Handwriting of our Ancestors  

Old Style Abbreviations

Some of the writing looks like our modern day shorthand. To save paper and time, abbreviations were used often. Here are some of the things you will encounter:

	Lines were often used in abbreviations. They can be found over, under and through any given abbreviation.
	Smaller letters (both top and bottom) are common.
	Single and double dots are used in a variety of positions.

EXAMPLES of Proper Names

	Abraham
	Asa
	Alexander
	Andrew
	Benjamin
	Charles
	Christian
	Christopher
	Cornelius
	Daniel
	Edward
	Ephriam
	Ezekial
	George
	Francis
	Henry
	Gabriel
	Jeremiah
	Jerome
	Joseph
	James
	John
	Jonathan
	Matthew
	Micheal
	Matthias
	Nathaniel
	Nicholas
	Samuel
	Richard
	Simon
	Stephen
	Soloman
	Robert
	Thomas
	Timothy
	William
	Zachariah
	Senior
	Junior

EXAMPLES of Places of Birth

	Arkansas
	Indiana
	Illnois
	Kentucky
	Massachusetts
	Missouri
	New York
	Pennsylvania
	Tennessee
	Virginia
	Unknown
	Ditto

EXAMPLES of Occupations

	Abraham
	Cooper
	Sadler
	Laborer
	Sawyer
	Blacksmith
	Farmer
	Wagon Maker
	Wagonwright
	Shoe Maker
	Foreman
	Magistrate
	Clerk
	Well Digger
	Seamstress
	Minister
	Minister MECS - (Minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church South)
	Preacher
	(Anti Missionary Baptist Minister)