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Archiver > CATAWBA-WEST > 1998-09 > 0906091833


From: Lorena Eaker< >
Subject: Clues from Deed witnesses?
Date: Fri, 18 Sep 1998 00:10:33 -0400


Reiley:
If you believe that I sure have some beachfront property in the
Sahara Desert to sell you..... I've ALWAYS warned my students in my
genealogy classes to stear clear of the words ALWAYS and NEVER when it
concerns genealogy. If you don't you will be chasing moonbeams all over the
place. Now that doesn't mean things are not possibilites, but to pursue them
as fact can certainly lead you on wild goose chases. Naming patterns
is another dangerous ground to tread on. If you don't believe me just pay
close attention to the sponsers of the children's baptisims. compare that
with other facts and then you will see how far fetched it is. That doesn't
mean that children will not be named for grandparents, but it does mean that
they aren't ALWAYS in the order that some would have you to believe.

Just a word of caution,
Lorena

In the most recent issue of the Carolina Herald and Newsletter, the
publication of the SC Genealogical Society, was this note:

Clues from the Names of Deed Witnesses
The following is from a Minnesota Genealogical Newsletter. "In the lower left
corner of most old deeds you will find (the signatures of ) two to four
witnesses. The first one is always from the husband's side, the next two from
the wife's side. That is to protect her one-half dower rights under the law -
Nothing you will ever use will give greater clues to maiden names."

I'm curious if this has been the experience of others? Looking for validation
here.
Thanks,
Reiley Kidd

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