Pioneers, homesteaders (8)
I believe the answer is:
settlers
I believe this is a double definition.
'pioneers' is the first definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'homesteaders' is the second definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
(Other definitions for settlers that I've seen before include "Pioneers, homesteaders" , "Trestles for pioneers" , "Colonists" , "who pay their bills?" , "Immigrants" .)