Eigenthümer / Eigentümer

Peter35938

I'm researching a branch of my family from West Prussia in the 19th century (German back then, present-day Poland).

It seems that the people in this family branch weren't wealthy. Most of the men are called "Arbeitsmann" in several documents, which I guess means that they were blue-collar workers rather than wealthy or highly educated people.

Now in one document a person who is called "Arbeitsmann" in another document, is called "Eigenthümer", which literally means "owner". I'm not sure why this word is used in someone's death register entry, but to me it sounds like someone from a different class than the "Arbeitsmann" that this person presumably was. This makes me question if this is in fact the same person, even though the time and location of his death seem to be very plausible.

Does anyone know why the word "Eigenthümer" is used in a death register and what it means exactly in this context?
Is it indeed a sign that this person is probably not an "Arbeitsmann"?

By the way, if it helps to see the actual document, it's this one:
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:6FBS-MF3G

It's about the person called Jacob Gretz, mentioned in the middle of the page. Both the third and fourth column seem to mention "Eigenthümer", but maybe I'm misreading it altogether.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Áine Ní Donnghaile

@Peter35938 You may want to post in the Germany Research group. Several members are native-fluent German speakers, with knowledge of historic terminology.

Hope this helps.

Peter35938

Thanks @Áine Ní Donnghaile , great suggestion 👍