Charlotte, The phrase " ... lawfully seized in fee of the afore granted premises .. " should read "...lawfully seized in fee SIMPLE of....". This just means that he owned the property outright - no liens etc on it. John

Thank you for your explanation - Just *how* he obtained the right to sell the land is still a mystery .... As stated in my first message - I have absolutely no clue; have found no deed of a land purchase by Chesley from anyone prior to 1872. Charlotte ----- Original Message ----- From: "John Driver" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> << snipped by Charlotte >> > Charlotte, The phrase " ... lawfully seized > in fee of the afore granted premises .. " should read "...lawfully seized in > fee SIMPLE of....". This just means that he owned the property outright - no > liens etc on it.