Genealogy Chat

On the 1851 census I have a female rellie described as a Chairwoman. Would this be the same as our modern day char (as in someone who comes in to do the housework) - or is it something more obscure. Sorry to sound daft. Thanks for the help. Barbara

If you mean 'charwoman' - yes, the same as now - a 'cleaner', but if, as you have typed, you mean 'CHAIRwoman', it could be a different matter i.e. a female version of a Chairman: Chairman - One of two persons who carried a sedan chair ?? I would think a 'charwoman' would be more likely. Dea x

Hello Barbara, I would have said someone who chairs a meeting (takes charge). But in 1851 I am not sure that 'women' would have been given this position. LL

thanks for that Dea. It definitely says CHAIRwoman. I wasn't aware of that definition of a chairman. This particular lady was 53 at the time, so I suppose it might be a misspelling by the enumerator. Barbara

LL Thanks for the comments. I also had my doubts about a woman being given that much responsibility at that time. Also seemed a bit odd that it would be listed as an occupation. Barbara

I've seen this on some of my rellies. It does say Chairwoman, but I have always assumed it was a mis spelling and meant Charwoman.

Thanks for the comments Margaret. Barbara

hiya, have you thought about the possiblilty, that she pushed someone IN a chair?? (ie bath chair/wheelchair modern equivilant) maybe that is what was meant, have come across it only once before, but that was a gentleman, who had it as occupation. HTH Julie

Many thanks for that Julie. Definitely hadn't thought of it. Barbara

I have seen chairman before, and I thought it was either somebody who carried people in a chair, or somebody who made chairs, but I haven't come across Chairwoman on a census before. Kate.

Kate This is unlikely to be someone who made chairs. I don't think she would have had the time to learn how. She's a widow and was listed as an Ag Lab on the 1841 census shortly after her husband's death. Glad to hear its fairly unusual though. (means its not just me missing the absolutely obvious) Thanks for the input. Barbara

You need to make a decision in the context of the person and their social circumstances. I have several Charwomen, spelt in various ways. Sadly, most were widdows fending for themselves after hubby, (either coal miner of unskilled labourer) had met an early demise. 'Charwoman A woman hired by the day to do odd jobs, usually cleaning, in a house - as still used today and in use as early as 1596. The word 'chare' or 'char' was used to describe an odd job' Hard times and not that glamorous.....!

For a negative answer, my 1892 dictionary, gives no definition of chairwoman. Mavis

Peter and Mavis Many thanks for your replies. Barbara