In a message dated 12/19/2001 12:02:24 AM Eastern Standard Time, [email protected] writes: > From: [email protected] > To: [email protected] > Message-ID: <[email protected]> > Subject: [VAFairfa] DECIPHERING HANDWRITING > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" > > I received the Marriage License of my John F. Saunders and wife Georgiana > Kitchen, married in Fairfax County, December 16, 1879, in hopes of finding > the names of John's parents. The are listed, but I cannot decipher the > handwriting. I've tried to compare each letter of the names with other > writing on the license, but it doesn't help. Does anyone have any > suggestions? > > Kathie > Kathie, You may want to contact the Virginia Room at the Fairfax County Library and ask if they have a city directory for that timeframe and, also, ask them to check "Fairfax County in the 1860's; A Collective Biography," (an unpublished manuscript but an invaluable source) by Edith M. Sprouse. Yes, I know it is about the 1860s but it MAY give you the information you need. Just request copies of the pages for the surnames. There is a reasonable charge (50 cents a page-plus postage and handling) for the service but well worth the information. There is also a course online for deciphering old handwriting. The address I had is no long valid but check around - maybe Cyndi's list has a link. Good luck. Dottie Engemann Ormond Beach, FL