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. 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. 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.