"(Note that Carpenter is not among those whose names are preceded by "Mr," a term of respect designating a gentleman [as distinct from a husbandman or yeoman]. Neither is he called "captain.")" Fascinating material. Would not Jonathan Brewster as son of William be worthy of respect? In other words the pecking order went from husbandman to yeoman to gentry and finally to aristocrat. Surely the Brewsters were gentry. William Carpenter was surely yeoman i.e. an agriculturist of some means and often education. I think a sociology of the Mr. designation is suspect. I confess an ignorance of most of the other individuals. What is perhaps of interest is that William's name is last. Was William the author of the original and good manners dictated that he place himself last? A thought. BC