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O not X used on a marriage cert as a mark in lieu

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Diana

Diana Report 13 Jan 2009 20:18

Why would an O be used instead of an X by a groom unable to sign his name? Any ideas please? THe bride and witnesses all signed

Ozibird

Ozibird Report 13 Jan 2009 20:55

Not everybody used an X for 'their mark'. Individuals had individual ways of signing.

Janet

Janet Report 13 Jan 2009 20:58

Just looking at a couple of marriage certs I have one for 1844 and 1879. On the first there are 3 Xs but on each one it states his mark, her mark etc. On the second only the groom has his mark X but again to confirm that the mark is made by the groom it is written at the side. Has the O been actually confirmed as the mark of the groom? or is it in isolation. Sorry I haven't an answer but just curious now to whether a person could legally make up their own mark.-J
....thank you Ozibird

Researching:
Mellors of Fulstone- Haighs of Fulstone- Haighs of Horbury -Fowlers of Sheffield -Ashton/Acomb of Keighley-Broadheads of Mearhouse-Nixons of Bradfield- Hopwood of Dewsbury and Elland-Procter/Proctors of Malham

Kate

Kate Report 13 Jan 2009 21:34

Maybe any mark made by the person was considered OK? I remember once seeing a record where someone had written an "M" on their marriage record - it was their first initial so I wondered if it was the only letter in their name that they were able to form?

Gwyn in Kent

Gwyn in Kent Report 13 Jan 2009 22:07

I have an 'O' as the mark of a witness at a 1792 marriage.

It says.... O the mark of...etc

The marriage of another couple shows on the same page of the register.
Any 'non-signers' at that marriage used a X, so I presume that people could make their mark in a variety of ways.

Gwyn

Chica in the sun ☼

Chica in the sun ☼ Report 13 Jan 2009 22:45

Yes I think that could be a mark as well. I have one signed with a sort of M, which was the given name of the wife, her husband signed his name in full, I like to think he taught her to do the M for the wedding.