Land deeds can reveal ancestors’ migration
For The Oklahoman
Amy Johnson Crow provides the following information in her weekly newsletter about deeds that are good sources of information for researchers. Crow recommends learning about the following common features:
The residence of the grantor (seller) and the grantee (buyer) usually are listed on deeds in the United States. This information is important because it puts people in a specific place at a specific time.
Always practice looking for two sequential deeds indicating where the ancestor came from and where he plans to relocate. Note that:
• People tended to buy land in a new location before making a move, which means that the document deed included information about their old residence.
•Also people tended to keep land where they resided after buying land in the new location. This could be because they felt they might have to move back if the purchase fell through.
Also ...
The Western Plains Weatherford Genealogical Society will meet at 7 p.m. on Nov. 20 at the Western Oklahoma Historical Center, 520 W Main in the Cedar Schoolhouse.
Norma Fisher will present a program on Cheyenne Indian clothing. For more information, contact Laura McCormick at 580-445-8404, email mcpaxrat@ cebridge.net or Elizebeth Wilson at 405-229-8495, email ohelizebeth@ cableone.net.
RootsTech Family History and Technology Conference will be Feb. 28 to March 3 at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. The event is hosted by Family Search.
The event includes over 200 breakout sessions that include: DNA testing; genealogical tools and how to use them; how to protect and preserve photos; how to preserve old documents; and how to discover your family’s past.
For more information and to register, go to RootsTech.org.
If you have a question, event, idea or an experience you wish to share, email Sharon Burns at sburns@opubco.com.