Reference Materials
Heritage Quest, may be available through your local library. Can check Federal Censuses, books, PERSI and other document types.
Making of America, a Cornell University web site. This has many articles, books and journals on line. These can be searched after the item you are interested in is found.
Sanborn Insurance Maps: Insurance maps of many locales covering 1867 to 1947 depending on the specific area. These were revised as villages and cities grew. Changes to buildings were also shown. Heating, lighting, equipment housed, purpose of the building and construction materials are often noted as is the presence of a night watchman. The earlier the map the less area is likely to be shown. Microfilm is often available at you local library, a regional library or through a college or university library.
Land Ownership maps: Printed in the mid 1800’s, these maps can help identify a land owner at a specific point in time for a given property. A deed search going forward or backwards for the date the map is published can help to establish the ownership chain. The map will sometimes show the original break down of the land into the townships, sections, and ranges, it will also often identify tracts of land. An example would be the Triangle Tract in NW Monroe county and the 40,000 acre tract in Livingston County. These can be found at Historical Societies, County Clerks offices and libraries.
Online websites for books and newspapers should be checked often as these sites are always adding material. Especially Google Books, PERSI, Internet Archives to highlight a few.
Geological Information Systems (G.I.S.) By state and county. Software text and maps for a given area, used by Assessors mainly, but will hold a wealth of information regarding parcel number, original lot numbers usually referred to as Great Lot Numbers.
NYS archives collection B-0950: A microfilm collection held by the state for those counties that existed in the period 1799-1804. Lists non resident land owners as well as resident land holders. Will also list land on by early land holders for the purpose of improving and attracting settlers. Will allow you to find those missing on the 1800 Federal Census and show part of the migration pattern for your ancestors.
NYS archives collection A1108: Pulteney Land Office records and collection of deeds, surveys and letters relating to the Estate. Covers the land area between the Phelps and Gorham Purchase and the Holland Land Company
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