Introduction to the Index of Deed Books 1-10 (1870-1880)
Compiled by Gary Wiggins
Like earlier indexes to Monroe County deed books, the current index is in two parts, an index for
grantors (sellers) and one for grantees (buyers). There are 5,191 entries in books 1-10. Although the
period of coverage indicated on the spines of the deed books is 1870-1880, there are actually 396
transactions that precede 1870. These resulted from the registration of older land transactions, which
was often done only at the time the property was to be sold.
Names are entered in the manner found in the books, which sometimes results in variant spelling for the
same person, e.g.,
Boltinghouse vs. Boultinghouse
Christenberry vs. Christenbery
Bengaman vs. Benjamin.
The original spellings were retained if there is little possibility of mistaking the person, e.g., Emly Butcher
instead of Emilia Butcher or Paulina Woodward vs. Paulein Woodward.
Rarely a second form of the name is included in parentheses if it is clear from other entries that the
name was misspelled: Shieks, (Sheeks) George & Julia S. (wife) (Lawrence Co., IN).
The city, county, and state of residence is included if the grantor or grantee was not a resident of
Monroe County.
All members of the Buskirk/Van Buskirk family are listed only under Buskirk (65 entries). No instance
was found where the “Van” portion of the name was actually spelled out. It was always indicated as an
abbreviation.
Indications of relationships are included in the entries whenever they were found. For example,
Nancy Burton, widow of John W. Burton
Gordon, Nancy J. (formerly, Nancy J. Curry)
Iona Ashbaugh (only child of Thomas Burton Ashbaugh).
In most cases there are indications of marital status and the designation “wife” or “husband” is included
wherever it is found. The first names for husband and wife are joined by an ampersand (&) without
repeating the surname, whereas cases where the relationship is not clear are joined by the word “and”
and the surname is repeated.
Corporate entries may be found in some entries, e.g.,
Bloomington, Board of Trustees
Board of Trustees, Wabash and Erie Canal, Charles Butler, W. R. Nofsinger, Thomas Dowling
United States.
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