Interesting Mark on Signature

[mnaccarato]

I recently obtained my Great-Great-Grandparents NYC Marriage License and my Great-Great-Grandmother Sebastiana Cutrona has a mark between her first and last name in her signature, which is even notated by an official as "her mark." I noticed that her signature on a different document also includes the mark. At first, I was wondering if it was a cross? Realize it may be nothing, but thought I'd ask! She was born in Licodia Eubea, Catania, Sicilia.

[EllenCatusco]

It probably means she can not write. Some one else may have signed it for her. I seen the same thing on a few documents of my own.

[bbivona]

It just means that she is unable to write, so she puts a mark and someone witnesses that she placed the mark. That's why the signature is completely different on the two documents - someone else wrote her name. I wouldn't think that there is any significance to the type of mark. Most often people made an X in these cases.

[mnaccarato]

Got it! That makes sense, I was thinking something like that since both signatures are different. Thanks both!