Hi halhawk,
There was a fairly lengthy process to go through.
I would say that she would have been employed because a reference certificate had to be signed by her current or late employer as to her job, and confirming that she was of unexceptionable character and had no criminal history.
The two householders had to be respectable and it was stipulated that they could not be publicans or dealers in beer or spirits. These two respectable householders had to verify the certificate signed by the employer and also certify that the person was industrious, honest, sober, of general good character and never been in trouble with the law.
The Physician or Surgeon had to certify that they had examined the applicant and in their opinion that the person was not mutilated or deformed or inflicted with a disease calculated to shorten their life or to impair physical or mental energy and that the person has had the smallpox or been vaccinated and that they were entirely free of any disease considered contagious or infections and they were capable of labour in their calling.
A magistrate or minister of religion from the Parish or neighbourhood where the applicant resided had to certify that they had examined the above three certificates and that they were authentic and that the two householders were of worthy credit.
Gerry
