Do you have ‘favorite’ lines in your tree? I’m referring to those lines that you have spent the most time researching compared to other lines. I have to admit that I do have at least one favorite line – my CRAWFORD line.
Thus, I might conclude that I did not do a very good job of researching my third great grandfathers for my other lines. However, when I look at the sourcing I added to these lines in comparison to what was available during that time, I did fairly well at adding sources. These sources included census records and published history and genealogies. While I made two trips to Salt Lake where I obtained quite a few deeds for my ancestors, I did not have time to search for these deeds for all of my lines.
So, when I began reviewing my information for Samuel H. Christy, I found that I don’t have any land records for Samuel, even though the census indicates he owned real estate in both Fayette County, Ohio in 1850 and in Tipton County, Indiana in 1860. [Samuel Christy in my Ancestry tree]
1850 U.S. Census, Fayette County Ohio, population schedule, Jasper Township, Fayette County, Indiana, page 156, household 1293, Samuel H Christy; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online October 2017); NARA microfilm publication M432.
1860 U.S. Census, Tipton County, Indiana, population schedule, Jefferson Township, Tipton County, Indiana, page 189 Image 15 of 34, household 1425, Samuel H Christy; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online November 2017); NARA microfilm publication M653
Unfortunately, the Tipton County, Indiana land records are locked and will have to be searched at a later date. However, the Fayette County, Ohio land records are available. Thus, I started searching for land records for Samuel Christy in Fayette County.
That initial search showed quite a few grantor records for Samuel Christy.
Fayette County Ohio, Grantor Index, A-K 1810-1913, Film 292607 DGS 7900590, page 224 (Image 129)
These first entries in the grantor index for Samuel Christy are a major clue to the existence of a second Samuel Christy owning land in Fayette County, Ohio. The clue is the date of the deeds. Since my Samuel H. Christy was born about 1819, he would not have been old enough to own let alone sell land in 1834. Thus, there has to be a second, older Samuel Christy.
Fortunately, there is one entry in the index for a Samuel H. Christy.
Fayette County Ohio, Grantor Index, A-K 1810-1913, Film 292607 DGS 7900590, page 224 (Image 129)
As a deed for the sale of land, Samuel’s wife must also sign the deed. Since the wife’s name on the deed is ‘Lydia Christy’ I believe this deed is for my ancestor, Samuel H. and Lydia (Gallimore) Christy.
Another clue is found by comparing the Oct 1850 deed for Samuel H Christy to the June 1851 deed for Samuel Christy. Both of these deeds are for land that was part of survey 1342. Thus, it is possible they are for the same Samuel Christy. The deed for Samuel H. Christy in Book P on page 51 appears to have been signed by Samuel H. Christy and Lydia Christy.
The 1851 Samuel Christy deed does not include a wife. The signature also indicates that Samuel Christy could not sign his name since it says ‘his mark’.
Thus, I believe my original conclusion that there are (at least) two men named Samuel Christy selling land in Fayette County, Ohio. Much additional research will be required to figure out who this second Samuel Christy is. For now I’m concentrating on my ancestor, Samuel H. Christy.
Below is the deed where Samuel H. Christy and his wife, Lydia, sold land in Fayette County, Ohio.
Oct 5 1850 Christy Samuel H to David Cramer Book P page 51
Image 35 – page 51
Samuel H Christy To Deed David Creamer $750 – 50 – 1342
Know all men that I Samuel H. Christy and Lydia Christy wife of said Samuel H. Christy of the County of Fayette and State of Ohio in consideration of the sum of seven hundred & fifty dollars in hand paid by David Creamer of the County & State aforesaid have bargained and sold and do hereby grant bargain sell and convey unto the said David Creamer his heirs and assigns forever, the following premises, situate in the County of Fay ette in the State of Ohio and in Jasper Township and bound and described as follows. Beginning at a stone & Hickory northwest corner to David Christy thence S 142 poles to a large Elm the southwest corner to said Christy. Thence W 56 1/4 poles to a honey locust 7 elm corner to Samuel Fifth home thence N 142 poles to three elms & Bur oak corner to Fifth home. Thence E 56 1/4 poles to the begin ning containing fifty acres of land be the same more or less being part of a survey made in the name of Thomas Shaw No 1342. To have and to hold said premises with the appurtenances unto the said David Creamer his he irs and assigns and the said Samuel H. Christy & wife for themselves and heirs do hereby covenant with said David Creamer his heirs and assigns that they are lawfully seized of the premises aforesaid, and that the premises are free and clear from all encumbrances whatsoever, and he will forever war rant and defend the same with the appurtenances, unto the said David Cream mer & his heirs and assigns against all lawful claims of all persons whom so ever In Testimony whereof the said Samuel H. Christy and Lydia his wife have hereunto set their hands and seals this fifth day of October the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and Fifty. Samuel H.. Christy (seal) Lydia Christy (seal)
page 52 (image 36) Signed sealed & Acknowledged in presence of us J. B. Creamer David D. Christy
The State of Ohio Fayette county SS Before e J. B. Creamer a Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared the above named Samuel H. Christy and Lydia Christy his wife and acknowledged the signing and sealing of the above conveyance to be their voluntary act and deed; and the said Lydia Christy being at the same time examined by me separate and apart from her husband and the contents of said instrument made known to her by me she then declared that she did voluntarily sign seal and acknowledge the same and that she is still satisfied therewith; this fifth day of Octr A. D. 1850 J. B Creamer JP Recd 20th Recorded 21st Nov 1850
Ohio, Fayette County. Deeds, v. P 1850-1853. Film #292618 DGS 8141941. Samuel H. Christy, 9 Oct 1850 Vol. P: page 51 (image 35); digitized images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 24 July 2022.
Recently, Michael John Neill posted a ‘Genealogy Tip of the Day’ to Account for Every Acre. With my Zebulon Foster research in Warren County, Indiana this is proving to be difficult. First, I’m not exactly sure what land he owned.
