I was recently given information on some deeds (abstracts) on some land owned by my ancestors... Is there a way if I got the full deeds that I could use them to see where my 4th great grandparents lived?
Here is the quick story...
My 4th great grandfather, Robert Spencer, had a brother by the name of John Spencer, Sr. The first abstract reads John Spencer, Sr, deceased of Licking County, Ohio Dated 11 March 1837 between John Spencer/wife Margaret of Licking County, Ohio to John EAGLE, Franklin County, Ohio, $57. One seventh undivided inheritance. John SPENCER Sr had purchawed the land from John Johnston, who had received the land for Military Service, date 17 February 1818.
From a relative also researching gave me this info...
John died in 1827, his wife Elizabeth (Caldwell) died around 183?, so he is thinking (and he is usually right about this) that this sale was to settle estate... My Robert was the last SPENCER to leave PA for Ohio. Robert remained in Newton Twp for a few years and then moved on to Cuba, Fulton, IL.. The SPENCER, WOOD, EAGLE families mentioned in the above abstract and all the rest of them would have been relatives-- nieces, nephews and cousins...
So what I am thinking... How can I find out if Robert also lived on this above mentioned land? Would the courthouse have that information? Maybe a land deed where he lived/owned and then compare it to the full deeds if I am able to get them from the courthouse?
What are the costs for copies at the courthouse? Are they pretty amicable to people requesting things? My ultimate goal will be to head to Fulton County one day and take pics of any land that was once owned by my ancestors but I know that will be a quite a while before I can do that...
Of course I first have to check on how far Fulton is from here... I don't think it is really that far...
Okay thanks for reading... I have a tendancy to ramble...
Julie, Interesting questions! Makes me think as to some abstracts etc i have dealt with in last few years. First, I know that a bank in Lewistown, when holding the mortgage, gave back the original deed to the property, saying they did no longer have the room, etc. Now, I have my own, which goes back over many years and owners. I also have my dad's and the same applies. The house we own now, we do not have the abstracts/deed to but would love to get our hands on it. My husband is a township official but has not ventured that you could get it all thru the courthouse. Worth checking. But a few yrs ago when selling my fathers estate there was some "iffy" things on getting the info concerning previous sold land. Cannot remember why, but I did manage. Where are you from Fulton Co. if I may ask? I am going to print off yr info and take with me next trip to Fulton Co. Courthouse. Never hurts to ask questions. I lived most my life in Lewistown, and went to school with some Spencers, they were very nice people, several children. They lived rural, and at one point built a new house south east of Lewistown, then moved from there, but no idea where to. Could they be relation. I'm interested in finding land my grandparents lived on, perhaps e will figure out the avenues to take. I am hoping will probated might help. Ardith
Hello! I am just taking a shot in the dark with the abstracts... I just typed up the letter and will send it out tomorrow... Doesn't hurt I assume...
Interesting about giving the deeds back... I would love to have some old deeds from my ancestors places... Not likely to happen... we do have a few of my husband's great grandparents that his grandmother had.
The Spencers could be related... Still trying to search it all out...
Not sure how far I live from Fulton as I haven't mapped it out yet... I live about 30 miles north of St. Louis, MO on the Illinois side...
I am headed to Calhoun County a week from today for a day of record hunting and searching... I am so excited... I know what a dork, huh? I wish I could quit my job and do this full time...
I would love to have a pic of the old land from my ancestors but not sure if that will happen... Anyway , thanks for posting... maybe we can get some answers together!
Any effort is woth trying......and you know the old adage.if at first you don't succeed, try try again. The people at the Abstract office are very nice. Pretty much the whole courthouse also. From lewistown to St. Louis is about 3 1/2 hrs. Been a couple yrs since I have gone down there but a nice drive. Nice day trip for sure. Right off hand, no clue where Calhoun Co is. Good luck in yr searching. Yes it is exciting to venture out for leads, nothing dorky about that. And yes perhaps we will find something......................... Ardith
Just wanted to let everyone know that I received the copies of all the deeds today... 9 deeds and cost was $9...
I sent off the payment immediately... the copies are in perfect shape... Now the task of finding out where they are located...
Tried fooling around on the plat map section at the State of IL index with some land deeds from Calhoun County, but since I am clueless on how to read them I didn't have any luck... Maybe I will try to find a plat map... I usually have better luck with them...
Anyway just wanted to post how well I like the transactions with Fulton County... A terrific job!!
For help understanding surveys try thus web site put in the zip code for the area. click visitors center then go to the rectangular survey system, it will help you understand how surevey are done. http://www.glorecords.blm.gov/Logon/Logon_Form.asp
Or if the Deeds office have an email. You might try just asking them how you find where the land shown on deeds would be. I had a very nice lady in Wisconsin mark a plat map and send it at no charge.
