Occupation on census return .....

[capricorn]

On an 1841 census I have a widow whose occupation is listed as 'Independent' As she had four small children I'm wondering if this was some kind of private income, or does it mean something totally different?

Regards
Liz

[AndrewP]

To quote from the instructions given to the enumerators for the 1841 census:

OCCUPATION
Of what Profession, Trade, Employment, or whether of Independent Means.

Heads of Families, Men, Widows, or Single Women, of Independent Means (from whatever source) may be inserted Ind.

The full instructions can be found at http://www.talkingscot.com/censuses/census-1841.htm

All the best,

Andrew Paterson

[capricorn]

Thank you Andrew, It's what I thought, but wanted to be sure.

Regards Liz