Zebulon Foster was not an original land owner in Warren County, Indiana. He is listed as a grantee in the deed indexes. That reference is for a Will in a Deed Book. The will indicates that Zebulon inherits all of his father’s Land on the Wabash. Thus, I started looking for Richard Foster and found him as an original land owner.
Assuming that Zebulon inherited at least some of the land patented by his father, Richard Foster, I started looking for Zebulon as a grantor. I found several deeds where Zebulon and his wife Caroline sold off portions of the land in the NW 1/4 of section 14 and one deed for railroad right of way in section 15.
Zebulon sold to John Stufflebeam land being part of W 1/2 NW 1/4 Section 14 Township 21 N Range 9 West on 8 Jan 1853 in Warren County, Indiana.
Indiana, Warren. Deed Records, 1827-1901. Film #1977056 DGS 8071881. Zebulon Foster, 8 Jan 1853 Vol. 14: page 260 (image 163); digitized images, Family Search http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 4 April 2022.
He sold land to the Lake Erie Wabash and St. Louis Railroad company being a part of the NE 1/4 of Section Number (15) in township in Jan 1854 in Warren County, Indiana.
Indiana, Warren. Deed Records, 1827-1901. Film #1977056 DGS 8071881. Zebulon Foster, January 1854 Vol. 14: page 347 (image 207); digitized images, Family Search http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 4 April 2022.
Zebulon sold to James Howard land being 9 1/2 acres in the SW 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of section 14 township 21 North range 9 west on 24 Jan 1854 in Warren County, Indiana.
Indiana, Warren. Deed Records, 1827-1901. Film #1977056 DGS 8071881. Zebulon Foster, 24 Jan 1854 15: 36-37; digitized images, Family Search http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 4 April 2022.
He sold land to George Pence land being part of lot 1 in the West half of the NW 1/4 of Section 14 Township 21 Range 9 on 7 Feb 1854 in Warren County, Indiana.
Indiana, Warren. Deed Records, 1827-1901. Film #1977056 DGS 8071881. Zebulon Foster, 7 Feb 1854 Vol. 14: page 227; digitized images, Family Search http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 4 April 2022.
He sold land to Francis Wheeler being lot 4 in the NW division to the town of Lebanon on 23 May 1854 in Warren County, Indiana.
Indiana, Warren. Deed Records, 1827-1901. Film #1977056 DGS 8071881. Zebulon Foster, 23 May 1854 Vol. 14: page 368 (image 218); digitized images, Family Search http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 4 April 2022.
Zebulon sold to David Evans land being part of the W 1/2 of the NW 1/4 of section 14 township 21 north of range 9 on 4 Aug 1854 in Warren County, Indiana.
Indiana, Warren. Deed Records, 1827-1901. Film #1977056 DGS 8071881. Zebulon Foster, 4 Aug 1854 Vol. 15: pages 119-120; digitized images, Family Search http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 4 April 2022.
However, these deeds only account for a small portion of the land Richard Foster patented. As I continued searching Warren County Indiana deed records, I found some additional deeds involving his second wife and his children. These deeds are for some of the parcels of Richard Foster land.
Division of Land – where children sell their shares of some of the land
Even though I found quite a few deeds they do not account for all of the land originally patented by Richard Foster. That’s when I thought of Range Indexes. In Kansas, most counties not only maintain grantee and grantor indexes to the deeds but also what are called RANGE INDEXES. These Range Indexes make it easy to track the ownership of a parcel of land from the original patent thru time. Since I don’t believe Indiana maintains range indexes, I decided to try and create my own in a spreadsheet.
Since there are deeds by Zebulon Foster or his children for each of the parcels of land that Richard Foster patented, I believe that I have verified that Zebulon inherited all four parcels. Unfortunately, I do not have deeds showing the transfer of all of this land by Zebulon Foster to others or to his children. Thus, I need to do the following:
Continue searching Warren County Indiana deed indexes for deeds by Zebulon Foster, his widow Juliet or his children: William Foster, Edward Foster, Eliza Bell, Hattie Fleming, Rachel Crider and Mary Crawford
Locate the foreclosure court case dated 22 Dec 1885
Research the name changes for the railroads to determine whether I need to locate more deeds for railroad right of way
Search deed records for the counties where the children lived to see if a Warren County deed was recorded in their locality.
Search Probate records for clues to the distribution of this land
Identify the grandchildren and search deeds for their names to see if they inherited any of this land.
By creating my own ‘range index’ I have a better view of what I have been able to verify about the ownership of this land as well as where I’m missing information.
Have you ever encountered a will entered into a deed book? I’ve seen those ‘et al’ deeds where the land is split between children, or deeds from the administrator of an estate to a child or children, but I don’t recall ever finding an actual will in a deed book.
However, while searching the deed indexes of Warren County, Indiana for FOSTER deeds, I found the will of Richard Foster on page 420 of volume 11 of the deeds.
