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Old Photographs, Recognition, Handwriting Deciphering => Handwriting Deciphering & Recognition => Topic started by: AH on Wednesday 24 September 25 14:15 BST (UK)
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Hi
I would appreciate help deciphering the following. Many thanks.
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...to Elizabeth willmson her Aunt...
The main area of uncertainty is the lady's surname.
I'd like to see the full area above as far as and including the whole vertical extent of the previous line, so we know what the squiggle above the surname signifies.
willmson is a best estimation based on what we have. It could be something else with more information or a clearer image.
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Thank you.
I have attached a wider screen shot of the text below
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Thank you for posting the second image.
At the beginning of this we have the word assuredlie, with a long-s in the second position.
The shape and plainness of the bottom part of the long-s can be observed.
The word above Elizabeth's surname is saved, with a long-s in the first position.
I believe a similar plain shape can just be discerned above the surname. It is fainter and less clear than an additional squiggle which partly overlays it.
It's possible but not certain that the additional squiggle includes a letter a.
The squiggle is probably a contraction mark, and what has been contracted is probably the letters ia.
That makes the surname will(ia)mson.
However it's not an open-and-shut case and others may disagree.
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I happened on an example of the kind of contraction of the name William which may be occurring in your document. It's from 120-odd years earlier.
It says: ...witnesseth that the seid Will(ia)m hath clerely bargayned & sold...
It's not identical to your document but there are similarities.
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Thank you very much for your help