The following is from Handwriting & Script (Cyndi's List); "Deciphering Old Handwriting": The Leading "s" -------------------------------------------------------------------------- - ----- One of the most dramatic changes in letters has been the letter "s." Over 100 years ago the "s" was often written like a backward "f." This strange symbol for "s" was used very commonly in instances where there was a "double s." The unusual s first, called the "leading s." Then the regular s. Go to http://www.firstct.com/fv/x-name.html for examples. The first name is "Ross".