The Ernest Thode Dictionary says "estate owner". Ruth Cherecwich In a message dated 6/8/2004 11:29:20 AM Mountain Standard Time, KurtKathKels@aol.com writes: Dear Hesse list, I have an obituary written in German in 1899. This was written in old German script in an American newspaper. It says that my ancestor was a Gutsbesitzer in Marbach near Marburg an-der-Lahn (in Hesse). What exactly is a Gutsbesitzer? the owner of a farm? Any suggestions would be welcome. Thank you very much. Sincerely, Katherine Bellingham, Washington