Kjell, Correct. Soeldner (s�ldner) implies mercenary, though not necessarily in foreign service. In 12-16th centuries it was common arrangement to have written agreements whereby peasants agreed to provide military service each year as part of what was owed to their lords for use of the land. Canton Graubuenden, a hotbed of agrandizement in those days found one lord pitted against another, with members of the same clan fighting against each other in mercenary service to their respective lords. Pete Mattli ft. Myers, FL (USA) Subj: [SWITZ] Swiss occupations Date: 11/28/1999 12:52:52 PM Eastern Standard Time From: khattrem@PlanetAll.com (Kjell Ove Hattrem) To: SWITZERLAND-L@rootsweb.com Dear list, My possible ancestor Rudolf Schinz (died 1556) from Oberrieden, ZH, is mentioned as "S�ldner und Schiffmann" in the work "Z�rcher Familiennamen" (ZF). Does the term "S�ldner" necessarily translate to "mercenary" -- a hired soldier in *foreign service*? ZF says Rudolf was wounded at Marignano and Kappel. I gather these are locations of historical battles. The designation "Schiffmann" is not listed in any of my German dictionaries. It seems to be a nautical occupation. If somebody knows an English equivalent to the word in question, I would love to hear it. With regards Kjell Ove Hattrem