United States Handwriting

United States

Handwriting

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English

Early American colonial handwriting in English is similar to other English handwriting of the period. For more information see:

• England Language and Languages Wiki article
• English Script Tutorial
• Despain, Marci. Reading English Handwritten Records Lesson 1: English Secretary Hand Letters. (25 minute online video) FamilySearch Research Classes Online, 2010.
• Despain, Marci. Reading English Handwritten Record Lesson 2: Dates and Latin Words. (25 minute online video) FamilySearch Research Classes Online, 2010.
• Kirkham, E. Kay. The Handwriting of American Records for a Period of 300 Years FamilySearch Books Online. Logan, Utah: Everton Publishers, 1973; Digitized by Family History Archives.
• Kirkham, E. Kay. How to read the handwriting and records of early America: the reading and interpretation of the handwriting, symbols, abbreviations, legal terminology, etc. as found in original records and on microfilm for researchers in American genealogy and history FamilySearch Books Online. Salt Lake City: Kay Publ., 1961; Digitized by the Genealogical Society of Utah, 2008.
• Sperry, Kip. Reading Early American Handwriting. Baltimore: Genealogical Publ., 1998. [FHL Book 973 G3sp].
• Stryker-Rodda, Harriet Mott. Understanding Colonial Handwriting, rev. ed.. Baltimore: Genealogical Publ., 1986. [FHL Book 973 G3s 1986].

Latin

Some American records are written partially or mostly in the Latin language. For more information see:

• Latin Genealogical Word List Wiki article
• Merriman, Ruth. Key Words and Phrases in Latin Records. (25 minute online video), 2010.