This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: jennyblain Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.britisles.scotland.ans.general/5895.2.1.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: In this case it is certainly Dn for 'deacon', for the reasons Gordon gives, and also because there is a Robert Mill, deacon of tailors, mentioned in a list of documents relating to the Forfar Tailors' Incorporation on the Angus Archives website. The documents naming him are from 1791 and 92, so he will have been appointed deacon (equivalent to president or chair of the incorporation) on several occasions. In the trade incorporations I've looked at, the deacon would be appointed for a year, then 'continued' for another (possibly twice - I'd have to check this again), then somebody else would become deacon, so there was some rotation among the more senior craftmasters. The two key officers of trade incorporations were deacon and boxmaster, the latter being what we'd call a treasurer. Usually there were also 'keyholders' who (you've guessed it..) held the keys to open the boxes. The boxes held society funds and also items such as the mortcloth. Jenny Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.