A record may indicate your relative is a farmer, but is there a little more detail that the word “farmer?” Is he a:
- farm laborer–working from one job to another whenever he can (a day laborer)?
- farm renter?
- farmer who owns his own property?
- a farm owner who rents out his property and lives off the rental income?
- a hired man who regularly works for the same family?
- a farmer who also worked an off-farm job?
- etc.
These distinctions are important in understanding your relative’s records and life. Some renters move from farm to farm–others stay on the same property for decades. Some owner/operators move regularly as well.
One word may not really describe your relative’s occupation.
Learn more about research, methods, and sources in Casefile Clues.
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