RootsChat.Com
England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => Somerset => Topic started by: kitchener on Saturday 31 May 08 16:50 BST (UK)
-
A simple question I hope..........I have a copy of a birth registration in which an X is used as the mark of the father. Since this was a typewritten document, does this mean the father was illiterate and could not actually write his name? Or is this a common way of doing birth registrations?
I had always thought traditionally that an X meant you could not sign your name, but by 1875 I would think a tradesman should at least be able to do this. So does this mean illiterate?
thanks for clarifying this matter
-
This question comes up frequently :) There are cases where people are known from other records to be able to write but put a cross on certificates for some reason.
Stan
-
okay thank you, since it was all typewritten i wondered if anyone even really bothered, because even the X was typed. Almost as though no one really cared, they just wanted the form done.
-
Where did you get the copy certificate from?
If the certificate is from the GRO then it is "Certified to be a true copy of an entry in the certified copy of a Register of Births in the District above mentioned"
If you got it from the local Register Office then it says "Certified to be a true copy of an entry in a register in my custody."
The original 1875 entry will not be typed.
Stan
-
Some tradesmen in the 19th century "made their mark". This may not have been a cross but a mark associated with their trade. Thus for example a blacksmith might use a horseshoe as his mark. They often regarded such marks as better than signatures.
Unfortunately when such records are copied, the mark is nearly always represented by a cross and its significance is lost.
David
-
A distant relative (my great great aunt's grandson in law) emailed me the document......and upon reading it closely, it is a certified copy......and now I just feel dumb! Should have clued in earlier! I will blame genetics on this one!