District of Columbia, Wills and Deeds - FamilySearch Historical Records

What is in This Collection?
This collection contains an index and images of wills and deeds. The index records were created by robokeying.

Image Visibility
Whenever possible, FamilySearch makes images available for all users. However, rights to view images on our website are granted by the record custodians. These images can be viewed at the Family History Library or a Family History Center near you. For additional information about image restrictions, please see the Restrictions for Viewing Images in FamilySearch Historical Record Collections page.

What Can These Records Tell Me?
The record lists the names of the individuals who received a deed and from whom the deed was received and the year the transaction took place. Bills of sale, covenants, agreements, certificates and mortgages are also listed.

How Do I Search This Collection?
Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:
 * The name of your ancestor
 * Approximate year transaction took place

View the Images (Only for Fakey Browse Collections with a DFNL page)
To view images in this collection: Add this template below after “Search the Index” or “View the Images” headers:
 * 1) Look at the [DFNL URL Link Text] article to determine the folder/film number for the images you want to see
 * 2) Go to the Browse Page
 * 3) Select the Film number to view the images

Longer coding is used when the link is to a catalog record that lists references to multiple catalog records:

How Do I Analyze the Results?
Compare each result from your search with what you know to determine if there is a match. This may require viewing multiple records or images. Keep track of your research in a research log.

What Do I Do Next?
When you have located your ancestor’s will or deed, carefully evaluate each piece of information given. These pieces of information may give you new details that can lead you to other records about your ancestors. Add this new information to your records of each family.

I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now?

 * Look at an image of the original record, if possible. The original may contain additional information
 * Collect entries for every person who has the same surname, unless the surname is a common surname. This list can help you identify possible relatives that can be verified by records

I Can’t Find the Person I’m Looking For, What Now?

 * Try viewing any original indexes to see if there were errors in the transcription of the name, age, residence, etc.
 * Remember that there may be more than one person in the records with the same name
 * Remember that sometimes individuals went by nicknames, middles name, or an abbreviation of their given name

Research Helps
The following articles will help you in your research for your family in the state of District of Columbia.
 * District of Columbia Guided Research
 * District of Columbia Record Finder
 * Research Tips and Strategies
 * Step-by-Step Research

Citing This Collection
Citations help you keep track of places you have searched and sources you have found. Identifying your sources helps others find the records you used.

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