Orange County, N.C. - Lost Deed Records (1752-1769)

The early deed books(from the founding of the county in 1752) were buried in the ground (supposedly) to protect them from the British Army, which uses the County Seat as their headquarters Feb. 1781. These soiled books were damaged beyond repair, therefore Orange County will lose their deed records - forever. However, the court minutes contained the proving of these land transactions, which provides the date, grantee (buyer), grantor (seller), and witness, along with acreage and sometimes town lot description. This book contains alphabetical sorted lists (names - Last, First) for each category (Grantee, grantor, witness). There are sorted grants as well (Granville and McCulloh). Finally, there are other tables for town lots, specific deed research etc. If you work in Colonial Orange County land records - this book is required.