Have you ever used deeds to piece together a family? In my post, Reece or Reed, I discuss the marriage record for Mary Rogers who married John Reece or Reed. My primary argument that this is a REED marriage involves the place. The marriage took place in Jennings county, Indiana where the Reed family lived while the Reece family lived in Ohio.

The book, History of Clinton County, Indiana, contains a biography for John Reed. (see post Reed of Clinton County) Based on the Reed and Ricketts biographies, one might conclude that the marriage record is not for the same John Reed since the biographies indicate that John’s wife was Mary Buckles. However, the John Ricketts biography indicates that Orilda Reed’s mother (Mary Buckles) was

first married to John H. Rodgers, who was born January 3, 1787 and died December 2, 1821, and she then married Mr. Reed

Thus, the biography provides support for the argument that the marriage record was between Mary Buckles Rogers and John Reed.

A group of deeds in Jennings County can be used to build a family unit. Several of the land descriptions are for an “undivided one fifth part” suggesting that the land was divided between five people:

• Ann Rogers – and Edward Earl her husband
• Samuel Rogers
• Mary Rogers and Charles Elias Deputy her husband
• Elizabeth Rogers and Jesse Hopkins her husband
• James Rogers

Viewed as a group, these deeds reveal that John Reed, the step-father, purchased each 1/5th from the child. Once he owned all of a plot of land, he then sold parcels to some of the children.

The first of these transactions occurred in 1831 when Samuel Rogers sold his share for $90.

Jennings County Indiana
Deed Records, 1818-1888

Deed record v. E Oct 1838-Sept. 1840 …
Film 1305300 DGS 8059868

Book E page 371
Samuel B Rogers
to
John Reed
This Indenture made this ninth day of April
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred
and thirty six between Samuel B Rogers of the county
of Jennings and State of Indiana of the first part and
John Reed of the county of Jennings and State
of Indiana of the second part witnesseth
that the said party of the first part in consideration
of the sum of ninety dollars to him in hand paid
by the said party of the second part the receipt
whereof is hereby acknowledged does hereby
grant, bargain, sell and convey unto the said party
of the second part his heirs and assigns forever all that
tract or parcel of land to wit the undivided one fifth
part of the south east quarter of section twelve in town
ship five north of range seven east also the undivi
ded one fifth part of the north east quarter of section
twelve township five north of range seven east in
the Jeffersonville land district lying and being in
Jennings county Indiana, it being that portion of hte
real estate of John Rogers deceased that falls to
the said Samuel B Rogers one of the legal heirs
of the said John Rogers deceased to have and
to hold the same with all the rights privileges and
appurtenances thereunto belonging or in any wise
appertaining to the said party of the second part
his heirs and assigns forever. And the said party of
the first part for himself his heirs &c do covenant and
agree with the said parity of the second part his heirs
and assigns that the above granted premises are in the
quiet and peaceable possession of him or them and
he will forever warrant and defend. In testimony
whereof the said party of the first part have
hereunto set his hand and seal the day and year first
above written
Samuel (his mark) Rogers (seal)
Sealed and delivered in presents of
P L Basnett
State of Indiana
Jennings County
Before me William T Gaddy
a Justice of the peace for the county aforesaid personally
came Samuel B Rotgrs and he acknowledged the fore
going deed of conveyance to be his voluntary act and
deed for the purposes therein named witness my hand
and seal this sixth day of March 1836
William T Gaddy JP (LS)
Recorded APril 13th 1839
John Walker R [L] C
By Jennings Vawter DR

In 1839, John Reed purchased Mary Rogers’ share from her and her husband, Elias for $116.

