Grantor and grantee indexes to land records typically only include the name of the first grantor (seller) and the first grantee (buyer) listed on a land transfer. Deeds involving inheritances, estate disputes, and partnerships may list multiple grantors or grantees. Searching for all members of your ancestor’s extended family (relatives by blood, relatives by marriage, etc.) may locate references not found if you only look for that “one person of interest.” And since not all deeds get recorded promptly and since they are indexed when they are recorded, consider searching for after the death of the grantor and grantee as well. And if your ancestors were farmers and you’ve never looked for a deed…you could be missing out.
We are offering a four-week class on United States land records starting on March 2. There will be lectures, discussions, and optional assignments designed to help reinforce concepts. Additional details are on our announcement page.
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