MDCHARLE-L Archives

From: "Joan Marie" <>
Subject: TIPS
Date: Thu, 6 Oct 2005 10:29:21 -0700

Maybe you all knew this but I didn't and noticed it in an old issue of "Southern Queries" & thought I would pass it along.

In the lower left hand corner of most deeds are signatures of the witnesses. The first one is always from the husband's side. The next one is always from the wife's side. That is to protect her one-third dower right under the law. (This is a great clue to maiden names if it bears out in all periods and all localities. I am skeptical though!)

In the 1800's and before, it was traditional when the daughter got married, as a part of her dowry her father would either cover the loan or carry the note for his son-in-law. If you know the husband's name but not the wife's maiden name, find out to whom they are making their mortgage payment. About 70% of the time, it will be her father. (But how do you find out who they are making it to?)



Joan Marie in Oregon

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