Genealogy Chat

I've seen, on the 1881 census, an occupation described as 'Engineer (Artz)'. Has anyone any idea what it means? Janet

Artz is the German word for doctor.

Linda. It's definately 'Artz', and I too had wondered if it was an accepted abbreviation for Artisan. Still not sure though. If I find out for certain, I'll let you know. Thanks Janet

Lesley, I too had someone in the 1881 Census who had (Artz) after their occupation as a fitter in general. On previos Census he was a machinist so I go with Artisan. Also another ancestor who was a Mathematical Instrument maker had (Philo) afer the occupation Philosopher? I think not he was in the workhouse in 1860 when one of his children was baptised and he was described as a Mathematical instrument maker then. Chris Vearncombe

That's interesting, Christine, as I have come across a Mathematical Instrument Maker who's in the Websters Instrument Makers Database. I can't connect him with our family, so far, but there is a strong possibility he is related in some way. I've visited so many websites listing abbreviations used on the various census, but 'Artz' and 'Philo' are not mentioned! Thanks for your reply Janet

Nudge up .....! Hoping someone will see this who may have a definitive answer! Janet

Janet Did several searches but did not find an explanation. However searching "Ask Jeeves" produced 1881 census for 3 workhouses on each of which an inmate was described as Engineer (Artz). So it seems to have been in common usage. Do not have time to search any further but I would be inclined to think Artisan is the answer. Will keep looking in encyclopedia and if I find anything will come back to you but will not be until after the weekend. Kathleen

Thanks for your interest Kathleen. I'll keep looking too! Janet

Artizan- Craftsman who is educated in his trade or has served an apprenticeship. So your Engineer (Artz) would appear to be a 'time served' Engineer, ie had served his apprenticeship

Thanks very much Anne! Very much appreciated. Where did you find that information? Your explanation would fit in very well with what I know of the family. Any idea about the meaning of Christine's 'Philo'? Regards Janet

From my 'little book' Janet. A Dictionary of Old trades titles and occupations. Only idea for Philo is philosopher Anne Day

Thanks for replying Anne. Sounds like a useful 'little book'. Regards Janet

Hi! I have a ggrandfather listed as an Artificer Artizan! Any idea what his particular job might have been? Dierdre X

Deirdre Seem to remember seeing this one somewhere when I was searching for an answer to my original query! I think it was a skilled army or navy serviceman who carried out repairs to military vehicles. I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong. Janet

From my 'little book' again To Dierdre Lally Artificer....A Soldier Mechanic Also spelt Articifer...Skilled mechanic. In military terms a soldier involved with explosives.In the 16th century the term was used to decribe an apprentice. Anne

Thanks Janet and Ann (and her little book!) I thought it sounded as if he were some sort of circus performer!!! Explains why we later found him working in the gun factory at Enfield! Thought he'd had a complete change of career! Brilliant..thanks a lot! Dierdre X