Jennings County Indiana
Deed Records, 1818-1888

Deed record v. E Oct 1838-Sept. 1840 …
Film 1305300 DGS 8059868

Page 369
Elias Deputy
to
John Reed
This Indenture made this forth day of January
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred
and thirty nine between Elias Deputy and Mary
Deputy his wife of the County of Jennings and state of Indi
of the first part and John Reed of the county and state
aforesaid of the second part witnesseth that the
said party of the first part for and in consideration
of the sum of one hundred and sixteen dollars
lawful money of the United States to them in hand
well and truly paid by the said party of the
second part, the receipt whereof is hereby acknow
ledged hath granted bargained sold aliened
released conveyed and confirmed and by
these presents doth grant bargain sell alien
release convey and confirm unto the said John
Reed his heirs and assigns forever all that tract
or parcel of land to with the undivided one fifth
part of the south east quarter of section twelve
in township five north of range seven east
also the undivided one fifth part of the north
east quarter of section twelve in township five
north of range seven east in the Jeffersonville land
district lying and being in Jennings county Indi
ana it being that portion of the real estate of John
Rogers, deceased that falls to the said Elias
Deputy and Mary Deputy the said Mary being
one of the legal heirs of the said John Rogers decea
sed and all the estate right title interest
claim and demand of them the said party of the first part
of in and to the said premises and every part
thereof together with all and singularly the privileges
and appurtenances to the same belonging or in any
wise appertaining and the rents issues and proffits
thereof to have and to hold the premises hereby
bargained and sole or meant or intended so to
be with the appurtenances to the only proper use
and behoof of the said party of the second part
his heirs and assigns forever And the said party
of the first part their heirs executors and administrators
doth covenant promise and agree to with the
said party of the second part his heirs executors
administrators and assigns that they are the true and
lawful owners of hte premises hereby granted and
hath good right full power and lawful authority to sell
and convey the same in manner and form aforesaid

page 370
And further that they the said party of the
first part their heirs executors and administra
tors will warrant and forever defend the
aforesaid premises, with their appurtenances and every
part and parcel thereof unto the said John Reed
his heirs and assigns against all persons claiming
and to claim by from or under him them or any of
them or by from or under any other person or persons
whosoever In witness whereof the said Elias Deputy
together with Mary Deputy wife of the said Elias Deputy
who hereby freely relinquishes all her right and claim
of dower in and to the premises hath hereunto set
their hands and seals the day and year first above
written
Elias Deputy (seal)
Mary Deputy (seal)
Sealed signed and delivered
in presents of
J H Apperson
Elizabeth Rogers

The State of Indiana
Jennings County
Before me Isaac H
Apperson a Justice of the peace within and for
said county personally appeared Elias Deputy
the above named grantor together with Mary
Deputy the wife of the said Elias Deputy and
acknowledged the above deed of conveyance to be
their voluntary act and deed for the uses and
purposes therein mentioned and the said Mary
Deputy wife of the said Elias Deputy being by me
examined seperate and apart from her husband and
the contents of said deed being by me fully read and
explained to her she did declare to me that she did
voluntarily and of her own free will and accord and
as her act and deed sign seal and deliver the
said deed of conveyance to the said John Reed his
heirs and assigns without any coercion or compulsion
from her said husband. Given under my hand and
seal this fourth day of January in the year of our
Lord one thousand eight hundred nd thirty nine
Isaac H. Apperson JP (seal)
Recorded April 12th 1839
John Walker R JC
By Jennings Vawter D.R.

Then in 1840, Jesse and Elizabeth Hopkins sold Elizabeth’s share for $110 to John C. Reed.

Jennings County Indiana
Book H page 376

Jesse Hopkins to John Reed

This Indenture made this nineteenth day of December
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and
forty between Jesse Hopkins & Elizabeth Hopkins his wife
of the county of Jennings & State of Indiana of the first prt, and
John Reed of the County of Jennings and State of Indiana
of the second part Witnesseth that the said Jesse Hopkins
and Elizabeth Hopkins his wife for and in considerations of the
sum of one hundred and ten dollars lawful money of the
United States to them in hand well and truly paid by
the said John Reed the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged
hat granted bargained sold aliened released conveyed and
confirmed and by these presents doth grant bargain sell alien
release convey and confirm unto the said John Reed
his heirs and assigns forever all those tracts or parcels of Land
to wit the undivided one fifth part of the south east quarter
of section [twelve] in township five north of range seven East
also the undivided one fifth part of the north east quarter
of section twelve in township five north of same survey east in the
Jeffersonville Land district lying and being in Jennings County
and State of Indiana it being that portion of the real estate
of John Rogers deceased that fall to the said Jesse Hopkins
and Elizabeth Hopkins the said Elizabeth being one of the legal
heirs of the said John Rogers deceased.
And all the estate rights titles interest claim and [demand to]
them the said Jesse and Elizabeth Hopkins of [?] and to the said
premises and every part thereof. Together with all and singular
the privileges and appurtenances tot he same belonging or in
any wise appertaining and the rents issues and profits thereof
To have and to hold the the premises hereby bargained and
sold or meant or intended so to be with the appurtenances
to the only proper use and behoof of the said John Reed his
heirs and assigns forever. And the said Jesse Hopkins and
Elizabeth Hopkins his wife for themselves their heirs executors and
administrators doth promise covenant and agree to and with
the said John Reed, his heirs executors and assigns that they
are the true and lawful owners of the premises hereby granted
and hath good right, full power and lawful authority to sell
and convey the same in manner and form aforesaid
And further that they the said Jesse Hopkins and Elizabeth

