a lot on the job.

Alexander

[Wiggy]

A rellie of ours was called Dr - in 1831 - does that help?   

In the navy he was a surgeon we were told - but it appears he was trained as a physician - Surgeons were usually called Mr weren't they?   

But travelling Dr is different isn't it - unless he was Dr to the travellers and their animals maybe  Horse dr e.g.

After all that, it certainly looks like Doctor to me.

Wiggy

[liz-bris]

I agree with you Freckneale - thanks. Its still a little strange that he had two different occupations in same year very close to each other? 

Glad to hear that this term was used around that time WiggyHobbes. Thanks! At least I can now continue looking at that idea.

Thanks Liz

[Jamjar]

What's his occupation on the '51 census?

Jamjar

[Alexander.]

Jamjar,

From the other thread:

By the 1851 census father Benjamin is not there, nor is the daughter. There is a possible death of the name Benjamin Russell in Bideford for father, and a few possible for child Mary in ten year period.

Just Mother and son Benjamin (born 1841) in Bideford in 1851. 

It may be worth getting Benjamin's death certificate to see what his occupation is on that.

Alexander

[Jamjar]

Thanks for that, Alexander.

Just because he isn't there doesn't mean he isn't somewhere, especially if he was a traveller.

Jamjar

[liz-bris]

Now that is a good point Jamcar, as he wasn't born in the area per the 1841 census? Might be worth a wider look on the 1851 census, especially if I can find anyone same name that's a doctor or traveller.

Will follow up that idea next. Thanks!