I understand that the word panhandler is a US term for beggar - or maybe it's more subtle than that. Where does this name come from? Did people used to hold out pans or is it to do with the gold-rush - panning for gold?

I also found out recently that the northern part of Florida is known as the panhandle - I assume because of the shape of the state.

Is there a connection between these two or is it just a co-incidence?