PACHESTE-L Archives

From: Helen M Crisman< >
Subject: Finding Maiden Names
Date: Sat, 07 Feb 1998 20:23:24 EST

This was forwarded numerous times before it reached me, so cannot quote
the source. Hope it is of value.
Helen Crisman

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Finding Maiden Names

> In the lower left-hand corner of most deeds, you will find signatures
> of two to four witnesses. The first one is always from the husband's
> side. The next one is always from the wife's side. This is to
> protect her 1/3 dower right under the law. Nothing you will ever use
> will give greater clues to maiden names than witnesses to old deeds.
>
> Also, in the 1880s and before it was traditional when the daughter
> married, as part of her dowry, the father either covered the loan or
> carried the note for his son-in-law. If you know the husband's name,
> but not the wife's maiden name and you can find to whom they were
> making mortgage payments, about 70% of the time it was her father.
> -------------------
> Judy Reeves
> Academic Affairs

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This thread:

• Finding Maiden Names by Helen M Crisman< >

  • Finding Maiden Names by Donna Sarchet <>