I also have stonemasons from New Abbey, Kirkcudbrightshire (1850-1936) in my line. At one time, they were involved in various construction projects at Shambellie House. Great-granddad had to emigrate to Canada to find steady work after the turn of the century (1900-1905). I believe that there were terms used for a stonecutter who quarried stone--rather than built in stone--such as "quarrier" or "ironstone/limestone hewer". Often, these individuals died of "stonecutter's lung" from daily inhaling minute particles of stone dust... My youngest great-uncle was one such person. Nancy (Connecticut, USA) -----Original Message----- From: Jim Graham <jim.r.graham@fsmail.net> To: DUMFRIES-GALLOWAY@rootsweb.com Sent: Tue, Feb 2, 2010 8:28 am Subject: [DUMFRIES-GALLOWAY] Stone Masons Hi, also have several among my ancestors. I believe most were self employed, or orking as small sub-contractors, hired by the job - building walls, houses etc. suspect the term "Monumental mason" would be used for anyone in that articular specialisation. Also I think "Quarrier" would be more normal for omeone working in a quarry. egards, Jim Graham ------------------------------ o unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to DUMFRIES-GALLOWAY-request@rootsweb.com ith the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of he message