Have you ever tried to read a will, either an old one or a more recent one? Since I've been blogging, I've transcribed at least 10, and have had problems with reading the handwriting on all of them. The other day, while typing up my most recent for the post for yesterday, I discovered a way to figure out what some of the words were. I don't believe I've ever seen this method before. Being a huge user of Google, I decided to type in some key words, both before my unknown word/s and some key words after the unknown. Below, I give two examples of what I was up against, and Google helped!
I used these Key Words: lastly as to all the rest residue ___ whether real or personal (I knew I was missing about four words).
I used these Key Words: lastly as to all the rest residue ___ whether real or personal (I knew I was missing about four words).
Correct: All the rest, residue and remainder of my estate, whether real, personal.
I used these Key Words: Decease her ____ apparel is to be given to my
Correct: Decease her wearing apparel is to be given to my
16 comments:
Great tip! I have always just puzzled it out, sometimes with funny results.
I've done the same thing when trying to figure out a handwritten cause of death on a death certificate. I enter what I think I'm reading (usually not a word) and often Google will "suggest" another word which is the medical term I can't read.
Thanks Apple, and Elizabeth, you had a good hint too.
What I great tip. I'll definitely try it.
I hope it works when you get stuck, Jacqueline. Thanks.
That's a great idea for wills, which are usually written alike using templates. Now I'm thinking of lots of other uses, such as Catholic baptisms, and Deeds....hmmmm! Thanks!
Great tip! I did this for one will that was giving me fits and found all but one of the puzzling words (several formulas came up with about 3 options for that word, but none of them looked like what was written - I think the clerk just blanked out when he was writing it!).
Thanks Heather and Greta for your comments.
Great tip!
I usually post a scan of the document and hound my readers to take pity on me and help...
But I like your way better.
Dee at Shakin' the Family Tree
Thanks Dee, that puts a smile on my face. :-)
Brilliant, Barbara. I'm sure I'll be using this as I wade through my files. Thanks!!
Susan, I hope the hint helps. Good luck to you.
Brilliant!! Thanks I'll be giving it a try Along with Elizabeth and Heathers ideas. Transcribing is tough task for me.
Thanks for the tips on reading old handwriting. I have always had trouble transcribing old wills and more.
Regards, Jim
Genealogy Blog at Hidden Genealogy Nuggets
Thanks Michelle and Jim for your comments as well. Sorry I'm late in responding.
Shame on Carol, how did I miss this the first time around?? DUHHH
Brilliant! And, I currently have issues with an old Chancery case I am attempting to transcribe. Off to Google Search I go.
Brilliant!
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