Don/Occupation

[darkerhorse]

A groom was referred to as "Don" in his marriage record in rural Sicily in the 19th century with his occupation listed as "proprietario".

What is the likely translation of his occupation?

His father was a shepherd and not referred to as "Don".

His father-in-law was an "agrimensore" and also referred to as "Don".

I figure the groom earned his honorific title via his father-in-law.

[PippoM]

As you may know, "Don" was not a title you were given by some authority. It was just a use depending on your social class. So, yes, he might have earned it from his father-in-law, with his social position, or he might have become "richer" by himself.

[darkerhorse]

Would proprietario mean land owner or business owner?

[darkerhorse]

I see it means landowner.

None of his brothers were called Don.

His father-in-law was also called industrioso. In the Riveli his father-in-law was recorded as a large landowner, and his wife was even referred to as Donna, so they must have had high social standing, and likely gave and to his son-in-law when he married his daughter.

[darkerhorse]

The surname of the father-in-law was Marchese so maybe he came from a prominent family.