Liverpool & South West Lancashire FHS - Forum

When you are entering data from the censuses what do you do with lodgers?

I have some of my lot living as lodgers in other people's houses and then later they have lodgers living with them.

Obviously you can't put them onto your own family tree, so what do you do with them? The reason I am asking is that my PRITCHARD lot seem to be connected to the ATHERTON's on at least 4 censuses as the lodger/lodgee, living next door until eventually my Maria PRITCHARD marries Richard ATHERTON in 1866. There must be some kind of connection other than neighbours but until I find what it is I don't want to "lose" them all.

I also have a grandson in 1861 living with the family but I haven't been able to find his parents yet, so another question how do I show this child on the census data?

I am using Family Historian 6

Unless I'm at least 99% certain that there's no connection I usually add them in some manner. Either I include them as text even if just "living with the family of Mr & Mrs Smiths, farmer, and children" but if I have suspicions that they may be connected my software, Family Historian, and I suspect most others too, allow me to Add an Unconnected Person, to which of course other members of this person can be added to his family also. Then when you discover the connection you have them already there, together with census information.

For a grandchild, I usually add an extra child but without any first name just Unknown Smith. Then add the grandchild to this one until I have proper evidence of parentage.

Thank you for that Mary that is VERY helpful.