occupation 'Overfiskevejer'

[gj05249]

May I please have help with the translation of 'Overfiskevejer'. I often come across this prefix 'Over' in front of occupations - does it have a general meaning?

Thanks
Michelle Larsen

[Vidar Sigurd Øverlie]

Hello Michelle,

In general “over” in front of occupations can be translated to “senior”. A “veier” or “måler” was an officer in the towns that controlled that weighing and measurements were carried out the correct way. In towns with several “veiere”, the “overveier” was the most senior one. Further information about this can be found in Norsk Historisk Leksikon.

Fisk = fish

The occupation “Overfiskevejer” was used in Bergen, early 1800.

[gj05249]

Thank you Vidar - I did suspect this ancestor of being the 'Chief fish weigher' of Bergen, but it seems a rather odd fit in my family.

Two hours here till New Year!
Best Wishes for 2008.