Hi, Elizabeth-- That's generally the case... I have one gr-grandfather who could not read or write (confirmed on the 1900 Census just before he died in 1902). On his naturalization papers his signature is noted as "X--his mark". Interesting to note that both of the witnesses to this 1884 document signed in the same manner: "X--his mark", "X--his mark". Another gr-grandfather, naturalized 5 years earlier, also in San Francisco, signed his full name, as did both of his sponsors. The 1900 Census confirmed in this case that all were able to read and write English. Hope this helps. Frank Dunnigan -----Original Message----- From: Elizabeth Culhane <eculhane@rochester.rr.com> To: WashingtonDC-L@rootsweb.com <WashingtonDC-L@rootsweb.com> Date: Sunday, February 03, 2002 4:36 AM Subject: [WashingtonDC'' ] "X" his mark >If someone has "X" his mark noted on a document like a land deed, would that indicate that he could not read or write? I know this is a very basic question, but I've never posed the question and don't recall it being a topic. > >Thanks, >Elizabeth Culhane >Fairport, New York > > >============================== >To join Ancestry.com and access our 1.2 billion online genealogy records, go to: >http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=571&sourceid=1237 >