Warren County Indiana Deed records, 1827-1901
Deed records, V. 10-11, 1841-1850 Film 1977054 GS 8071879
Foster Richard Will & Testament Book 11 page 420
IN the name of God Amen, I Richard Foster of the County of Pike and State of Ohio being sick and weak in body but of sound dis posing mind and memory and understanding considering the certainty of death and uncertainty of the time thereof and being desirous to settle my worldly affairs and thereby be the better prepared to leave this world when it shall please God to call me home do therefore make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following that is to say firstly I commit my soul into the hands of Almighty God and my body to the Earth to be decently buried at the discretion of my Executrix hereinafter named and after my dets and fun eral charges are paid second I will and bequeath unto my third son Zebulon Foster all the lands I have in the State of Indiana on the waters of the Wabash River as follows to wit: That if it should be considered that the said lands at first cost should be more than his equal share of my estate hereafter then he shall pay back the overpaid to the said estate, and I also give to him one sorrel mare in consideration of services rendered since he was of age, not to be accounted as any part of his legacy. Thirdly, I will and bequeath unto my beloved wife Rachel all the reside of my lands and covenants with all my goods and shattels moneys and credits after paying all my just debts so long as she shall remain my widow for the purpose of raising my children and to be at her disposal during the — Fourthly I will that at the death of my wife that the two oldest of my children, to wit Jeremiah B Foster and John Foster shall account for the ad vancement made to them as per receipts and Zebulon Foster according to the bequest made above and then an equal dii [decid] struck between all my children, to wit, Jeremiah B Foster, John Foster, Eliza Wilson, Zebulon Foster, Cassandra Foster, Lemuel G Foster, Asenath Foster, Thomas Foster, Seth C. Foster and Rachel Foster share and share alike. And lastly I do hereby constitute and appoint y dear wife Rachel Foster to sole executrix of this my last will and testament revoking and annulling all former wills by me heretofore made satisfying and confirming this and none other to be my last will and testament. In testimony whereof I Richard Foster have to this my will consisting of one sheet of paper set my hand and seal this seventh day oF June in the year of our Lord God (1831) one thousand eight hundred and thirty one (seal) Signed & Seal in presence of us Be it known on the day before the above will was wrote the deceased richard Fostr called on us to bear witness that the above was his will In testimony whereof we have hereunto set our hand and seals as witness
Indiana, Warren. Deed Records, 1827-1901. Film #1977054 DGS 8071879. Richard Foster, June 1831 Vol 11: page 420; digitized images, Family Search http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 17 March 2022.
Indiana, Warren. Deed Records, 1827-1901. Film #1977054 DGS 8071879. Richard Foster, June 1831 Vol 11: page 420; digitized images, Family Search http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 17 March 2022.
Since the version transcribed into the deed book does not identify the witnesses of the will, I looked for the actual will in the records for Pike County, Ohio. The will is recorded on page 54 of volume 1 of Pike County, Ohio will records.
Pike County Ohio Will Record Vol. 1 page 54
State of Ohio Pike County
Pike Court of common Pleas June Term being the 20th day of June AD 1831
Be it remembered that on this day the last will and testament of Richard Foster late of Pike county deceased was [exhibited] in open court and proved by the oaths of Joseph Foster George Johnston and James Davis in all things agreeable to the statute in such cases mad and provided as follows to wit” State of Ohio Pike County This day personally appeared before the Court of Common Please ina nd for said County the within name Joseph Foster George Johnston and James Davis who being duly sworn did depose and say that they were present at the time of speaking the testamentory words named in the within instrument by the said Richard Foster, now deceased that the same was immediately reduced to writing and was read over to the said Richard Foster and then and there declared to be his last will and testament and that he then and there desire @ these deponents to bear testimony that such was his will which they accordingly did and within six days thereafter attested the same as such that the same was done and made by the said Richard Foster in his last sickness and that at the time of making said will he the said Richard was of sound mind and memory and these deponents are entirely disinterested unto the subject matter of said will. Sworn to and subscribed in open Court June 20th 1831 Joseph Foster George Johnston James Davis
And the Court being satisfied that said will has been duly executed and that the testator was of full age and of sound mind and memory and not under any restraint at the time of executing the same It is therefore ordered by the Court that said Will be admitted to record pursuant to statute which said will reads in the word following “to wit,” In the name of God Amen I Richard Foster of the County of Pike and State of Ohio being sick and week in body but of sound disposing mind memory and understanding considering the certainty of death and uncertainty of the time thereof and being desirous to settle my worldly affairs and thereby be the better prepared to leave this world when it shall please God to call me home do therefore make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following that is to say I commit my soul into the hands of Almighty God and my body to the earth to be decently buried at the discretion of my executrix here in after named and after my debts and funeral charges are paid Second I will and bequeath unto my third son Zebulon Foster
page 55 all the land I have in the State of Indiana on the waters of the Wabash river as follows “to wit” that if it should be considered that the said lands at first cost should be more than his equal share of my estate hereafter then he shall pay back the overplus to the said estate andI also givve to him one sorrel mare in consideration of services rendered since he was of age not to be accounted as any part of his legacy. Thirdly I will and bequeath unto my beloved wife Rachel all the reside of my lands and tenements with all my goods and chattels moneys and credits after paying all my just bills so long as she shall remain my widow for the purpose of raising my children and to be at her disposal during the Fourthly I will that at my death of my wife that the two eldest of my children, “to wit,” Jeremiah B foster & John Foster shall account for the advancement made to them as per receipts and Zebulon Foster according to the bequest made above and them and equal dividend be struck between all my children, “to wit,” Jeremiah B. Foster, John Foster, Eliza Wilson, Zebulon Foster, Cassandra Foster, Lemuel G Foster, Asenith Foster, Thomas Foster, Seth C Foster and Rachel Foster share and share alike And lastly I do hereby constitute and appoint my dear wife Rachel Foster to be sole executrix of this my last will and testament revoking and annulling all former wills by me heretofore made ratifying and confirming this and none other to be my last will and testament In testimony whereof I Richard Foster have to this my will consisting of one sheet of paper, set my hand and seal this seventh day of June in the year of our Lord God (1831) one thousand eight hundred and thirty one Seal Signed and sealed in presence of us Be it known that on the day the above Will was wrote the deceased Richard Foster, called us to bear witness that the above was his will. In testimony whereof we have hereunto set our hands as witness this 13th day of June one thousand eight hundred and thirty one Joseph Foster Seal George Johnston seal James Davis seal
Ohio Probate Records, 1789-1996, Pike County, Will Record Vol. 1 1815-1865, Richard Foster, 1831; digitized images, FamilySearch (www.famlysearch.org : viewed online 17 March 2022).
Ohio Probate Records, 1789-1996, Pike County, Will Record Vol. 1 1815-1865, Richard Foster, 1831; digitized images, FamilySearch (www.famlysearch.org : viewed online 17 March 2022).
Since these two records are very similar, it is obvious that finding the copy of the will in a deed book is not an April Fool’s joke. This is just another example of why I like to use records found in a Recorder of Deeds office.
Do you struggle with same name issues? If you are a regular reader of my blog, then you know that my genealogy is plagued by same name issues. One of those names being James Crawford.
