Books by Jane Kizer Thomas

Although Tennessee was given statehood in 1796, certain subsequent developments delayed finalization of land grants, and most landholders in Blount County did not receive clear title to their lands until 1806. On February 7, 1807, the Commissioners of Blount County, Tennessee, ordered that the register's book of deeds be transcribed into a larger and more complete book. Over a period of years, ending August 31, 1878, other deed books were transcribed into the same book, which was then designated 'Book 1.' As a convenience for the reader, each deed is numbered. Numbers in parentheses indicate the page number of Book 1 on which the deed is found. The first date shown is the date the deed was written; second is the date of registration. Then follows the amount or type of consideration paid, description of the property, and signatures of the seller and witnesses. Signatures made by a 'mark' are indicated '(X).' Date of acknowledgment before the court is not shown unless it was deemed to have some genealogical significance. A full-name index adds to the value of this work.

In the mid-1800s, Blount County officials found the deed books of the county in a state of deterioration and they voted to have the books copied into new ledgers. After being copied, the original books were destroyed. Each deed contains the date the deed was written; the consideration for which the property was conveyed; a description of the property including location and adjoining property owners, when known; names of witnesses; and date of registration by county clerk. The deeds of this period reflect the hard circumstances in the early 1820s following the Panic of 1819. A surname index adds to the value of this work.