The life and times of Maritime entrepreneur Amos King Seaman (1788-1864) and Minudie s history (1686-1886) sheds new light on the new rural history s focus on tenant and/or labourer alienation, under-employment and exploitation during late 18th and 19th centuries. Amos Seaman, the Grindstone King , was a successful entrepreneurial pluralist who farmed, lumbered, built ships, sold goods at his store, and participated in the lucrative import-export trade with Britain, the West Indies and the United States. In addition to his construction of ships, Seaman also built wharves as well as the province s first steam-powered mill to support his diverse and integrated industries. Seaman s personal wealth was exemplified by Grindstone Castle where he and his family lived. In addition to this opulent mansion,Seaman s wealth also enabled him to maintain a second home,a town house in Boston, MA. He also built two churches and a one-room school house. Grindstones, which served a variety of domestic and commercial uses were the main commodities that Minudie s King exported to Britain, the West Indies and the United States. A series of events unfolded that ended Seaman's reign over Minudie,NS