document clarification please

[kitchener]

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

[stanmapstone]

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

[kitchener]

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.

[stanmapstone]

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

[behindthefrogs]

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

[kitchener]

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!