According to 'Sanshu Gochisei Yoran' (Summary History of Satsuma, Osumi and Hyuga Provinces), low ranking samurai who served as lackeys and servants were given the privilege of being promoted to the rank of hereditary guard if they were appointed as land stewards.
「三州御治世要覧」によると、小姓与格や新番格の武士が地頭に就任すると、家格を「代々小番」に昇格させることができる特権があった。