Abbreviation meaning

[Michelle Oxborough]

My ancestor, John Searles and his family are present on the 1841 census living within a place called 'Union House Academy' ( a school I think ) on Ballards Lane, Finchley, Barnet, London. They are not registered as teachers or pupils but next to John Searles name ( and a few others above him ) is an abbreviation. There may be two different ones. One looks like F " S and the other M " S. I would appreciate any help on this one.
Thank you
Michelle

[Jan1954]

Probably:

MS = Male servant and
FS = Female servant.

Does this make sense for the entry?

[Mutley]

Without seeing it, I would agree with Jan.

Have you checked out any of them in the 1851 census to see if they are still servants or in similar occupations.

I don't know if the school is still there in 1851, the word may be written out in full.

[Michelle Oxborough]

Thanks Jan and Mutley. I thought on similar lines, but would a school have servants?
I have the same family in 1851 and the father, John Searles is a coachman ( I guess this is also a servant of sorts )

[Jan1954]

...but would a school have servants?


Most definitely this one (http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=22513)! Scroll down to about half way - it's under the heading of Private schools.