Hopkins his wife and their heirs executors and administrators
will warrant and forever defend the aforesaid prem
ises with their appurtenances and every part or parcel thereof
unto the said John Reed his heirs and assigns against
all persons claiming or to claim by from or under
him them or any of them or by from or under any other
person or persons whomsoever In witness whereof the
said Jesse Hopkins together with Elizabeth Hopkins
his wife who hereby relinquishes her right of dower in

page 377
premises hath hereunto set their hands and seals
Jesse Hopkins (seal)
Elizabeth (her mark) Hopkins (seal)
Sealed and delivered
in the presence of
Isaac H Apperson
Sally Apperson

The State of Indiana
Jennings County
Before me Isaac H
Apperson a Justice of the
Peace within and for the said county personally
appeared Jesse Hopkins together with Elizabeth
Hopkins his wife the within named grantors and
acknowledged the above deed of conveyance to be
their voluntary act and deed, for the uses and pur
poses therein mentioned and the said Elizabeth
Hopkins wife of the said Jesse Hopkins being by
me examined separate and apart from her said hus
band and the contents of said deed being made known
and explained to her declares that she voluntarily and
of her own free will and accord without any fear
acknowledged the above deed of conveyance to be
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand
and seal this nineteenth day of December in the
year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and
forty
Isaac H Apperson JP (seal)
Recorded March 14th 1844

Then in February 1844, Edward Earl and Ann, his wife, sold Ann’s portion to John Reed for $90.

Jennings county, Indiana
Deed Book H page 374
Film 1305301 DGS 8059867

Edward Earl
to
John Reed

This Indenture made this 17 day of February in the year of
our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty four between
Edward Earl and Ann Earl his wife of Jennings County and
State of Indiana of the first part, and John Reed of the same
place of the second part Witnesseth that the said Edward Earl
and Ann his wife for and in consideration of the sum of
ninety dollars to them in hand paid by the said John Reed
the receipt whereof [is] hereby acknowledged have granted
bargained sold conveyed and confirmed and [do] by these pre
ents grant, bargain, sell convey and confirm unto the said
John Reed his heirs and assigns forever, all that certain
tract or parcel of land lying and being in the county afore
said being the undivided one fifth part of the south east quarter
of section twelve in township five north of range seven East
also the undivided one fifth part of the north east quarter
of the same section in the Jeffersonville Land Office district
in the state aforesaid containing sixty-four acre more or less it
being that part of the real estate of John H Rogers deceased
that falls to the said Ann Earl who is a daughter of the said John
H Rogers and a legal heir and now by the said Edward
and Ann conveyed to the said John Reed his heirs and ass
igns in fee simple
To have and to hold the lands hereby conveyed
with all the appertenances to the proper use and benefit and behoof
of the said John Reed his heirs and assigns forever and the said
Edward and Ann for themselves and their heirs do covenant
and agree to and with the said John Reed his heirs and as
signs that they are lawfully seized of the said premises and have
good right and full power to sell and convey the same in
manner and form aforesaid and that said premises are free from
all incumbrances and further that the said Edward Earl and Ann
his wife shall and will warrant and forever defend the premises
aforesaid to the said John Reed his heirs and assigns against the
lawful claim of themselves and heirs and all other persons
In testimony whereof the said Edward Earl and Ann his wife
who relinquished her right of dower have hereunto set their hands &
seals date above written.
Edward (his mark) Earl (seal)
Ann (her mark) Earl (seal
Sealed & signed in presence of us
John C Lenning
James Rogers
State of Indiana
Jennings County
Be it remembered that this
day came Edward Earl & Ann
his wife the grantors in the within deed of conveyance named therein who are
personally known to me to be the persons they represent themselves to be personally
cam before me & acknowledged the same to be their free and voluntary act and
deed for the uses and purp0ses therein mentioned and wife being also by me
examined seperately and apart from her said husband and the contents
of said deed being made know to her by me who did upon
such examination declare that she did voluntarily sign seal &

page 375
acknowledge the same and that she is still satisfied
therewith. IN testimony whereof whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and seal this 17th day of February AD 1844
John C Linning J.P. (seal)
Recorded March 14th 1844

Also on the 17th of February 1844, James Rogers sold his portion of the land to John Reed.

