The above is traced from the Howden Parish Register Bishop's Transcript ca. 1715. We will agree that it begins: "Sarah Daugh to Wm…"
Now--what is the surname? One might be tempted to read it as Barson. . .it certainly looks like Barson. But compare the initial letter of the surname with other initial B's on the same page (see samples to the left). Doesn't match, does it? Now compare it to the P's on the page. A match! The surname is Pearson.
The lesson: Look at the whole page. Get to know the writing of the scribe. Compare. Don't hurry.
