Help appreciated with 1873 occupation

[Maggie1895]

All help gratefully received.   This is the note of the groom's father in the record of an 1873 marriage in Hawick, Roxburghshire.
Everyone else on the page has a mill related job, but this one I can't work out. The gentleman's name is Michael Murphy.  Can anyone read his occupation?
Thanks!

[Ruskie]

Something Merchant.

The first word looks like it might start with a C, but I'm wondering if the loop before that is part of that word or the previous word. Would you be able to take a slightly larger snip please?

You can request a clearer copy from SP.

[catfordcrooner]

On the second line the last word looks like merchant

[Maggie1895]

Thanks both, I totally agree on Merchant, in that now you've said it it's blindingly obvious!

The first word is confusing me as well though - larger extract as requested

[Ruskie]

Thanks Maggie - so it is part of a d from the end of another word.

I still can't make sense of what kind of merchant Michael was though I'm afraid.

Chi..r ?
Cl..e?
 

[Gardener]

Could it just be Merchant, and the other word belongs to the bit before?

[Ruskie]

Could it just be Merchant, and the other word belongs to the bit before?

Yes, that crossed my mind too. I've never seen that much 'overlap' on a Scottish certificate though ... The other word appears to be Kirkwynd?

I would be looking at his occupation on the 1871 census to see if that gives any clues ...

[Maggie1895]

Good thinking Ruskie, I'm plodding backwards, as you do, and sometimes get so you can't see the wood for the trees.   I don't mean the handwriting, it's just that I'm trying to decipher the wretched thing and never though that if I go to the next step back, the 1871 census, it will probably answer the question.

Thanks everyone I'll take and look and let you know...

[Ruskie]

Let us know what you find Maggie. His occupation may be different, but with a bit of luck it will give us a clue.

If not, do contact SP.