Register of Deeds

Harvey County Register of Deeds – PO Box 687 – Newton, KS  67114

Margaret Hermstein, Register of Deeds, and Lori Tedder, Deputy Register of Deeds, are not only proficient in their knowledge of the records in their office, but understand the importance of these records for genealogical research.  Records in their office provide a goldmine of information for family history research.

1. DEEDS
   • Deeds can list a wife’s maiden name, heirs, relationships, location, time frame, marital status.  In slave states, slave schedules, their descriptions and birth dates, can be found.  Be sure to check notary location and time on deeds, when perchased and sold – it may lead you to other counties or States.
   • Exec Deeds sometimes list children (or other heirs), leading to court records
   • Guardian Deeds list a guardian, which will lead to a court record
2. LAND PATENTS
   • Land Patents and the Homestead number lead to the application to homestead with the Bureau of Land Management.
   • This application can give name changes and spelling changes, date of death, and even torn out pages from family Bibles.
3. MISCELLANEOUS
   • Affidavits of Death
   • Family Settlements
   • Identity Affidavits
   • Pre-Nuptual Agreements
   • Marriage Bonds
   • etc.
4. CEMETERY RECORDS
   • Cemetery location can help with the location of family lands, dates of death, and other family members.
5. OLD PLAT MAPS
   • These can give a location and the surrounding area.  Usually family and groups traveling together will live close together.
   • Check several sections around the the homestead area.
6. SCHOOL RECORDS
   • Lists of students and ages
7. TEACHERS RECORDS
   • Salary, Education, School, & Grades Taught
8. MILITARY RECORDS
   • Various information relating to Military service, pointing to additional records