This 1870 declaration of intent from Thomas Frame comes from Cook County, Illinois, where Frame settled in the 1860s.
A quick read of the document may lead the reader to conclude that Frame wrote his own name in the document--the signature on the right hand side looks very similar to Frame's name at the top of the document.
There is a simple explanation--the signature is not Frame's. Those who take time to read the complete document will realize a certified copy of Frame's actual declaration. The top half is the "handwritten copy" and the bottom half is the clerk's statement testifying to the fact that the copy is a true copy of the original.
It was 1870 and before there were photocopy machines. Always make certain that what you think is your ancestor's signature is actually his signature.
