Deeds: More Than Just Land Transactions

Saturday, March 20, 2021, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
$15 MGS members, $20 nonmembers
Location: Online

Description:  

Buying and selling land? Of course. But deeds  also provide details on animals, maiden names, relationships, enslaved names, gifts, ages, disputes, financial changes, secrets, occupation, inheritance, favoritism, neighbors, and legalities that impact deeds. Business history, community history, church history, and family dynamics appear in deeds. We’ll discuss how deeds sometimes lead to court cases, newspaper stories, and other records. The terminology used in deeds over the years in the U. S. does matter as do the laws in each state, the time period, boundaries, and the type of indexes. The discussion will also include how to access the deeds and related records, current online access to some older deeds, and digitizing projects. You will never again assume a deed is only a dry land transaction. An extensive handout is included with the class.

About the Presenter:

Paula Stuart-Warren conducts genealogical and historical research, lecturing, and coaching in U. S. research. Her specialties include: unusual records, analysis, research planning, problem solving, manuscript and archival repositories, railroads, and Native American. She has experience as an instructor for SLIG and GRIP, and is a former board member APG, MGS, FGS.