10 Tips for Deciphering Old Handwriting on Genealogy Forms

Genealogy research can be a fascinating journey through the past, revealing long-forgotten family connections, histories, and stories. However, one significant challenge many genealogists face is deciphering old handwriting, which often appears on historical documents, such as census records, birth certificates, wills, and church registers. The handwriting in these records can range from legible to nearly impossible to read, especially when dealing with older scripts, different languages, and unfamiliar abbreviations.

In this article, we will explore ten practical tips for successfully deciphering old handwriting on genealogy forms. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced genealogist, these tips can help you decode handwritten records more effectively and uncover the information you need to continue your research.

Familiarize Yourself with the Historical Context

Understanding the historical context in which a document was written can provide valuable clues that will aid in deciphering old handwriting. Different time periods often had distinct handwriting styles, and knowledge of these can help you better interpret the letters and words.

Common Historical Handwriting Styles:

• Spencerian Script (19th Century): This elegant, cursive style was popular in the United States in the mid-1800s and can sometimes be challenging to read due to its flowing, ornate letters.
• Copperplate Script (17th-18th Century): Common in Europe and the Americas, Copperplate is more formal and precise than Spencerian but still includes flourishes that can be tricky for modern readers.
• Uncial Script (5th-10th Century): Used in early medieval manuscripts, this script was often employed in religious texts and can appear unfamiliar to those used to modern handwriting.
• Victorian Handwriting (Late 19th Century): This style is characterized by tightly packed letters and heavy slants, often found in official records and letters of the era.

Once you're aware of the prevalent styles, you can approach documents from specific time periods with more confidence.

Practice Transcribing Handwritten Samples

One of the best ways to improve your ability to read old handwriting is to practice transcribing handwritten samples. Try to find various examples of historical documents, such as letters, official forms, or legal records, and practice reading and transcribing them.

By comparing different examples, you will become more familiar with letter forms and abbreviations. Start with simpler, more legible examples and gradually work your way up to more difficult ones. The more practice you get, the more you will improve your transcription skills.

Use Modern Technology and Tools

Technology has made it easier than ever to decode old handwriting. Today, there are numerous tools and resources available to assist genealogists in transcribing and understanding historical documents.

Helpful Tools:

• Online Handwriting Decoding Tools: Several online resources and tools, such as the "Historical Handwriting" app, offer visual references to compare old handwriting with modern scripts. These can help you identify individual letterforms and patterns.
• Optical Character Recognition (OCR): Some genealogical platforms like Ancestry or FamilySearch include OCR capabilities, which automatically attempt to convert handwritten text into machine-readable text. Although not perfect, OCR can sometimes offer helpful suggestions.
• Digitized Archives and Databases: Many genealogical records have been digitized and are now accessible online. Platforms like Ancestry, FamilySearch, or the National Archives often include high-resolution images of documents, which you can zoom in on to better see details.

Look for Common Abbreviations and Phrases

Old records, especially census forms and church registers, often feature a set of common abbreviations. Recognizing these abbreviations will help you quickly identify key information and make the transcription process more efficient.

Some common examples include:

• B = Born
• d. = died
• w. = widow/widower
• m. = married
• bpt. = baptized
• bur. = buried

Learning these abbreviations, and understanding the cultural context in which they were used, will allow you to focus on the overall meaning of the document, even if the handwriting is challenging.

Identify and Focus on Key Words

In many old genealogical records, specific names and dates are the key pieces of information. Focus on these elements first, as they are often easier to decipher than other more complex words.

• Names: Personal names, such as first names, surnames, and maiden names, often appear frequently and may follow recognizable patterns. Identifying the first and last names will often lead you to understanding other parts of the document.
• Dates: Dates of birth, marriage, death, and other significant events are typically written in a consistent format (e.g., day/month/year). These can provide helpful clues when trying to interpret handwritten records.
• Places: Locations like towns, counties, and countries are often written clearly and can assist in cross-referencing information.

By focusing on these key words, you can make educated guesses about the surrounding text and uncover important genealogical details.

Use Context to Make Informed Guesses

If you come across an illegible word or name, the context surrounding it can often provide clues that help you make an educated guess about what it might say. For example, if you're looking at a birth record and you see a partially written name, the date and family context might help you figure out the full name.

Consider the following:

• Location Clues: If you know the record is from a particular town or county, the names mentioned are likely to reflect that region.
• Family Connections: If you're transcribing a family tree or a record involving a certain family, you may be able to guess a surname or first name based on previous records or known familial connections.

Using context can significantly reduce the ambiguity in old handwriting and help you complete the transcription with greater accuracy.

Consult Handwriting Guides and Expert Transcribers

Genealogy societies and online communities are a great resource for individuals working with difficult-to-read handwriting. Many websites and forums allow users to share transcriptions and ask for help with specific documents.

Additionally, many genealogical societies publish handwriting guides, which provide examples of letters and words written in various historical scripts. These guides can be a valuable resource for learning about different handwriting styles and their peculiarities.

If you encounter a particularly tricky document, consider reaching out to an expert transcriber or a professional genealogist who may be able to help.

Compare Multiple Sources

When working with old handwriting, it's often helpful to compare multiple sources to ensure accuracy. For example, if you're unsure about a name, try cross-referencing it with other documents from the same time period, such as census records, marriage certificates, or military service records.

Different records might use different handwriting styles, but key details, like names and dates, should remain consistent. By comparing records, you can verify the accuracy of your transcriptions and fill in gaps where necessary.

Take Your Time and Be Patient

Deciphering old handwriting is a skill that takes time to develop, and it's important to be patient with the process. Don't rush through the transcription of historical documents; take the time to carefully study each letter and word. If something is unclear, make a note of it and come back to it later when you may have additional context or insights.

It can be easy to become frustrated with difficult handwriting, but persistence is key. Remember, every document you successfully decipher brings you closer to uncovering your family's history.

Practice Proper Archival Research Techniques

Finally, it's crucial to follow proper archival research practices when working with old documents. This means handling documents carefully, keeping notes of where each record comes from, and maintaining organized files of your transcriptions. Over time, your research will become more efficient, and you'll be able to tackle more complex documents with greater ease.

For example:

• Always make digital copies of the original documents.
• Note the exact source of each record (archive, library, or online platform) for future reference.
• Organize your transcription files by family, surname, or geographic location to streamline your research.

Maintaining a well-organized research system will ensure that you don't lose track of important information and that your work is reproducible in the future.

Conclusion

Deciphering old handwriting on genealogy forms is a crucial skill for genealogists, as it helps unlock the secrets of your family's past. With the right tools, practice, and knowledge of historical handwriting styles, you can navigate even the most challenging records and uncover vital genealogical information.

By familiarizing yourself with the historical context, using modern technology, focusing on key words, and leveraging resources such as expert transcribers, you can master the art of reading old handwriting and continue making exciting discoveries in your genealogical research.

View Product