A Poor Object

[cadmium]

I came across someone whose occupation was listed as 'A Poor Object'. Poor thing! Is this a reflection of their mental state, or meaning they're just unemployed?

In the same family there's also a 'Pauper (idiot)' and a Lottar - which I've never heard of either.

[Russell]

Hi mikokunsaki

Without seein more of the family my best guess would be that the 'poor soul' would most likely be suffering from Tuberculosis which, in a chronic form, caused gradual wasting of the body and generalised weakness which meant they were unable to do much for themselves let alone work !

The term 'idiot' was actually a term used in part of the Mental Health legislation. There were three categories of mental deficiency as it was called then. Mildest form was Idiot, then Moron, then Imbecile for profound incapacity. They were used as acceptable descriptions at the time.

I was not able to find a meaning for the other word 'lottar' in either the Scots dictionary or the Dialect dictionary.

In the 1800's (and before) someone with learning difficulties who was too difficult to manage at home often ended up in the psychiatric section of the Poorhouse. Anyone who was 'Mentally retarded' (again an acceptable old description) but was able to do simple repetitive tasks was expected to do work to help bring in a few coppers otherwise they were a constant drain on a familie's resources.
Life was not easy then. Remember the Welfare State is only 59 years old. Prior to its inception it was a real postcode lottery whether there was any local support at all for those with a disability.

Russell

[AndrewP]

... and a Lottar - which I've never heard of either.

Any chance that the word should read as cottar?

All the best,

AndrewP

[Russell]

Good thinking Andrew

It would help if we knew which part of the country this was, and perhaps other occupations in the household.

Russell

[cadmium]

The family was living in Ardnamurrach, Glenelg, Inverness-Shire. Here's the Freecen transcription:

CAMERON Jannet Head W F 48 Lottar Inverness-shire - Morar
CAMERON Mary Sister W F 40 Pauper Inverness-shire - Morar
GILLIES Hugh Nephew U M 16 Fisher Inverness-shire - Morar
GILLIES John Nephew U M 16 Fisher Inverness-shire - Morar
GILLIES Marcella Niece U F 15 Inverness-shire - Morar
GILLIES Sally Niece - F 11 Inverness-shire - Morar
MCKINNON Jannet Cousin U F 15 House Servt Inverness-shire - Morar
MCDONALD Rodk Cousin U M 30 Fisher Inverness-shire - Morar
MCMASTER Anna Lodger U F 72 A Poor Object Inverness-shire - Morar
MCDONALD Angus Cousin U M 36 Pauper (Idiot) Inverness-shire - Morar

I guess it could be 'cottar' instead of 'lottar'. Thanks for the help.

[AndrewP]

Good chance that Jannet was a cottar. From looking at many census pages, I can tell you that someone described as a cottar was almost always the head of the household. A cottar by definition was usually a pauper, who worked in lieu of rent.

All the best,

AndrewP

[nelmit]

It will be a lotter.

I have one in my tree and was intrigued. I found my answer (In my case I think it was number 1)here.

Regards,
Annette