What does this
document say?

It says that the village
head, Shichinosuke,
was granted
permission by a
domain official to take
on a family name and
carry a sword.

So... does that mean
he became a samurai?

Nay, nay. He remained a
peasant in daily life. The
family name and sword
were only allowed when
serving the lord in
official duties.

My head's starting to spin…