Thus, when I find a document for a James Crawford in a county where my ancestor lived, I can’t be certain it is my ancestor. Nor am I certain that the document is for any of the James Crawfords that I’ve researched.
So, when I find a power of attorney deed in Barren County Kentucky during the time period that I believe not one but two of my James Crawford families lived, I have to question whether it fits with what else I know about these men. This particular deed appoints James Crawford and Moses Dooley as attorneys for John Singleton. At this time, I don’t know anything about John Singleton. But I do know that Moses Dooley was a land owner in Garrard County, Kentucky with land on Sugar Creek. This places Moses Dooley in the same area as Rebekah Crawford and Mary Crawford. I also know that there is a Moses Dooley on the tax roles in Barren County at the same time both James Crawfords are listed on those roles. And the Moses Dooley family is found in Preble County, Ohio with both James Crawfords. Thus, I think this deed involves one of these James Crawfords.
One of these James Crawfords was a justice of the peace in Preble County. Between 1814 and 1824, a James Crawford was a county commissioner. Once James and Martha moved to Indiana, references to a Crawford hold office in Preble County, Ohio stopped. Thus, I have concluded that the James married to Martha is the office holder. Based on that conclusion, I think this power of attorney deed might be for this James Crawford.
Barren County, Kentucky Deeds, 1798-1902, 1961
Vols. B-C 1801-1813 Film 209720 DGS 007899150
1803 Dooley et al Moses / John Singleton P.of A. Book B page 33
1803
Image 28
Know all men by these presents that I John Singleton of St Clair County in the Indiana Territory do hereby do make ordain constite and appoint Moses Dooley and James Crawford both of Barren County and State of Kentucky my true and lawful Attorneys for me and in my name to convey a certain tract of land lying in Barren County in the State of Kentucky on the head of the Glovers Creek containing one thousand acres as appears by deed from William Croghan to me and also for me and in my name to seal execute and deliver such deed as be the sd Moses hath agreed to give conveyances, bargain and sale for the absolute sale and disposal thereof or any part thereof with such clauses covenants and agreements to be [therein] contains as my said Attorney or either of them shall think fit and [appoint] hereby ratifying confirming all such deed conveyances bargains and sales ratifying confirming all such deed conveyances bargains and sales which shall any time hereafter be sealed and executed by my said Atttor neys or either of them touching and concerning the premises In witness whereof I hae hereunto signed my name and affixed my seal at Cahokia this 3rd day of September in the year of our Lord 1803 John Singleton (seal) Witness John [Hay} WIlliam Atchason
Illinois County Sct Be it remembered that on the 3 day of September 1813 personally appeared before me the [subin] one of the Justices of the said county the above named John Singleton who acknowledged the the above instrument of writing to be his voluntary act and deed in Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above written N Parrot (seal)
Indiana territory St Clair County Sct I John Hay Esq [Prothanotary] of the Court of Common Pleas of the said County do hereby certify that Nicholos Jarrod Esqr the person taking the above acknowledgment is a Justice of the peace and Court of Common Pleas of the same county of St Clair and to all act and deeds by him subscribed as such full faith and credit is and right to be given. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court of common Pleas of the said county the third day of September one thousand eight hundred & three John Hay [Prothonatory] SClair
Barren County To wit October County Court 1803 This power of attorney from John Singleton to Moses Dooley and James Crawford was produced in Court with the two certificates thereon endorsed duly authenticated and was there upon ordered to be Recorded Test W Logan Clk
Kentucky, Barren County. Deeds. Film #209720 DGS 007899150. James Crawford, 3 sep 1803 Vol. B: page 33; digital images, Family Search http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 21 February 2022.
Do ‘bright shiny objects’ cause you to change direction with your genealogy research? That’s where I find myself right now: chasing those bright shiny objects versus working on my stated goals. So, what has me distracted? My Crawford puzzle of course!
I’ve recently been updating my research of my 3rd great grandfather, Nelson Crawford — which is one of my 2022 goals. Since Nelson bought and sold land to and from descendants of James and Martha Crawford, updating my research on that family distracted me.
Then, I recently received an email from a descendant of James and Martha Crawford telling me about a message he received from a George Douglass descendant. This connection grabbed my attention since we believe that George Douglass is the uncle of James Crawford. We had already verified that George Douglass sold Rebekah Crawford land in Garrard County, Kentucky.
Since learning more about George Douglass may help us trace our Crawford lines back to Virginia, I decided to review my Douglass notes and see what else I could dig up. Like James and Martha who migrated from Garrard County to Barren County, George Douglass also made that trek. In looking at Barren County Kentucky land records, a George Douglass purchased 300 acres of land on Beaver Creek in 1808 from Levi Hollingsworth.
