I'm not sure that the info would have been there at some time. Back then women didn't own much of anything, therefore when they were left a life estate there was no paperwork except the will ---if one existed. When the woman died the land passed to the "rightful" heirs - normally their children, with no paperwork involved. They could wait years before selling the land. If the children inherited the land after her life estate was completed and they didn't sell the land, but passed it to their heirs (either through a will or an intestate action), and they passed to theirs..... you could have a hundred year gap with no documentation showing that the land changed hand. You're best bet might be to see who paid taxes on the land. If you follow the tax list from year to year you "might" find when she stopped paying taxes and her heirs started. That will help in determining the date of death. I'm working on a book for Norfolk County (VA) marriages at the Chesapeake Courthouse and I hear the title searchers comments....some are very frustrated that the tax bill on the land is still in the name of someone who died 20, 30 or 40 years ago. The city doesn't care as long as the taxes are being paid. If you are in debt, why transfer the property (and taxes) to your name --- makes it a target for creditors. Also if you're strapped for cash, why transfer the property and pay the filing fees....no, a piece of paper doesn't necessarily exist that will answer your question. Sharon Gable -----Original Message----- From: ncwake-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:ncwake-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of Joanne Gaudio Sent: Tuesday, February 20, 2007 11:38 AM To: ncwake@rootsweb.com Subject: Re: [NCWAKE] Crabtree Creek in Wake Co. Thanks, Sharon. That's what I was trying to find, and the Archives sent me the info on the lawsuit, which is helpful, but not what I really needed. I'm trying one more time, asking specifically for info on Polly Riley's death and any heir info. It's so frustrating - you know the info had to be there at some time, but trying to find that "needle in the haystack" now is very difficult. I'm not complaining about the Archives, because they've always been a big help to me, but there's a real trick in asking the exactly right question and then hoping the info is still there! Joanne Gaudio ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to NCWAKE-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Thanks, Sharon, although your comments are depressing - and no doubt accurate! I'm resigned to not finding confirmation of what I want since the heirs who were left in NC were also women. Sure makes me glad I live in the good "new" days! Joanne Gaudio