Hello list, I believe it was simply a polite way of addressing a letter. I don't think there were undertones of aristocracy or wealth, those people would probably have 'proper' titles. It was used quite a lot a number of years ago, but seems to have died out now. Regards Geoff

Hi Geoff Yes in more recent years I certainly think so too. My parents (born early 1900's) always referred to men as esquire.....on a letter and messrs, master etc But why on a census? Given in Leiu of an occupation, this I dont understand fully myself. Does it mean a certain attainment of "something" in society? Ok not peerage from what I have come across in my trees, but a certain recognition? Cheers Pam from Adelaide Australia > Hello list, > > I believe it was simply a polite way of addressing a letter. I don't > think there were undertones of aristocracy or wealth, those people would > probably have 'proper' titles. It was used quite a lot a number of years > ago, but seems to have died out now. > > Regards > > Geoff > > > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > SUSSEX-PLUS-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the > quotes in the subject and the body of the message > > > -- > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.19.12/1245 - Release Date: > 26/01/2008 3:45 PM > >

I agree with Geoff - near as I can recall from a few too many years back! I was referred to as Esquire as indeed were most of my generation and I'm about as far removed from Aristocracy as you can get!! Seriously I do believe it was a term of politeness only. Cheers Ron Phillips Melbourne Vic -----Original Message----- From: sussex-plus-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:sussex-plus-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of Geoff Sent: Monday, 28 January 2008 9:12 PM To: SUSSEX-PLUS@rootsweb.com Subject: Re: [SXP] Position: Esquire on Marriage Cert Hello list, I believe it was simply a polite way of addressing a letter. I don't think there were undertones of aristocracy or wealth, those people would probably have 'proper' titles. It was used quite a lot a number of years ago, but seems to have died out now. Regards Geoff ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to SUSSEX-PLUS-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message