Unless the deed/land reference specifies "crossing" a creek or watercourse, there is some uncertainty as to the exact proximity TO the watercourse. Old deeds (not so in TN since about 1900) frequently mention "on the headwaters of ______ Creek". After much frustration, I concluded they just meant the rainwater from that land flowed to the _____ Creek. (I tried plotting several deed descriptions on a map, but could never get to the _____ Creek.) So don't think the land was ON the creek unless "crossing" the creek; or "to the banks of the creek" are specifically mentioned--it might be miles away! Cleo [at the headwaters (on my family farm) of the South Fork or Little McAdoo Creek, and on the Cumberland River (6 miles away)].