Found a deed from about 1875 with a major error. ?ÿLinks were used where chains were intended. ?ÿYou start off two links north of the south section line then run east 14.87 links, then north................(and so forth)...................being four acres. ?ÿSaid tract to be known as Lot 2.
All later deeds call it Lot 2.
The tract to the south starts at the south section line and runs north 8 rods. ?ÿThe tract to the north begins at a distance of 8 rods plus the true width of Lot 2.
Weird. Never seen such a animal.?ÿ Any idees who first penned the description?
Excellent question. ?ÿThis was what was called a wood lot or tree lot in the river bottom. ?ÿTrees were fairly uncommon in those days except near watercourses. ?ÿIn this quarter section there were eventually four such lots with all being of differing areas and dimensions. ?ÿIn the next quarter section to the west there were six such lots with all being of identical dimensions. ?ÿThe idea was that these lots would provide hard working people the opportunity to harvest the trees to sell to city dwellers in need of firewood.
Because of one measurement being 14.87 units it would appear a surveyor may have been involved. ?ÿThe unknown part is why anyone knowledgeable with measurements could write "links" when they clearly meant "chains. ?ÿI don't believe I could tell 14.87 links from 14.88 links as the standard link was not marked in one-hundredths.
That was kind of my idea.?ÿ It seems like someone?ÿinitially had?ÿsome "good" info and then ran with it in the wrong direction.?ÿ
I'm thinking you've probably found evidence of?ÿthe first time a legal secretary screwed up a description.?ÿ Whoever wrote the description apparently had no concept of chains or links.
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