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Old Photographs, Recognition, Handwriting Deciphering => Handwriting Deciphering & Recognition => Topic started by: nax071 on Tuesday 15 September 09 02:22 BST (UK)

Title: Convict Conduct descrip. cant read it #completed#
Post by: nax071 on Tuesday 15 September 09 02:22 BST (UK)

Cant understand 'chunks' of a convict conduct sheet.  My first post and noticed problems with copyright, so am trying to send parts of it. Hope it works and would be most grateful for any help. thank you.

Mainly:  last word on first line
             last word on third line
             most of the 4th line
             most of the 5th line

I also have a larger portion to translate, can anyone offer a suggestion on going about this.  Thank you..

Title: Re: Convict Conduct descrip. cant read it
Post by: Les de B on Tuesday 15 September 09 04:52 BST (UK)

Last word 3rd line - vagrancy(?)

Les

Title: Re: Convict Conduct descrip. cant read it
Post by: Les de B on Tuesday 15 September 09 04:56 BST (UK)

Not too sure of 4th line - "Mr Baker(?) Manchester, Jno Barrett, a watchman, worked last for Mr Morris."

Les

Title: Re: Convict Conduct descrip. cant read it
Post by: Les de B on Tuesday 15 September 09 05:03 BST (UK)

5th line, you probably have this much because I can't read the first 2 words either- " ....?   ....? I  was out of work when taken.  Single"

Les

Title: Re: Convict Conduct descrip. cant read it
Post by: Les de B on Tuesday 15 September 09 05:04 BST (UK)

Last words on first line "Good in" (maybe?)

Les

Title: Re: Convict Conduct descrip. cant read it
Post by: nax071 on Tuesday 15 September 09 07:32 BST (UK)

Thanks Les,

Unfortunately the picture was too big and it cut off approx. 3 letters on the right.  But after looking at my 'whole' pic.  I couldnt believe that you picked up vagrancy and you only had half the word I have....
About 'Jno Barrett a watchman':  His father was John Barrett, do you know if watchman would mean 'watch man' or 'watchman' and what could he possibly be watching. Obivously not the house his son broke into..
Lastly, (long shot).  After the part about 'working last for Mr. Morris'  In your opinion, could it say something about anchors or shipping.  I know he had an anchor tattoo and was around the sea etc.  (but his description sheet actually says he is a cotton carder)

Thanks Les for your time, much appreciated,  Regards,

Just checked once more before I posted and last words on 1st line "good in gaol".  Les you are remarkable!!!!  Thank you kindly.

Title: Re: Convict Conduct descrip. cant read it
Post by: Olly on Tuesday 15 September 09 07:56 BST (UK)

First word on last line - Ancoats - district of Manchester

Olly

Title: Re: Convict Conduct descrip. cant read it
Post by: nax071 on Tuesday 15 September 09 08:30 BST (UK)

Thanks Olly,

Would never have got that!!!   Regards.

Note to Les:  My 'longshot' idea was as far as England is to Australia.
Thankyou both very much.

Title: Re: Convict Conduct descrip. cant read it
Post by: Les de B on Tuesday 15 September 09 10:23 BST (UK)

Glad to help. I think this is about the only "deciphering" topic I have answered for anyone - I'm usually asking for "deciphering" help myself! I have a lot of trouble with Wills and the old words used in them. Some RootsChaters can decipher words I've never even heard of before - they are amazing!

As far as watchman/watchman, I'm not quite sure. I would presume watchman as in guard, otherwise I though it would be watch maker, but don't quote me. As I indicated, I usually ask more questions on this site, than give answers.  ;)

Les