When Deed Books Are More Than Land Records
In Locating Your Roots: Discover Your Ancestors Using Land Records, author Patricia Law Hatcher, FASG, FGSP, spends a couple of pages on one of her favorite topics: “Records in Deed Books That Aren’t Deeds.”[1] Hatcher uses the example of Barren County, Kentucky, in which she found agreements, apprenticeships, bills of sale of personal property, bonds, contracts, deeds of gift, partitions, leases, manumissions, mortgages or securities, plats, powers of attorney, prenuptial agreements, and quitclaims, all scattered among deeds in deed books.
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About Author
Aaron Goodwin
Aaron is a genealogist and house historian specializing in New York City research across all time periods, from the Dutch colonial era to the 20th century. His book, New York City Municipal Archives: An Authorized Guide for Family Historians, won the National Genealogical Society’s 2017 Award for Excellence: Genealogical Methods and Sources. He is also editor of NGS Monthly, former contributing editor of the New York Genealogical and Biographical Record, and former editor of the Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine. In 2011, he received the American Society of Genealogists’ Scholar Award.
Mr. Goodwin,
This is not about the content, but the light grey print. My old eyes have to strain to read the NGS Monthly News. Can the font be a little darker in the next & following issues?
Thank you,
Ms. Marty Hiatt
Hi, Marty. I have the same problem with the gray text, but it’s (strangely) not immediately apparent how to fix that. I’ve contacted our IT Support to look into this, so we’ll cross our fingers that there’s a solution to be discovered.
All the best
Aaron
Hi, Marty.
We’ve darkened the font and bumped up the font size one point. It’s certainly easier for me to read now. Check it out!
All the best
Aaron
Thanks for the mention, Aaron. I still use those deed records all the time…
Best regards, Terri B. O’Neill
In Liberty County, Georgia, I’ve found more info in deeds than probate records. It seemed to be a common practice that when someone reached advanced age, they would distribute their belongings by way of deed, rather than leave a will. Typically, the eldest child would get the “home place” and in return, that child would take care of the parent for the rest of their days. It’s been a great way to learn a daughter’s husband’s name, grandchildren, etc. Too many times, I’ve found wills that only say: divide my estate between my living children. “The End!” No names! I’ve found a lot of other hidden treasures amongst deeds, so they are one of my primary “go to” places.