Genealogy Chat
Welcome to the Genes Reunited community boards!
- The Genes Reunited community is made up of millions of people with similar interests. Discover your family history and make life long friends along the way.
- You will find a close knit but welcoming group of keen genealogists all prepared to offer advice and help to new members.
- And it's not all serious business. The boards are often a place to relax and be entertained by all kinds of subjects.
- The Genes community will go out of their way to help you, so don’t be shy about asking for help.
Quick Search
Single word search
Icons
- New posts
- No new posts
- Thread closed
- Stickied, new posts
- Stickied, no new posts
Marriage Certificate - what does it mean
Profile | Posted by | Options | Post Date |
---|---|---|---|
|
Helena | Report | 5 Apr 2004 08:58 |
I have just received a copy of a certificate of marriage between Jane Taylor and Samuel Westcott 23/8/1852. The marriage was solemnized in the presence of Edward Taylor and a Hannah Cannon hoz X Mark. Can anyone help interpret this last name or marking please! |
|||
|
Margaretfinch | Report | 5 Apr 2004 09:01 |
Hi Helena, The little x is her mark as she could not read or write there are many certificates like this with peoples mark on them Margaret. |
|||
Researching: |
|||
|
Annie | Report | 5 Apr 2004 09:02 |
Hello I think the 'hoz' probably should read as 'her'. The 'x' = mark means the person couldn't write their own name. It was quite common for people to put their 'mark' back in those days. Hope this solves the mystery. Ann |
|||
|
Unknown | Report | 5 Apr 2004 12:35 |
Yes, just to confirm, when someone was illiterate and couldn't sign their own name, the register would usually state either "the mark of..." or "his/her mark..." and the person would mark their mark - an X |