Bucks Writs - Fall 2019 - 9

After Ms. Robinson's remarks, Dr. Constance L. Ace, a
professional genealogist of Ace Genealogy Research,
LLC, explained how deeds may be used to research family
backgrounds. A deed contains dates, names, relationships, locations, occupations, consideration, metes and
bounds descriptions, names of neighbors, and prior deed
information, all useful in learning about ancestors and
their families. Interestingly, in earlier times, women, who
could not own real estate but could have a veto power
over its conveyance, were not named but were simply
referenced as "Widow Jones," for example. The dower
clause in a deed, however, may reveal the woman's
maiden name. Also, deeds from one family member to
the next were often not recorded. Once the property
was sold out of the family, the recitation of prior deeds
might contain a wealth of family lineage and history. Dr.
Ace noted that the original deeds are works of art. The
recorded deeds are copies and may contain inaccuracies
from transcription errors. Interestingly, too, old real estate
records may be found in both the Prothonotary's office,
where sheriff's sales were recorded, and in the office of
the Clerk of the Orphans' Court, when property was
transferred by will or inheritance.
The final piece of the evening was a trip upstairs to the
Mercer Museum's Spruance Library, a veritable treasure
trove of Bucks County artifacts, where many of the
revitalized deed books were impressively on display.
Ms. Robinson and the restored deed books are on a
continuing tour throughout the County. Look at the
website for the Recorder of Deeds for dates and locations.
Because of the success of the June 27th presentation,
another event likely will be scheduled at the Mercer
Museum in the near future. 

FALL 2019

Bucks Writs - Fall 2019

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