Mechanic in 1834

[Erato]

When my gg grandfather came to the US from Scotland in 1834, he listed his occupation as "mechanic."  What did this occupation encompass at that time?  Did it require some kind of training or apprenticeship?  He may have been exaggerating his attainments since he was a farmer for the rest of his life.

[suttontrust]

A "mechanic" was often just a word for a skilled tradesman, someone who worked with his hands.  Hence the "Mechanics' Institutes" to educate such men.