Legal Definitions - husbandman

The term husbandman is an archaic legal and historical term that refers to a person who cultivates land or manages a farm; in essence, a farmer. It was commonly used in historical documents, such as wills, deeds, and census records, to describe an individual's occupation and social standing, particularly before the industrial era when such distinctions were more prevalent.

• Example 1: In a 17th-century English will, the document might begin: "I, Thomas Miller, husbandman of the parish of Littlebury, being of sound mind..." and then proceed to bequeath his tools, livestock, and a leasehold on a parcel of land to his heirs.

  Explanation: Here, "husbandman" clearly identifies Thomas Miller's profession as someone who works the land, managing a farm and its resources, which is further supported by the types of assets he is distributing.

• Example 2: A colonial American land deed from 1720 might describe the seller as "John Davies, husbandman, residing in the county of Middlesex," conveying a tract of arable land he had cleared and cultivated for several years.

  Explanation: This usage in a property transaction indicates that John Davies's primary occupation was farming, as he was selling land that he himself had been actively tilling and improving.

• Example 3: During a historical court proceeding concerning a dispute over water rights in a rural village, one of the key witnesses might be identified in the records as "William Green, husbandman, whose fields border the disputed stream."

  Explanation: Identifying William Green as a "husbandman" in a legal context highlights that his livelihood depended on the land and its resources, making him a relevant party in a dispute affecting agricultural practices.