Vols. B-C 1801-1813 Film 209720 DGS 7899150
Image 117 Volume B page 210
Hollingsworth to Douglass Deed
This Indenture made this 24th day of February in the year of our Lord 1802 between Levi Hollingsworth of the City of Philadelphia by Thomas Badley his attorney in fact of the County of Fayatte and Commonwealth of Kentucky of the one part and George Douglass of the County of Barren and Commonwealth afrsd of the other part witnesseth that the sd Levi Hollingsworth for and in consideration of the sum of $400 current money of Kentucky to him in hand paid the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged hath granted bargained & sold and by these presents doth grant bargain sell & confirm unto the sd George Douglass his heirs or assigns all that tract or parcel of land situate and being in the County of Barren on the waters of Beaver Creek containing 300 acres and bounded as follows to wit) Beginning at a red oak & hickory and poplar John Mosby Shepherds north East corner of his survey of 1000 acres on the sinks of Beaver Creek N ° 390 and runing N 49 ° west 29 poles to a chestnut and hickory thence N 45 ° E 128 poles crossing Beaver Creek at 102 poles to Hickory & walnut standing in the edge of the Barrens thence with the Barrens S 79 ° W 148 poles thence North 73 ° West 210 poles thence North 70 ° West 127 poles to two Sycammores and hack berry on Beaver Creek in the edge of the Barrens thence south 186 poles to Shepherd North west corner a red [oak] poplar and hickory thence east with John Mosby Shepherds line 400 poles to the beginning which was entered surveyed & pattented in the name of Levi Hollingsworth it being within the District set apart for the officers and soldiers of Virginia state line together with all and singular the premises thereunto belonging or in any wise appertaining to have & to hold
page 211 the land hereby conveyed with the appurtenances unto the sd George Douglass his heirs and and assigns forever and the sd Levi Hollingsworth for himself his heirs executors and administrators the afsd tract of land and premises unto the sd George Douglass his heirs or assigns against the claim or claims and every person or persons whatsoever doth and will warrant and forever defend by these presents In Witness whereof the sd Levi Hollingsworth by Thomas Bedley his attorney in fact duly authorized by power of attorney recorded in the clerks office of the Court of appeals hath hereunto set his hand and seal the day and date first above written. Levi Hollingsworth (seal) By Thomas Badly his Attorney in fact
Acknowledged in presents of Wm Todd
State of Kentucky Lexington District (to wit) as Deputy Clerk of he Court for the District aforesaid I do hereby certify that this indenture was this day acknowledged before me by Thomas Bradley as attorney in fact for Levi Hollingsworth party thereto and that a true copy thereof is entered on record in my office Given under my hand this 24th day of February 1802 Wm Todd Dc[S.D.C]
Barren County (to wit) September the 10th 1808 This Indenture form Levi Hollingsworth by his atty Thomas Bradley to George Douglass with the certificate thereon endorsed was proved to me in my office and at the request of the sd George Douglass was admitted to record [?} Test W Logan Clk
To try and understand what this parcel of land looked like, I plotted it in my Deed Mapper software.
Since Levi Hollingsworth was an original land owner, I was able to locate the survey and associated documents on the Kentucky Secretary of State Virginia and Old Kentucky Patent site. Levi Hollingsworth had an Old Kentucky patent – certificate number 1893. The 1785 survey of Levi Hollingsworth’s land looks very similar to the plot view from Deed Mapper.
In 1815, George Douglass sold 200 acres of this land to Joseph Neville.
Barren County Kentucky Deeds, 1798-1902, 1961; indexes, 1798-1935
Vols D-E 1813-1818 Film 209721 DGS 7896473
Image 222 start of Volume E
1815 Douglass Geo to Joseph Nevill book E page 52 200 A Beaver Cr
Image 263 Volume E Page 52
This Indenture made this twenty third day of August one thousand eight hundred and fifteen between George Douglass of the County of Barren & State of Kentucky of the one part and Joseph Neville of the County & State aforesaid Witnesseth that the said George Douglass for and in consideration of the sum of eight hundred and twenty dollars to him in hand paid the receipt whereof he doth hereby acknowledged doth bargain sell alien and convey unto the said Joseph Neville his heirs or assigns a certain tract or parcel of land lying & being in the county of Barren & State of Kentucky on the sinks of Beaver Creek which was entered and surveyed in the name of Levi Hollandsworth containing two hund red acres tot he same more or less and bounded as followeth (to wit) Beginning at a red oak hickory and poplar corner
page 53
to a 1000 acre survey of John Mosby Shepherd and runneth thence north fortynine degrees west twentynine poles to a Chestnut and hickory thence North forty five East one hundred and twenty eight poles to a hickory & walnut standing in the edge of the Beavers thence South seventy nine West one hundred & forty eight poles; thence North Seventy three West one hundred and fifty seven poles to a gum & two Spanish oaks thence South sixteen West seventy eight poles to a Black oak; thence North eighty eight degrees west one hundred and fifty poles to three black walnuts thence South sixty two poles to a red oak poplar & hickory thence East four hundred poles to the beginning. to have and to hold the said tract or parcel of land with the appurtenances unto the said Joseph Nevill his heirs or assignees forever from me my heirs #c & from the claim of all & every other person or persons whatsoever shall forever warrant and in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal the day and date above written. George Douglass (seal) Signed sealed & Delivered in presence of Teste Rougherty Sherod Bybee
Barren County Sct October the 7th 1815 This Indenture of bargain and sale from George Douglass to Joseph Nevill was on the day of the date hereof acknowledged before me by the said Douglass to be his act and deed and there upon the same was admited to record in my office Teste T W Davis DCl
Below is a plot of the 200 acres (in pink) over the tope of the original 300 acre plot.
The final 100 acres of this piece of land was sold by Samuel Douglass in1829 to Thomas Br[oa]dy. This deed is on page 390 of volume L of Barren County Deeds (FamilySearch digitized microfilm)
While these deeds do not show any connection between the Douglass family and either Crawford family, they do place George Douglass in Barren County, Kentucky where James and Martha also owned land. The Crawford land was on Marrowbone Creek. At this time, I have no idea whether the Douglass land was close to the Crawford land or whether several hills and valleys separated the two pieces of land.
Would you consider yourself a ‘straight-line’ researcher or a ‘branching out’ researcher. In other words do you only research ancestors or do you branch out and research their siblings. I have to admit to being a ‘branching out’ researcher along with a multiple shrubs researcher.
As I’ve been going back thru my research, I recently realized that I haven’t reviewed my research for my ancestors half brothers, William and Henry Duggins. Since I recently discovered that William received patents for land in Warren county, Indiana where my ancestor, Nelson Crawford also patented land, I decided that I need to review my research for William and do some more digging into his life.
A search of the Bureau of Land Management records reveals that William Duggins received two patents for land in Warren County, Indiana. The first is certificate No. 35937 dated 1 July 1852.
