Platting Services
Ancestral Analysis offers superimposition of plats on topographical and aerial maps. Both State-land states (metes and bounds) and Federal-land states (township, section, range) may be platted. When a neighborhood cluster of allied and colateral families is displayed on a topographical map, it not only gives us the visual means to understand the relationship between these families, but also literally shows us the route to our ancestor's homestead.
Two examples are presented here. On the Vermilion County, Illinois map Hester Gerard is found living near Joseph Adamson, the son-in-law of James Knight, our subject. While the map shows the location of all the allied families living near James Knight—oral tradition and the use of land records and platting led to the discovery of a previously unknown migratory path of the Knight family through Indiana with Jesse and Hester Gerard..
In the Burnet County, Texas plats the system of metes and bounds is demonstrated. Isaac Kirk can be seen dividing his property among his children in his later years. The original homestead, purchased in 1875 is modified by the sale of 60 acres in 1884 to James Savage, his son-in-law. A parcel south of the Russell Branch of the San Gabriel was sold to Isaac's son, William in 1885. The sale by James Savage to another son, Felix, is recorded in 1895, along with another sale by Isaac to his son, Josephus. A final sale of 53.25 acres is recorded in 1897 to Isaac's seventh child, Ocie. In 1898, Felix was given the remainder of the estate, including the homestead (which can be seen at the bend in County Road 254, north of the creek) in return for the care of Isaac, his wife and sister-in-law. Viewing these plats is almost like having a 'flip' book. As we go from page to page we can see changing ownership of the property within the family. Along with the terms of the deeds, it is easier to determine the relationship of the family members.
This same presentation can be created for any family or neighborhood cluster. The finished product can contain a small number of detailed plats that include the 'calls' or or larger project with multiple plats. Information such as the calls, acreage, date of sale, survey number, etc. can be added depending on how many plats are displayed on a page. Color presentations in letter or tabloid sizes are offered and the files can be transferred in TIFF or PDF formats.