Bedford County (Va.) Recorded and Unrecorded Deeds, 1751-1925

Access and use

Location of collection:
Library of Virginia
The Library of Virginia
800 East Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Archives Reference Services
Phone: (804) 692-3888

Summary

Creator:
Bedford County (Va.) Circuit Court
Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

Bedford County (Va.) Recorded and Unrecorded Deeds, 1751-1925, consist of deeds of bargain and sale, deeds of gift, mortgages, deeds of trust, and deeds of emancipation both recorded and unrecorded. Recorded deeds were proved and recorded in deed books. Unrecorded deeds were never proved and recorded in deed books. A few of the deeds include plats. Except for a few years early in the eighteenth century, slaves in Virginia were considered personal property and consequently were not usually sold by deed. However, they were often transferred in deeds of gift or were the property listed in mortgages and deeds of trust.

Deeds of bargain and sale are the most commonly recorded deed in which one individual sells property, usually land, but occasionally personal property, to another individual. Such deeds show the names of the grantor and grantee, the residence of both parties, a description of what is being sold, the consideration (or price), the location of the tract of land, the tract's boundaries, and any limitations on the property being sold. The deed was signed by the grantor, and possibly his wife or anyone else having a claim to the property, and by at least two witnesses. Appended to the deed may be a memorandum of livery of seisin, stating that the property has changed hands and that peaceful possession has taken place.

Deeds of gift are often found transferring property, either real or personal, from one individual to another "for love and affection." The degree of kinship, if any, between the grantor and grantee is sometimes stated.

Mortgages and deeds of trust were deeds where one party is indebted to another and transfers or mortgages property to a third party to secure the debt.

Biographical / historical:

Bedford County was probably named for John Russell, fourth duke of Bedford, who, as secretary for state for the southern department from 1748 to 1751, had general supervision of colonial affairs. It was formed from Lunenburg County in 1753. Parts of Albemarle County and an additional part of Lunenburg County were added in 1755.

Acquisition information:
These items came to the Library of Virginia in transfer of court papers from Bedford County.
Arrangement:

Recorded deeds are organized chronologically according to date deeds were recorded in deed books. Unrecorded deeds are organized chonologically by date deeds were written.

Physical location:
Library of Virginia
Physical description:
2.00 cu. ft. (5 boxes)