Early abbreviation

[Kindigger]

I have been looking everywhere, and am finally :banghead:

I have a "Sen. John Stout", who granted my 3Ggrandpa 240 acres in the Iowa Territory. The deed shows John Stout as being "in absentia" at the time, as was my 3G Andrew Jackson Stout. This was in 1848. I believe this was the year the Iowa Territory was officially opened to settlers, and speculators. Since it appears settlers each received ten acres, I assume Andrew was one of the later.

Andrew was probably on his way from Virginia at the time. He met up with the Heermans of Vermont in Ohio, and traveled to Iowa with them. He married a Heerman daughter in Iowa in 1849. Timothy's inlaws were prominent in NH. Andrew gave Timothy Heerman (the father) 40 acres, after they arrived. It almost looks like he paid him for his daughter with land LOL.

I know Hon. was for public officials, and Esq.(after the name)was for attorneys? I believe Iowa Territory only had a House/General Assembly at the time. If Sen. stands for Senator it would be national.

Does anyone know if "Senior" was ever written BEFORE a name? Any other ideas?

[cornermouse]

1. Some places you may want to look at.

I believe Stout is usually considered a German name?

18th Century PA German Naming Customs
http://www.kerchner.com/germname.htm

Also
http://www.kesh.com/hnoh/OTHERRESOURCES8.html#HOWNAME

Another interesting site
http://www.kerchner.com/spelling.htm