13 March 2013

Spreading the Facts

Affidavits in land records can provide all sorts of family details, particularly because the statements are often free form.

This is the end of a wonderful affidavit made out by James Edward Rampley in 1942. At the end of it, the typist has included the phrase:

"...in order that the above facts may be spread upon the records."
Hancock County, Illinois, Mortgage Book 126, page 455.

A funny way to say "have a copy at the courthouse."

The entire affidavit contains great family history information and will be featured in an upcoming issue of Casefile Clues.