I have a similar story:
At least two documents were found where my gggfather Richard Williams, of
Williamsburg, Iowa signed with an 'X'. Later, I found the follow evidence
that he could read and write:
1. An 1860 obituary (in a Welsh-language Congregationalist newspaper
published in Utica, NY), which said: "Mr. Williams was one of the earliest
receivers of 'Y Cenhadwr' [The Messenger]; copies of 'Y Cenhadwr', ever
since it was first issued, were in his possession; and many of them bound
into beautiful volumes in his library; he loved only the Bible more than
them." [translation by Gwawr Jones]
2. A three page letter, written and signed in an eloquent hand, by him (in
Welsh) to a brother who probably still lived in Wales.
3. I have been told, by the very fact of being a Welsh non-conformist--or
independent--it was practically a certainty the person could read and write.
It was necessary to be able to read ones own bible and to stand up to the
Church of England, etc.
Once again, speculation suggests that Richard was simply asked to "sign here
with an X". The official probably assumed most people could not read or
write in those time; especially in the American west.
Also, if the mark was any more elaborate than an 'X', it was even more
likely the person could write.
So, you never know...
Steve
- Williams (Machynlleth?), Evans (Carno)
- Welsh Settler's in Iowa (Johnson & Iowa counties)
http://williams-gen.cjb.net
-----Original Message-----
From: AlwynapHuw(a)aol.com
Subject: Re: LEWIS, Machynlleth/EVANS, Llangranog CGN
The fact that a person used his or her "mark" is not proof positive of
illiteracy. [...]