Mechanics in Dundonald in 1854?

[akanex2]

Here's a couple mor extracts from the same certificate to get a feeling for the handwriting involved.

I'd better say that the handwritten words are "Belfast", "Dundonald" and "Farmer" as it's not immediately obvious.

[akanex2]

Here's the signature of the clergyman involved - it's anyone's guess what his surname is!

[akanex2]

Actually I think I know who the clergyman was - Rev Edward J Martin, who was presbyterian minister of Dundonald.  He also baptised ther couple's children in Dundonald, although the marriage was performed in Linenhall Street Prebyterian Church in Belfast city centre.

[Suttonrog]

Compare the 1st letter of Martin to the 1st letter of your mystery word. They both look like Ms to me. Mechanic looks likely.

Rog

[akanex2]

Thanks to JP08 on Belfast Forum I got the following suggestion

"The danger is always present that we apply modern intrepretations to old words, acts and customs.

The word mechanic goes back to the 17th century and it was used in at least one sense which relates to manual labour. It could be applied to anyone that had a trade or craft, like an artisan and perhaps even a cobbler."

I checked out the dictionary which gives, among the usual modern meanings, the following alternative definitions:-

"handicraftsman";
"a term of contempt for the lower orders";
and, an archaic meaning for 'mechanical', "manually employed".

I'd be interested if anyone else has found this occupation on certificates in the same period to see if the term was in general use.