Intro To Prop Index

February, 2018

The Proprietor Records are compiled into two major volumes. Because each volume begins independently with Page 1, separate indexes are provided for each. Due to large file sizes, each volume is divided into smaller downloadable sections designated as part of Volume A or Volume B, corresponding directly to its respective index.

The Proprietor Records cover historical land surveys dating from 1710 to 1837.

• Homestead Designation: The "H" column marks a verified homestead. In early records, most landholders possessed multiple tracts; this column distinguishes their primary place of residence from secondary parcels held for business, farming, or investment. Homesteads are only noted when explicitly stated in the original record.
• Geographical Descriptors: Descriptor 1 and Descriptor 2 columns provide secondary geographical context to help identify the location or characteristics of the property. Specific proper names (such as an exact river) are used whenever available in the manuscript rather than generic terms like "Flat."
• Duplicate & Shared Entries: Duplicate entries for a name represent multiple separate tracts surveyed on that single page. Multiple names on an entry reflect shared or joint land ownership.
• Consistent Spelling: Historical spelling varies substantially across eras and scribes. For search consistency, names and locations have been standardized to single uniform spellings throughout these indexes.
• Corrections & Feedback: If you identify a transcription error, can resolve words marked with a question mark (?), or spot any other discrepancy, please use the form link next to the indexes to submit corrections.

This release establishes the baseline index. Future revisions and additions will be published with updated revision dates, and all new changes will appear in red.