Slave owners came from all walks of life, but they tended to be wealthier than non-slave owners. In the United States, slave owners included plantation owners, farmers, merchants, and even some professionals. In South America, slave owners included wealthy landowners, as well as members of the clergy and government officials. In Africa, slave owners were often kings, chiefs, and tribal leaders. Additionally, some slaves were owned by other slaves. Finally, there were individuals of lesser socio-economic standings that chose to purchase and/or keep human slaves or servants even without the societal acceptance, economic benefit, or power-holding.