Direct-Line software is focued on software (Deed Mapper) for platting out land, etc and has interesting references and info on land, transfers, terms, definitions, what it all means, etc. It's certainly helpful to understand the entire system, as well as the lingo of the day before platting land. http://www.ultranet.com/~deeds/landref.htm As far as I have always understood it from NC reference books, the chain carriers were not necessarily related, it was a possition of responsibility and an oath had to be taken to be a chain carrier. I'm sure the site above will edify those who are interested.