Sue,

When the term was first used I am not sure. The term also, as you indicate, includes a varied interpretation. This would come about by changes in social history, particularly in this period as we were moving rapidly from an agrarian society to an industrial one.

Owning land, at this time, as opposed to renting, was a pre-requisite for election into government in England (not sure of how it was in the IOM, but would assume it was the same)

I suppose I should have used 'Farmer landowner' as that appears the more general term, at that time, for use to separate small farmers who rented their land, and those who owned large acres.

Landowner, usually meant, at that time, the land was also farmed by the owner who would employ farm labourers. ( In pre to early 19th century.)

Farmer Landowner was a revered status. However, after the Industrial revolution gained momentum then people were becoming wealthy in other areas and bought land, including farm land as an outlet for their surplus wealth, and pleasure. Hence we got the separation to some extent of the terms.

I did make a note of the acreage William owned, and how many he employed it was quite reasonable for this area to ensure he had some standing, however I appear to have mislaid it.

The Gick name seems to disappear from the island as we move into the 20th century.

When I was in the IOM last year, I was surprised I could find NO GICK in the island telephone book.