previous  Handwriting of our Ancestors  Next

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.
Jesse Smaller letters (both top and bottom) are common.
Sussana' Single and double dots are used in a variety of positions.

EXAMPLES of Proper Names

Abraham Abraham
Asa Asa
lexander Alexander
Andrew Andrew
Benjamin Benjamin
Charles Charles
Christian Christian
Christopher Christopher
Cornelius Cornelius
Daniel Daniel
Edward Edward
Ephriam Ephriam
Ezekial Ezekial
George 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)