Establishing a complete ‘chain of title’ in historical property research may hinge upon finding deeds that were never recorded at the Courthouse or recorded much later in time. Eighteenth and nineteenth century deeds were drawn up on large pieces of parchment known as an indenture. Deeds were brought to the Courthouse and copied by clerks in large docket books typically within a few weeks after being drawn up. After the recording fees were paid the original deed was returned to the grantee or buyer. Due to hardships of traveling to the Courthouse some deeds were never recorded or were recorded over a century after they were originally drawn up. Researchers should search regular deeds and indexes through the Lancaster County Recorder of Deeds.
Search Tip: Some unrecorded deeds were recorded later but remain with this collection. Unrecorded Deeds with a date provided in the recorded column can be viewed through the Recorder of Deeds.
Lancaster County Unrecorded Deed Index (Grantor and Grantee)
Unrecorded Deed Index Grantee
Unrecorded Deed Index Grantor