Warrantees of land in the several counties of the state of Pennsylvania

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The lists of warrantees of land in the several counties of the Commonwealth are copied from the original record books in the Land Office of  the Department of Internal Affairs. Only the names of the warrantees with number of acres and dates of warrant are given. They will serve however as a valuable guide to all desiring information from that Department. The orthography of the surnames has not been changed, a literal copy being made with all the errors. Individuals must make the corrections for themselves. It is the duty of the faithful archivist to follow the originals in all cases. It will be seen that the dates of warrants begin with the opening of the Land Office at the time when William Penn’s children arrived at maturity. For a guide in the location of land warrants the Editor appends the organization of counties and those from which formed. It is necessary. For instance it may be stated that Lebanon county was formed in 1813, from a portion of Dauphin, and that Dauphin was formed from a part of Lancaster in 1785; and Lancaster was formed in 1729, from a part of Chester. As these warrants are dated after 1730, prior to 1785, those relating to Dauphin will be found arranged in Lancaster county. For Lebanon, prior to 1785, the record will be found under Lancaster county, and from 1785 to 1813, under Dauphin county. It is necessary, therefore, to observe these points in making any investigation whatsoever.

In volume 1, prior to the lists of Cumberland county, a typographical error may be observed in many instances where a comma is used between the figures instead of a period. For instance, 114 with a comma after and then 64 (114,64), does not mean 114 acres, and also 64 acres, but it means 114 acres and 64 one-hundredths (114.64 acres). The period should supplant the comma.

An important error noticeable is that of “Ex.” and “Exs.,” indiscriminately employed for “Executors” and “Excess.”

Volume 1

Volume 2

Volume 3

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