This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: jecroft Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.britisles.scotland.wig.general/2144.1.1.1.1.2.1.1.1.1.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: I would like to state that in 19th century Scotland a ploughman was a respected and highly paid occupation. Modern dictionaries liken it to a general farm worker, but it was much more than that. He would either work for a single farmer with a very large farm or he would be a contract hire. In the latter case, he would have his own horses and plow and work on a schedule for the small farmers in the area. 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.