 
Spencerian System of Penmanship
Platt R. Spencer developed the Spencerian system
of penmanship. It explained how all the
letters can be made gracefully and rapidly using various combinations of a few
basic pen strokes. The Spencerian method was a
phase of
paleography
or the study of language recording. Teachers in almost all American schools
adopted the system in the late 19th century. He also developed a way of
recording scientific observations that used by scientists everywhere for 70
years.
Spencer was born in 1800 in East Fishkill, NY as
one of twelve children. It is said that Spencer learned to write on leather used
by a nearby tannery, using dyes as ink. After his father's death, the family
relocated to Ashtabula, Ohio, where as a child, Spencer was known to write with
a stick in the white sand for hours.
 In
the 1800's, elegant handwriting was a much sought-after skill.
Spencer's penmanship goal was to develop a system that would be comfortable to
execute. He strove for natural writing positions, so that a person could
write for hours without cramps or strains. He experimented with different
methods of holding a pen, positions for the arm and fingers. Ultimately he found
a system that was comfortable and produced lovely handwriting. He
published his technique -- the Spencerian System of Penmanship -- in several
books, many of which are still available for sale today. The Spencerian System
took hold and was considered the most beautiful method to emulate.
Spencer served as an administrator of Bryant, Lusk and Stratton Business College
in Cleveland. He also taught penmanship in Jefferson, Ohio and lectured on
penmanship techniques at the Hiram Institute. Spencer was also known for his
active interest in human rights and his anti-slavery efforts. He died in Geneva,
Ohio in 1864.
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