A genealogist was told that she should go to the courthouse and look through land deeds to get more information about her ancestors. She’s always up for something new, so she asked questions about what is in a deed and how do you find them in a courthouse.

Deeds are useful because of the information that they contain, both in the document and when you read between the lines. As an example, the witnesses were often relatives. Sometimes, neighbors are mentioned, and they may be relatives. When property was sold, wives were named. This was particularly helpful in the days when women had few legal rights.

Here’s part of a deed that links family members to each other.

When I was a child, I enjoyed field trips. As I look back as an adult, I realize that much of the enjoyment was because someone else did the planning. A field trip to a courthouse to look at deeds is a different matter. We have to plan it ourselves. That’s not so easy.

Cyndis List of Genealogy Internet Sites has a couple of sections that will help with the planning. The first is the courthouse section. It’s at http://www.cyndislist.com/courthouses.htm. For starters, you will find helpful articles written by other researchers. The land section at http://www.cyndislist.com/land.htm contains links to sites that will help you understand what land records are.

The National Genealogical Society Home Study Course has two lessons on land: Lesson 9; State and Federal Land Records and Lesson 10; Local Land and Tax Records. The assignments for both include a self-guided field trip to land repositories. For people who are ready to challenge themselves, the course is a good opportunity. Details are on the society’s website, www.ngsgenealogy.org.

© 2006

Connie Lenzen, CG