As genealogists continue to operate in a research climate where more records are available digitally, it’s important to ask: What should I expect to find in this place and time for this record? If I find an online record copy of a will in an Illinois in 1890, is that all there is? No. There should be a case file with a originals of probate documents–including the will. If I find an online record copy of a will in Virginia in in 1760, is that all there is? There may be other references to the estate in court order books, but probably no case file of loose papers. If a couple marries in Ohio in 1830 and I find an entry in a marriage register, is there likely […]
The apparent jagged cut on this 1809 deed from Harford County, Maryland, was likely intentional. The image in this post was made from the original deed retained by my ancestor–the grantee in this document. Originally this deed was part of a larger piece of paper. The text of the deed was written twice and the special cut made to give one copy to each of the parties involved in the indenture. Then, if necessary, the two pieces could be put back together to authenticate the indenture. If two documents claiming to be the original did not match then one was fraudulent and it would be up to a court to adjudicate. The cuts will only appear on the original. The record copy of this deed (on file in […]
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