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Don't believe a word & X marks

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ProfilePosted byOptionsPost Date

Anne

Anne Report 19 Dec 2004 11:49

Gosh! It's MacLeod and Mathesons that I am looking for! Malcolm MacLeod married Christina Matheson in 1881. Her parents were William Matheson and Ann Murray, his were Murdo MacLeod and Christina MacNeil. That's as far as I've got at the moment. Why would people sign with an X if they could write? I'm sure I've read about this before but can't remember the answer. It's very useful to us as it gives more names to look at! Anne

Mary

Mary Report 19 Dec 2004 08:52

I've been told that the X doesn't necessarily mean the person was illiterate, and I know that this is true in my great grandmother's case: she wrote X in the marriage register, but was able to write and read quite widely according to my grandmother.

Wayne the boy from OZ

Wayne the boy from OZ Report 19 Dec 2004 04:38

My family cam from Skye as well they are the Talisker branch of the MacLeod family. Wayne Lawrence

PennyDainty

PennyDainty Report 19 Dec 2004 01:57

Hi Anne I was on holiday in Uig this year , camping. We go up to Skye quite a lot, and I know the area pretty well so if there's anything you might want to know just give me a shout. Been to Stornoway too but that was years ago, so not so familiar with there. What surnames do you have for Skye?Some of mine are Nicolson, Matheson., Ferguson, Campbell and loads more!! Christine

Anne

Anne Report 19 Dec 2004 01:31

All I have is district of Uig. No idea of the geography of that area - have hastily had to have a look at a few maps! One I have just got from further back is from Stornoway. Even though it's not strictly my family I'm quite excited to have family from that area! Anne

PennyDainty

PennyDainty Report 19 Dec 2004 01:15

Hi Anne , yes it was really common for people back then to be illiterate and they usually signed by making their mark with a cross X. What part of Skye are they from? Most of mine are Skye! Christine

Anne

Anne Report 19 Dec 2004 01:12

Just been to visit my partners parents (first time since starting all this!) My partner told me FOR A FACT that he had no relatives whatsoever from the Highlands - wrong! When I asked his mother where her father came from - the Isle of Skye! So, not even a generation back and you get rubbish! Anyway, after I found her grandparents marriage on Scotlands people I was surprised to see witnesses in the "signatures of parties" box - with an X beside her name. I am assuming this was because she couldn't write. Am I correct? There are 2 of them but not the same 2 that are witnesses to the wedding. Just as bit puzzled - marriage in 1883 in Skye. Thanks in advance for any help, Anne PS interest to note that person GGF married was Ann Murray - what goes around etc!