Old Handwriting and Symbols
Reading handwriting can be a challenge,
especially if you aren't aware of the changes in handwriting and style
over the years.
Many words were abbreviated by deleting letters or all but the first and last letters of a word; even names were shortened.
In Colonial America this deletion was common in letters and documents and was usually indicated by a horizontal line written above or through the word.
Some handwriting problems may require some old penmanship manuals in a library.
Many words were abbreviated by deleting letters or all but the first and last letters of a word; even names were shortened.
In Colonial America this deletion was common in letters and documents and was usually indicated by a horizontal line written above or through the word.
Some handwriting problems may require some old penmanship manuals in a library.
These are a few of the more common
abbreviations and symbols.
Originally found in Hancock Co., OH
Heritage, Spring 1996, furnished by Sarah Leisman of the Cambria Co.,
Historical Society.
