Dating Deeds and Deed Dates

There may be several dates associated with the land record for your ancestor. Make certain you understand which is which and how they fit together:

• Date of execution--the date the deed is signed.
• Date of acknowledgement--the date the deed is acknowledged--usually in open court.
• Date of recording--the date the deed is recorded.

Significant gaps may indicate something--or may just indicate your ancestor took a while to get things done. In some cases, there may not be a date of acknowledgement.