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When searching deed indexes it is important to look not only for your ancestor's full name, but also for the designation "et al" after any entry for the same surname. "Et al," a Latin term meaning "and others," was often used by harried clerks as a short-cut when writing index entries which listed more than one name as grantor or grantee, and may indicate a group of heirs. An index entry for Thomas Crisp, et al, for example, may lead you to a deed transcript which mentions your ancestor William Crisp as well as Thomas Crisp and possibly several other Crisp relatives.

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