Some very ornate script I encountered a few months ago - an example of some of the most unique penmanship I've encountered in official records. Christian County, IL, 1899

Excerpt from the Codicil to the Last Will and Testament of W. David Booth (2/5/1869-3/10/1928). Given that most wills are treated merely as a series of legal provisions for handling property, it's always delightful when the testator's own voice shines through. (Sangamon County, Illinois, 1926)

"𝕿𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓘𝓷𝓭𝓮𝓷𝓽𝓾𝓻𝓮" Coles County, Illinois, 1871

"Map Shewing the Lands Taken by the Illinois Central R.R. Co. in DeWitt County" An early map that visually shows the practice of checkerboarding, whereby railroads would receive land grants in a checkerboard pattern on the PLSS grid. See alt text for more info. DeWitt County, Illinois, 1852

"Map Shewing the Lands Taken by the Illinois Central R.R. Co. in DeWitt County" An early map that visually shows the practice of checkerboarding, whereby railroads would receive land grants in a checkerboard pattern on the PLSS grid. See alt text for more info. DeWitt County, Illinois, 1852

"On reflection they can't touch you - you was security for Foley. The debt is paid the costs are in the hands of the constable Story property sold + paid for" A bizarre note of unknown date/context, found in the official probate files for Rolla Richards (1804-1844). DeWitt County, IL, unknown date

"Know all men by these presents" Coshocton County, Ohio, 1829

A very unique hand-drawn seal. The source of this design is unclear, but it makes for a great seal. See alt text for (a lot) more context on Wm. Whitten, the seal, and more. Coshocton County, Ohio, 1819

Via the Classic Art Memes FB group. 'Junge Dame im Salon', by Felix Heullant Armand, 19th century.

I do have to wonder what types of comments this gentleman must have gotten following a certain day in 1963. (Lee County, Illinois, 1955)

This page is not abandoned; life's been pretty busy as of late. More content is on the way soon.

Two release stamps, 11 years apart and from different Recorders, but both in purple. I'd say Charles won the font game. As always, see alt text for more context. Coshocton County, Ohio, 1928/1939

A very unique hand-drawn seal. The source of this design is unclear, but it makes for a great seal. See alt text for (a lot) more context on Wm. Whitten, the seal, and more. Coshocton County, Ohio, 1819

A collection of very old plats. Such plats aren't uncommon, but I have a special affinity for old maps, and you aren't likely to find copies of these old plats outside of county offices. See alt text on each image for additional context. Likely more to follow soon. Coshocton County, Ohio, 1817-1831

It was a practice among some clerks to amplify their flourish when beginning a new record book. The handwritten Gothic calligraphy was dropped immediately after this page. This scan was the best I could do, given that everything outside of the calligraphy was very light. Lee County, Illinois, 1859

This is the handwriting of Rhoda J. Dool (1887-1923), a Deputy Register in Cassopolis, Mich. I have been intrigued by this squared cursive style ever since I first saw it nearly two years ago, but my own research about it has yielded little in the way of results. Cass County, Michigan, c. 1912

Normally, you don't see a whole lot of flourish when it comes to the makers of county record books/materials. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be much info about this company on the Internet, so I can't say more precisely when these are from. Coles County, Illinois, 1960s

Good luck trying to read this one. This mortgage document goes to show that not everyone tasked with recording had good handwriting. Lee County, Illinois, 1856

Some bold years. By far the boldest of anything written on the page. Champaign County, Illinois, 1880s

Everything has finally been updated. Now I think I can direct my focus on actual content (finally)

Slight rebrand. Unfortunate, as I'd made a few images with the old name. Just glad I made the decision now and not several weeks/months from now 😅

"For Further Deeds See Book L" Logan County, Illinois, c. mid-1850s