> I believe that there is a possiblity that adeed might not be filed until > the property is sold outside the family; i.e., if son inherits and then son Scan the property tax book, if one exists ("land book" it's called, in Jefferson Co -- VA before 1863). In that county, they recorded changes in status in a remarks column, so owner is marked as deceased, property is marked as owned by heirs; the form of ownership is noted (in fee, dower, life), allowing you to deduce relationship and inheritance, notations about court cases affecting land &c. Many of these non-deed transfers show up. Even some of my "missing" deeds may be here (I am still sifting my collected data). In other words, an absolute gold mine, tedious but invaluable. The tax man was very thoro. I hope others are so lucky in other parts of Virginia.