The United States of America Certificate No. 35937
To all to whom these presents shall come, Greetings: Whereas William A. Duggins, of Preble County, Ohio has deposited in the General Land Office of the United States, a Certificate of the Register of the Land Office at Crawfordsville, whereby it appears that full payment has been madd by the said William A Duggins according to the provisions of the Act of Congress of the 24th of April, 1820 entitled “An act making further provision for the sale of the Public Lands,” for
The West half of the South East quarter and the East half of the South West quarter and the North East quarter of the south east quarter and the North West quarter of the South West quarter of section thirty in town- ship twenty three, north of range nine west, in the District of lands subject to sale at Crawfordsville, Indiana, containing two hundred and thirty six acres, and ninety four hundredths of an acre
according to the official plat of the survey of the said Lands, returned to the general Land Office by the Surveyor General, which said tracts have been purchased by said William A. Duggins
Now know ye, that the United States of America, in consideration of the premises, and in conformity with the several acts of Congress, in such case made and provided, Have given and Granted, and by these presents Do Give and grant, unto the said William A. Duggins and to his heirs, the said tracts above described: to have and to hold the same, together with all the rights, privileges, immunities, and appurtenances of whatsoever nature, thereunto belonging, unto the said William A. Duggins, and to his heirs and assigns forever,
In testimony Whereof, I Millard Fillmore President of the United States of American, have caused these Letters to be made Patent, and the seal of the General Land Office to be hereunto affixed. Given under my hand, at the City of Washington, the first day of July, in the Year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty two, and of the Independence of the United States the Seventy Sixth By the President: Millard Fillmore By Alex. McCormick Apt Sec’y E. S. Terry, Recorder of the General Land Office
U.S. General Land Office Records, 1776-2015, William A Duggins, 1 July 1852; database with images, Ancestry.com (: viewed online 11 February 2022). Original Source: U.S. Bureau of Land Management, General Land Office Records.
The second patent was for certificate Number 36087 dated 1 August 1853.
The United States of America
Certificate No. 36087
To all to whom these presents shall come, Greeting: Whereas William A Duggins of Preble County Ohio has deposited in the General Land Office of the United States, a Certificate of the Register of the Land office at Crawfordsville whereby it appears that full payment has been amde by the said William A. Duggins according to the provisions of the Act of Congress of the 24th of April, 1820 entitled “An act making further provision for the sale of the Public Lands,” for
the South East quarter of the South East quarter and the South West quarter of the South West quarter of section Thirty, in Township Twenty Three North of Range Nine West int he District of Lands Subject to sale at Crawfordsville Indiana containing twenty six acres and ninety four hundredths of an acre
according to the official plat of the survey of said Lands, returned to the General Land Office by the Surveyor General, which said tract has been purchased by the said William A. Duggins Now Know ye, that the United States of America, in consideration of the Premises, and in conformity with the several acts of Congress, in such case made and provided, Have given and granted, and by these presents Do give and Grant, unto the said William A. Duggins and to his heirs, the said tract above described: to have and to hold the same, together with all the rights, privileges, immunities, and appurtenances of whatsoever nature, thereunto belonging, unto the said William A. Duggins
and to his heirs and assigns forever
In testimony whereof, I, Franklin Pierce President of the United States of America, have caused these Letters be made patent, and the Seal of the General Land Office to be hereunto affixed Given under my hand, at the City of Washington, the first day of August, in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty third and of the Independence of the United States the Seventy eighth By the President, Franklin Pierce By Jno H Wheeler Apt Sec’y J H Granger Recorder of the General Land Office
U.S. General Land Office Records, 1776-2015, William A. Duggins, 1 August 1853; database with images, Ancestry.com (: viewed online 11 February 2022). Original Source: U.S. Bureau of Land Management, General Land Office Records.
A search of the ‘First Landowner’s’ database on the History.Geo website for Duggins in township 23N of range 9W reveals that William A. Duggins was the first land owner of the south half of section 30 of T23N R9W in Warren county, Indiana
This map shows that William Duggins’ land in section 30 is just south of land his half brother, Nelson Crawford, owned in section 19. Seeing them as neighbors in Warren County, Indiana reinforces the idea that I need to expand my knowledge of William Duggins and his family.
Recently, Judy Russell shared the blog post, The Source of the Source, where she encouraged readers to Always go for the original. As I was reviewing my sourcing for Moses J. Lincoln, son-in-law of James and Martha Crawford, I encountered different dates for land entrys.
At the time I did my original research, I was using the book, Crawfordsville Indiana Land Entries, 1820-1830, that was compiled by Janet C. Cowen. I photocopied the pages for the Crawford and Foster surnames but took handwritten notes for Moses Lincoln and other sons-in-law of James and Martha Crawford.
I had used these handwritten notes and the recorded dates to create ‘land entry’ facts for Moses Lincoln. Knowing that the images of these patents were readily available online and that I should seek out these original sources, I located and downloaded the patent images.
That’s when I discovered two things:
There was a 5th patent that I did not have written down in my notes
The dates on the patents had been crossed out and a different date written in.
If I hadn’t looked for the images of the patents, I doubt I would have found that 5th patent for 160 acres of land. Thanks Judy Russell for the reminder to always go for the original!
#4695
Certificate No. 4695
The United States of America To all to whom these presents shall come, Greeting Whereas, Moses J. Lincoln of Preble County, Ohio has deposited in the General Land Office of the United States, a certificate of the Register of the Land Office at Crawfordsville whereby it appears that full payment has been made by the said Moses J Lincoln according to the provisions of the Act of Congress of the 24th of April 1820, entitled u8220An act making further provisions for the sale of the Public Lands,u8221 for
the East half of the South West quarter of Section Nine, in Township Nineteen North of Range Three West in the district of lands offered for sale at Crawfordsville, Indiana, containing eighty acres
according tot he official plat of the survey of th said Lands, returned to the General Land Office by the Surveyor General, which said tract has been pur- chased by the said Moses J. Lincoln Now Know Ye, that the United States of American, in consideration of the premises, and in conformity with the several acts of Congress, in such case made and provided, have Given and Granted, and by these presents, do give and grant, unto the said Moses J Lincoln and to his heirs the said tract above described: To have and to hold the same, together with all the rights, privileges, immunities and appur- tenances, of whatsoever nature thereto belonging, unto the said Moses J Lincoln and to his heirs and assigns forever.
