I would guess that an"occupier" was someone who lived in the house and was known to be the resident as opposed to an "inmate" who lived there. I am guessing that an "occupier" did not pay rent as a tenant. There were many 'tied' houses in Scotland where the house went with the job, especially in the mining and agricultural fields - moira Gil & Sonia Murray wrote: >I think an "occupier" was a tenant. Maybe he was her father - or it could >be, his wife was paid to board the child? > >Happy hunting, >Sonia > >-----Original Message----- >From: Alcnwondr@aol.com [mailto:Alcnwondr@aol.com] >Sent: Monday, March 21, 2005 6:51 AM >To: MIDLOTHIAN-L@rootsweb.com >Subject: [MLN] Occupier - need definition > >Mary Jane Bowman, 4 year old illegitimate daughter of Elizabeth Bowman, died >at Cockpen in May of 1868. The informant signed himself as James Halliday, >"Occupier." >Can someone please tell me what that means? What is an "occupier" and might >it signify a relationship with the mother, Elizabeth Bowman? Thanks -- >Alice > > > > > > >