I am not sure if a stonecutter as exactly the same as a stonemason but I figured I'd give it a try! The man who I believe is my fourth-great grandfather Michael Cavanagh was a stonecutter, born in Ireland and living in NY. He is listed in census records as a stonecutter from at least 1855 until 1870. I believe he died sometime between 1870-1880. In the 1860 census he lists the value of his personal estate at $2,000 which I would think means he is doing well. By the 1870 census two of his sons are following him into the profession as a stonecutter and stonecutter's apprentice. By 1880 his wife is a widow and I can no longer find any record of his sons as stonecutters. Two of his younger sons are listed as working as clerks in the stock exchange. I am trying to find out what stonecutters did - if they carved grave markers or cut stone for building? Based on the figure he gives for his personal estate am I correct in assuming he is doing well? Could there be any reason why it seems his sons may have not continued the business after he died? Perhaps something having to do with the economy at the time or a lack of demand? Hoping someone can help!