Land Records: Deeds

Are generallly available from the earliest date of creation of a county. They are commonly called "deeds." Indexes to the deeds on a grantor and grantee basis are almost always available through the county recorder.

Deeds always show a sellor, a buyer, a legal description of the property, square acreage, the terms of the sale, means of payment, the dollar amount and the date of the event. Signtures of the parties involved in the transaction are also shown. Illiterates often signed with an "X."

Deeds often show familial relationships when a father sells or gives property to a family member. Deeds are often the most helpful source in documenting a family when census and vital records have been exhausted.

Deeds from all across the United States are generally available from the earliest years (mid-1600s) to the 1920s at the L.D.S. Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah.