Hi Janine Its always best to supply the census reference, name and details with enquiries like this But suspect your "Shoe on" is more likely "Shoe m" which is the abbreviation for shoe maker , if the m was a capital M it would mean shoe manufacturer If you supply the census ref we can take a look for you to be sure Nivard Ovington in Cornwall (UK) > Could anyone tell me what a "Shoe on" would do ? It is listed as > occupation > for a potential relative in the 1841 Census. > > > > Thank you in advance > > Janine Fisher