This Blog
by Cher’ley Grogg
William Smith was a prominent lawyer and he had just secured a magnificent deal for his corporations all he needed was the signature of the representative from the other business. He made a flaring motion as he presented the fountain pen to the businessman. He said, “Sign your John Hancock here.” He pointed to the X. The man leaned over and signed ‘John Hancock’. William thought, and this man is an executive, but aloud he said, “No, I mean sign your name here.” He pressed hard on the document.
“I did.” John Hancock replied.
He is remembered for his large, flamboyant signature on the Declaration, and so “John Hancock” became an informal synonym for signature. According to legend, Hancock signed his name largely and clearly so that King George could read it without his spectacles, but this fanciful story did not appear until many years later.
My signature is not flamboyant, but it is a lot bigger than it used to be. Do you think I’ve become more creative and my signature has grown with me? I don’t write nearly as much as I used to. I type. I still do poetry longhand but the rest of the time is typing or texting.
So how is forensics and signature analysis coming together in the digital age. A new program Topaz software presents segment timing, speed of signature data and the exact sequence of movements made by the author during the original signature execution.
In chapter Twelve of “Stamp Out Murder”, James finds a letter from Farm and Brook Nurseries, about selling apple trees to Nathaniel McKeel. This reveals the secret to one of the mysteries that is working within the novel. James is good with paper trails.
There are some real adventures in “The Secret in Grandma’s Trunk” too.
This is an especially good book for your Tween Children and Grandchildren.
And please join me on my Facebook Fanpage, that’s managed by one of my most faithful fans: Cindy Ferrell
Keira's Place 
Interesting post Cherley. Thanks for the little history lesson. I just read a post about an author who gave up her computer and chose to write in longhand. I don’t know if I could do that totally (my typing speed is lots faster) but it does give one pause for thought. I write most of my songs in longhand – like you do your poetry. There’s just something about the way it flows, eh?
Lol I remember back to the days of a typewriter, no spell check, carbon paper and white out. I didn’t write novels then.
Love it! I always knew about John Hancock! Great history lesson
Thanks Barb, did you know about the Topaz software? Cher’ley
What an interesting post and a fun one at that.
Thanks Doris, I’m really glad you liked it. It was fun to write. I giggled a bit. Cher’ley
How much later than the signing of the Declaration of Independence was the incident with the lawyer? I didn’t know signing with your “John Hancock” was in use in John Hancock’s own time.
Sorry I didn’t make it clear. The lawyer is modern day.
Fifty years ago, I borrowed ten dollars from my foreman/friend at work and he made me sign an IOU..”PUt your John Hancock on this,” he said. The next week I paid him back and he told me it was good thing or he would of had it taken out of my check. I told him he couldn’t as he had no proof. He waved my IOU. I told him it didn’t count without my signature and he looked at it and cussed me out as he wadded it up and threw it at me. YOu know how I signed it. Good blog
Funny story. Thanks for sharing.
Who left this story? Cher’ley
That’s definitely a new one for me, Cherley. If I ever heard of the story before I had forgotten it. I’m always ready for a new history lesson!
It’s a modern day story. I can’t make changes from my phone.
Oh, I didn’t know about the Topaz software…very interesting.
I thought that was interesting as well. Who would think that there was such a difference in the way we type.