Remembering the Initial
It is sometimes necessary to remember the initial as well as the name. Often it is as hard to remember initials as it is figures, because they have no definite meaning. An inquiry as to the names which the initials stand for, will be very helpful. It is much easier to remember George Henry than the initials G. H.
Initials which occur in alphabetical sequence are easily remembered and many times you will find that the first letter of the name continues the sequence, as: R. S. Thompson; F. G. Hibbard; D. E. Ferris.
Sometimes you will find the initials spelling a single word, as E. D. which can be taken to represent the given name "Ed", which is short for Edward. You will find many cases where the initials will spell a simple word such as:
| R. A. Gunn (Rag). | P. A. Scott (Pas-s). |
| R. I. Pitt (Rip). | J. A. Marks (Jam). |
At other times the initials will be those of names which are familiar to you because of historical, political or other well known associations, as:
S. A. Burke—will remind you of Samuel Adams Burke.
W. J. Casper—will suggest William Jennings Casper.
There are many initials which will represent titles or well known ideas such as the names of lodges and societies:
D. A. Rasmussen can easily be associated with the D. A. R.—Daughters of the American Revolution.
C. E., Christian Endeavor or Civil Engineer.
| D. R., Doctor. | P. M., Post Master. |
| A. D., Anno Domini. | N. W., North West. |