Ask a Genealogist

 Question: I found out recently on a deed from 1820 that my 3rd great-grandfather was a Truckman.  What would this be for an occupation in the 18th century?  

Answer: A truckman would sell his goods and wares from a truck or cart.  This was usually done in the local market place.  Also Truckman were also used to move the belongings of others for hire.

Question: When I visited at NEHGS I noticed you had Norfolk County, Massachusetts probate recprds.  However I am looking for 19th and early 20th century deeds.  Do I need to go to the court house or order them from the Family History Library?     

Answer: You can do either of those two options.  However, I would recommend you visit the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds online.  They have deeds and index page images since 1793 well into the late 20th century.  You can begin your search online here: http://www.norfolkresearch.org/ALIS/WW400R.HTM

Question: Can you tell me the easiest way to search for New Brunswick land that was assigned by the British Crown in the 19th century?

Answer: I would suggest you start with the index of New Brunswick Land Grants which is available online from the New Brunswick Provincial Archives.  You can search the Land Grants covering the period of 1784-1997, covering over 54,000 records.

To begin your search go online to:

http://archives.gnb.ca/APPS/GovRecs/RS686/Default.aspx?culture=en-CA

Question: I am just starting researching 1700's deeds.  Can you explain what the distance of a link, pole, chain, and furlong are?

Answer:  (1) Link = 7.92 inches; (1) Pole = 25 Links; (1) Chain = 100 Links, or (4) poles, or 66 Feet.  One Furlong = (10) Chains, and one mile = 80 Chains in length.