Hi Stan I did say "if" :-) he could be described as such I could not think of another obvious abbreviation, there may be something more suitable (and probably is) For what its worth, his fathers occupation in 1851 is "Coal Trimmer" of Keelmans Row, Willington Quay , John was then described as a Waterman Interestingly if you search for Trimmer Art you get 16 hits, the majority in Durham / NBL, one in Leicestershire is described fully as a "Trimmer" (Artizan) (Glen Parva Barracks) Perhaps there is a crossover of the enumerators interpretation of "Trimmer" (and or Artisan?) Whats needed it to find him in census before 1881 Best wishes Nivard Ovington, in Cornwall (UK) > I wondered if its an abbreviation for Artisan ? (although if a trimmer > could > be described as such I do not know?) > > ________________________________________________________________ > > > Artisan; One who is employed in any of the industrial arts; a mechanic, > handicraftsman, artificer. On the same page is Moulder (art), so I don't > think > it likely he was a coal trimmer. > > Regards Stan Mapstone

HELP WANTED is not a description of anything. You may get more response if what your looking for is in the Subject line. I may miss out on something, but I don't look at them. Frustrated