“A to Z Genealogy Tips – Fortnightly Series”

Some ancestors signed documents with an “X,” usually indicating they were illiterate, but these documents are still valuable.

Witness names and additional details that may have been recorded on the documents help identify the signer. These marks also helps us understand social history (less available schooling to working-class), gender disparities (women often had fewer education opportunities) and access (living regional could impact on the amount of schooling available)

X-marked documents serve as poignant physical connections to ancestors, representing not just illiteracy but the social, economic, and educational realities of their time.

Examine documents with “X” signatures in your research, consider the era and in particular, consider the reasons for the “X” mark signature of your ancestor.