In testimony whereof, I, John Quincy Adams President of the United States of America, have caused these letters to be made Patent, and the seal of the General Land Office to be hereunto affixed.
Given under my hand, at the city of Washington, the tenth day of January, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and twenty seven and of the Independence of the United States the fifty first
By the President J. Q. A.
G. G. Commissioner of the General Land Office
U.S. General Land Office Records, 1776-2015, Moses J Lincoln, 10 January 1827; database with images, Ancestry.com (: viewed online 6 February 2022). Original Source: U.S. Bureau of Land Management, General Land Office Records.
#8241
Certificate No. 8241
The United States of America To all to whom these presents shall come, Greeting: Whereas, Moses J. Lincoln, of Preble County, Ohio has deposited in the General Land Office of the United States, a certificate of the Register of the Land Office at Crawfordsville whereby it appears that full payment has been made by the said Moses J Lincoln, according to the provisions of the act of Congress of the 24th of April 1820, entitled “An act making further provision for the sale of the Public Lands,”
the North West quarter of section twenty one in Township twenty-one North of Range eight West in the district of lands offered for sale at Crawfordsville, Indiana containing one hundred and sixty acres,
according to the official plat of the survey of the said Lands, returned to the General Land Office by the Surveyor General, which said tract has been pur- chased by the said Moses J Lincoln Now know ye, that the United States of America, in consideration of the premises, and in conformity with the several acts of Congress, in such case made and provided, have given and granted, and by these presents, do give and grant, unto the said Moses J Lincoln and to his heirs, the said tract above described: to have and to hold the same, together with all the rights, privileges, immunities and appurtenances, of whatsoever nature thereunto belonging, unto the said Moses J Lincoln and to his heirs and assigns forever. In testimony, whereof I, Andrew Jackson, President of the United States of America, have caused these Letters to be made Patent, and the seal of the General Land Office to be hereunto affixed.
Given under my hand, at the City of Washington, the first day of November in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and thirty and of the Independence of the United States the fifty-fifth.
A. J. By the President
E. H. Commissioner of the General Land Office
U.S. General Land Office Records, 1776-2015, Moses J Lincoln #8241, 1 November 1830; database with images, Ancestry.com (: viewed online 6 February 2022). Original Source: U.S. Bureau of Land Management, General Land Office Records.
#8455
Certificate No. 8455
The United States of America To all to whom these presents shall come, Greeting:
Whereas, Moses J. Lincoln of Preble county, Ohio, has deposited in the General Land Office of the United States, a certificate of the Register of the Land Office at Crawfordsville, whereby it appears that full payment has been made by the said Moses J. Lincoln according to the provisions of the act of Congress of the 24th of April 1820, entitled u8220An act making further provisions for the sale of the Public Lands,u8221 for
the East half of the North West quarter of Section thirty, in Township twenty-one North of Range eight West in the district of lands offered for sale at Crawfordsville, Indiana, containing eighty acres according to the official plat of the survey of the said Lands, returned to the General Land Office by the Surveyor General, which said tract has been pur- chased by the said Moses J Lincoln
Now Know Ye, that the United States of America, in consideration of the premises, and in conformity with the several acts of Congress, in such case made and provided, have given and granted, and, by these presents, do give and grant, unto the said Moses J. Lincoln and to his heirs and assigns forever In testimony whereof, I, Andrew Jackson, President of the United States of America, have caused these Letters to be made Patent, and the seal of the General Land Office to be hereunto affixed. Given under my hand, at the city of Washington, the first day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty and of the independence of the United States the fifty fifth A. J. By the President E. H. G. G. Commissioner of the General Land Office
U.S. General Land Office Records, 1776-2015, Moses J Lincoln #8455, 1 November 1830; database with images, Ancestry.com (: viewed online 6 February 2022). Original Source: U.S. Bureau of Land Management, General Land Office Records.
#8514
Certificate 8514
The United States of America To all to whom these presents shall come, Greeting: Whereas, Moses J. Lincoln, of Preble County, Ohio has deposited in the General Land Office of the United States, a certificate of the Register of the Land Office at Crawfordsville whereby it appears that full payment has been made by the said Moses J Lincoln, according to the provisions of the act of Congress of the 24th of April 1820, entitled “An act making further provision for the sale of the Public Lands,” for
the West half of the North West quarter of section nine in township twenty-one North of Range Eight, West in the district of lands offered for sale at Crawfordsville, Indiana containing eighty acres
according to the official plat of the survey of the said Lands, returned to the General Land Office by the Surveyor General, which said tract has been pur- chased by the said Moses J Lincoln Now know ye, that the United States of America, in consideration of the premises, and in conformity with the several acts of Congress, in such case made and provided, have given and granted, and by these presents, do give and grant, unto the said Moses J Lincoln and to his heirs, the said tract above described: to have and to hold the same, together with all the rights, privileges, immunities and appurtenances, of whatsoever nature thereunto belonging, unto the said Moses J Lincoln and to his heirs and assigns forever. In testimony, whereof I, Andrew Jackson, President of the United States of America, have caused these Letters to be made Patent, and the seal of the General Land Office to be hereunto affixed.
Given under my hand, at the City of Washington, the first day of November in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and thirty and of the Independence of the United States the fifty-fifth.
A. J. By the President
U.S. General Land Office Records, 1776-2015, Moses J Lincoln #8514, 1 November 1830; database with images, Ancestry.com (: viewed online 6 February 2022). Original Source: U.S. Bureau of Land Management, General Land Office Records.
