James Kahale, or Cahalin as a YEOMAN indentured servant?

The definition of a yeoman in Ireland, and probably more commonly in England, was someone who had a small estate, normally used for cultivating crops, and normally large enough for him to qualify to vote. They would generally have been the estate owner rather than a servant on it.  Yeoman can also mean a royal servant eg “Yeomen of the Guard” who traditionally were the King or Queen's personal bodyguards in battle. I have never heard of it in connection with anything nautical, eg as a seaman. It certainly doesn’t have that meaning in Ireland.

I have never come across any comprehensive records of folk who signed up in Ireland for indentured service overseas. Indeed records of any sort for the 1700s are very scarce.

Thank you, Elwyn. That gave me a thought: Land records from that time period. Perhaps I could find out more that way, at least for his N.J. home.

I'll look to see it that leads anywhere.

Best regards,

Don Cahala

Here are more things for me to consider, and perhaps others who read this:

In nautical terms, a yeoman in 1760 was a ship's clerk or administrative officer. Their duties included:

• Keeping records: This included maintaining logs, journals, and other ship documents.
• Handling finances: They were responsible for managing the ship's finances, including payroll and supplies.
• Correspondence: Yeomen handled correspondence between the ship and other vessels, ports, or naval headquarters.
• Disciplinary actions: In some cases, they might be involved in enforcing ship discipline.
  

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• In colonial New Jersey in 1760, a yeoman was a free farmer who owned and cultivated his own land. This was a significant social and economic position, as it allowed them to be independent and self-sufficient.

  Yeomen in New Jersey typically owned a modest amount of land, often enough to support their families and perhaps a few slaves. They worked their land themselves, often with the help of their families, and may have also owned livestock or engaged in small-scale trade.

  Key characteristics of a yeoman in colonial New Jersey included:

• Independence: They owned their own land and were not dependent on a landlord or employer.
• Self-sufficiency: They produced much of their own food and other necessities.
• Modest wealth: They were not wealthy landowners, but they were financially secure and independent.
• Civic engagement: Yeomen were often involved in local politics and community affairs.

• Yeomen were a vital part of colonial society, and their hard work and independence contributed to the growth and prosperity of the colonies.