Genealogy Chat

I have a relative on the 1841 census, Eliza, female, head of family, age 30, occupation basket maker. Under her is Elisha, male, 25 no employment. I am looking for an Elijah. I can understand the mistranscription but am wondering if he got the names round the wrong way and Elijah was the basket maker, not Eliza? Any suggestions? Selena

Could be either, I should think!! Not much help am I?? Basket making was a very popular occupation amongst the blind and partially sighted too. Merry

Thanks Merry, I think it sounds like it should be feminine. This particular lot were usually waterman or laborers but maybe this was the only work he could get. Selena

Just out of interest, what relationship are they as the lady is shown as head of household? Is he a brother?

Thanks Heather, there is no relationship shown on this at all (1841 census)l. There is no column for it. I am 'assuming' she is head of household as she is listed first, perhaps because she is employed. The families are separated by the usual slash mark /. On the other families it seems to be the male who is head of house. I am just pondering if the enumerator got them round the wrong way. I think she could be a sister as the wife is missing!

I am just wondering if Elisha/Elijah was disabled at that time.

Selina I have some male basket weavers. Think it was the sor of thing the whole family would get involved in. Jacqui ps also have an Elijah who was often transcribed as Elisha

Thanks Jacqui,

I've a male basketmaker, who was blind. His wife, who attended the same school for the blind as him, was a cane chair weaver. nell