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Archiver > VA-SOUTHSIDE > 2002-04 > 1017708016


From: "Paul Drake" <>
Subject: Re: [VA-SOUTHSIDE-L] signs by mark
Date: Mon, 1 Apr 2002 18:40:16 -0600
References: <3.0.32.20020401122635.00cf04ec@pop-server>


Ms. Linda; your question is tedious to answer unless you tell us whether or not the recorded copy reveals the word "seal" anywhere and as to which signatures that word appears. That early year makes me rather sure that there were wax seals affixed, at least by the grantor, and that such grantor's seal likely had his impression or "signet" impressed in the wax. Let us know.

Beyond that caveat, it was not atall unusual for illiterate folks to sign with an initial or two only, whether they were grantors or witnesses. Indeed, most had their own peculiar and distinct method of drawing those letters, which distinct features were copied by the clerks of the day.

Paul
----- Original Message -----
From: Linda Sparks Starr
To:
Sent: Monday, April 01, 2002 12:26 PM
Subject: [VA-SOUTHSIDE-L] signs by mark


We have a 1713 deed signed by the grantor and two witnesses -- none of whom
signed with their full names. The grantor signed by an unusal mark, but
it's the witnesses 'signatures' I'm curious about. Rebecca signed with an
"R" only and Ambrose signed with an "A" only. Can we read anything into
this? For instance, had they had more education than the grantor? Was it a
'social class custom' in 1713 for, even though who could write their full
names, to only use an initial? Any thoughts on the subject will be
appreciated.
Linda


Linda Sparks Starr
http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~lksstarr


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