When early records are scarce for a family, land records, especially deeds, can sometimes provide clues. A deed can establish residency and provide information about immediate neighbors who were sometimes relatives.  When a married man sold property, his wife was named and interviewed, apart from her husband, to determine that she was in agreement with selling the land—perhaps as a way for her to protect her dowry. Family members often sold property to their children or siblings, keeping it in the family.  If an owner died, a deed might list the heirs who inherited the land—quite useful if no will was made.  It was my hope that deeds might help with my search of the Blackston family. Continue reading →