#12865
Certificate 12865
The United States of America To all to whom these presents shall come, Greeting: Whereas, Moses J. Lincoln, of Warren County, Indiana has deposited in the General Land Office of the United States, a cetificate of the Register of the Land Office at Crawfordsville whereby it appears that full payment has been made by the said Moses J Lincoln, according to the provisions of the act of Congress of the 24th of April 1820, entitled “An act making further provision for the sale of the Public Lands,” for
the East half of the South East quarter of Section seventeen in township twenty-one North of Range eight West, in the district of land subject to sale at Crawfordsville, Indiana containing eighty acres
according to the official plat of the survey of the said Lands, returned to the General Land Office by the Surveyor General, which said tract has been pur- chased by the said Moses J Lincoln Now know ye, that the United States of America, in consideration of the premises, and in conformity with the several acts of Congress, in such case made and provided, have given and granted, and by these presents, do give and grant, unto the said Moses J Lincoln and to his heirs, the said tract above described: to have and to hold the same, together with all the rights, privileges, immunities and appurtenances, of whatsoever nature thereunto belonging, unto the said Moses J Lincoln and to his heirs and assigns forever. In testimony, whereof I, Andrew Jackson, President of the United States of America, have caused these Letters to be made Patent, and the seal of the General Land Office to be hereunto affixed.
Given under my hand, at the City of Washington, the third day of February in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and thirty one and of the Independence of the United States the fifty-sixth.
A. J. By the President
Commissioner of the General Land Office
U.S. General Land Office Records, 1776-2015, Moses J Lincoln #12865, 3 February 1831; database with images, Ancestry.com (: viewed online 6 February 2022). Original Source: U.S. Bureau of Land Management, General Land Office Records.
Deed Records V. 25, 1865-1874 (tax deeds) Deed records, v.26-27, 1866-1869 FS Film 1977156 DGS 8071885
Book 26 Page 248
This Indenture made this 30th day of April A.D. 1867 Witnesseth that Danl. H Twomey a commissioner by Order of the Warren Circuit Court in and for the County of Warren and State of Indiana in the Case of Martha Crawford against William Jones. Martha S. Jones his wife Jacob Held. Amanda J. Held his wife Henry Held and Nancy Held his wife entered in Order book ‘No 8’ on page 434 conveys to Martha Crawford of Warren County in the State of Indiana in Consideration of Nine Hundred Dollars by her paid to William Jones above named and a further consideration of One Dollar to me paid the following described Real Estate to wit
Lot number one hundred and sixty one (161) in the 2nd continuation West addition to the town of Williamsprot also the following described land to wit. Beginning at the North East corner of the above described lot no. 161 thence North 23 degrees 30 minutes East twelve rods thence North 66 degrees 30 minutes west twenty rods thence South 23 degrees 30 minutes west ten rods to the north west corner of Said lot thence South 61 degrees East twenty and seven tenths rodes ( 20 7/10 rods) to the place of beginning containing one acre and sixty (60) poles more or less being a part of the East half of the North East quarter of Section Eleven in Township Twenty one (21) Range eight (8) west
In witness whereof the said Danl H. Twomey commissioner as aforesaid has herunto set his hand and seal the day and year first above written. Danl. H. Twomey Commissioner State of Indiana County of Warren Before me William C Smith Clerk of the Warren Circuit Court in and for said county this 30th day of April A.D. 1867 came Danl. H Twomey commissioner above named and as such commissioner acknowledged the execution of the annexed deed witness my hand and seal of said court William C. Smith Clerk Examined approved and confirmed by me this 2nd day of May AD 1867 Jna Cowan Judge W.C. Court I certify that the deed of which the above and foregoing is a true copy was duly stamped as provided by act of Congress Recorded June 14th 1867
IN 1859, Nelson Crawford and his wife Martha sold 80 acres of land to Mary Briggs and her husband Elisha Briggs for $1000.
Warren County, Indiana Deed Records, 1827-1901
Volume 20 page 476 Film 1977058 DGS 8071883
By this deed Nelson G Crawford & Martha Crawford his wife of Warren County in the State of Indiana convey and warrant to Mary Elizabeth Briggs and Elisha V Briggs of Warren County in the state of Indiana for the sum of one thousand dollars the following real estate in Warren County in the state of Indiana to wit The East half of the North west quarter of Section twenty four (24) in Township twenty two (22) North of range Ten (10) West containing eighty acres more or less. In witness whereof the said Nelson G Crawford and Martha Crawford his wife have hereunto set their hands and seals this 19th day of October A D 1859 Nelson G Crawford (seal) Martha Crawford (seal) The State of Indiana Warren County sct Before me John B Wright Recorder of Deeds in and for said County came Nelson G Crawford and Martha Crawford his wife and acknowledged the execution of the foregoing deed Witness my hand and official seal this 19th day of October 1859 John B wright Recorder W Co Ind Recorded July 30 1862 William H Thomas R W Co Ia
In 1857, Nelson Crawford sold 313 acres to Harrison Goodwine.
Warren County Indiana Deed Records, 1827-1901
Volume 18 page 520 Film #1977057 DGS 8071882
This Indenture witnesseth that Nelson G Crawford and Martha Crawford in consideration of thirty one hundred & thirty dollars by them paid by Harrison Goodwine the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged do hereby grant bargain sell and convey to the said Harrison Goodwine his heirs and assigns forever the following real estate in Warren County and State of Indiana and described as follows to wit, and being all of the South half of Section No 30 thirty in Township No 23 twenty three N of Range No 9 Nine West, containing 313 three hundred and thirteen acres of land more or less together with all the privileges and appurtenances to the same bel onging to have and to hold the same to the said Harrison Goodwine his heirs and assigns forever. The grantors their heirs and assignees hereby covenanting with the grantee his heirs and assigns that the title so conveyed is clear free and unincumbered that they are lawfully seized of the premises aforesaid as of a sure and indefeas ible estate of inheritance in fe simple and that they will warrant and defend the same against all claims whatsoever. In witness whereof the said Nelson G Crawford and Martha Crawford have hereunto set their hands and seals this 3d day of July 1857. Nelson G Crawford (seal) Martha Crawford (seal) State of Indiana Warren County, SS Personally appeared before me the subscribed John B Wright Recorder in and for said county Nelson G Crawford and Martha Crawford his wife the grantors in the above conveyance and acknowledged the same to be their voluntary act and deed Witness my hand and official seal this 3d day of July 1857 John B. Wright, Recorder Recorded June 23d 1859 John B. Wright, Recorder W Co Ind By Henry U Wright, Dep
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