Jennings County Indiana
Book H page 375
Film 1305301 DGS 8059867

James Rogers
to
John Reed

This Indenture made this 17 day of February in
the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and
forty-four between James Rogers of the State of Indiana
and county of Jennings of the first part, and John Reed
of the same place of the second part witnesseth that the
said James Rogers for and in consideration of the
sum of ninety dollars current lawful money to him
in hand paid by the said John Reed on or before the day
of the date of these presents the receipt whereof is hereby
acknowledged have granted bargained and sold and
by these presents do grant, bargain, sell and confirm
unto the said John Reed his heirs and assigns forever
all of that tract or parcel of land to wit, the undivi
ded one fifth part of the south east quarter of section
twelve in township five north of range seven east and
the undivided one fifth part of the north east quarter of
section twelve in township five North of range seven east
in the Jeffersonville land district lying and being
in the County of Jennings and State of Indiana it being
that part of the real estate of John H Rogers deceased that
falls to the said James Rogers one of the legal heirs of the
said John Rogers deceased to have and to hold the
same with all the rights privileges and appertenances
thereunto belonging or in any wise appertaining to the party of
the second part his heirs and assigns forever and the
party of the first for himself his heirs &c do covenant
and agree with the said party of the second apart his heirs
and assigns that the above granted premises are in the [just]
and peaceable possession of him and he will warrant and
forever defend. In testimony whereof the said party of the first part
has hereunto set his hand and seal the day and year first above written
James m. Rogers (seal)
Sealed and declared in the presence of
John C Lenning
Edward Earl
State of Indiana
Jennings County
be it
remembered that on this day James M Rogers the grantor in this deed
of conveyance named and who is personally know to me to be the person he [repre]
sents himself to me personally came before me and acknowledged the same to
his free voluntary act and deed for the uses and purposes therein mentioned. In
testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this February 17th
AD 1844
John C Lenning JP (seal)

These five deeds give John Reed sole ownership to the southeast quarter and the northeast quarter of section 12 in township 5 north of range 7 east. Now that the two parcels are complete, John Reed sold 64 acres to Edward Earl for $90.

Jennings County Indiana
Deed Records
Book H page 373

Film 1305301 DGS 8059867
John Reed
To Edward Earl

This Indenture made this seventeenth day of February
In the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and
Forty four between John Reed and Mary his wife of the
County of Jennings and State of Indiana of the first part
And Edward Earl of the same place of the second part
And Edward Earl of the same place of the second part
Witnesseth that the said John Reed and wife for and in
Consideration of the sum of ninety dollars current law
ful money to them in hand paid by the said Edward Earl
On or before the day of the date of these presents the receipt
Whereof is hereby acknowledged have granted bargained
And sold and by these present do grant bargain and sell
And confirm unto the said Edward Earl all of that tract
Or parcel of land to wit beginning at the south east corner
Of section twelve running north binding on said section line
One hundred and twenty eight rod thence west eighty rod thence
South one hundred and twenty eight rod to the south line of
said section thence east with said section line to the place of
Beginning containing sixty four acres more or less
To have and to hold the same with all of the
Rights privileges and appurtenances there unto belonging or in
Any wise appertaining to the said Edward Earl to his heirs
And assigns forever, in fee simple and the said John Reed
And wife for themselves and their heirs do covenant and
Agree with the said Edward Earl and his heirs and assigns
Against him the said John Reed and his heirs and against
All persons whomsoever will and shall forever warrant
And defend by these presents. In testimony whereof the
Said John Reed and wife who relinquished her right of
Dower have hereunto set their hands and seals the day and
Year first above written
John (his mark) Reed (seal))
Mary Reed (seal)
Signed sealed and delivered
In presence of us
State of Indiana
Jennings County
Be it remembered that on this day
John Reed and Mary his wife the grantors
In the within deed of conveyance named and who are
Personally known to me to be the persons they represent them
Selves to be personally came before me and acknowl
Edged the same to be their free and voluntary act and
Deed for the uses and purposes therein mentioned and
Wife being also by me examined separately and absent of
Her said husband and the contents of said deed [?] by
Me made know to her did upon such examination [?]
Claus that she did voluntarily sign seal and acknowledge the
Same and that she is still satisfied therewith In testimony whereupon
I have hereunto set my hand and seal this day of February AD 1844
John C Lenning JP (seal)
Recorded March 14th 1844

On the same date, John Reed sold 64 acres to James Rogers for $90.

Jennings County Indiana
Deed Records

Book H page 372
Film 1305301 DGS 8059867

John Reed to James Rogers

This Indenture made this seventeenth day of February in the year of
Our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and forty four between John
Reed and Mary his wife of the county of Jennings and state of Indiana of
The first part and James Rodgers of the same place of the second part
Witnesseth that the said John Reed & wife for and in consideration of
The sum of ninety dollars current lawful money to them in hand paid by the
Said James Rogers on or before before the day of the date of their presents
The receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged have granted bargained and
Sold and by these presents do grant bargain and sell and confirm
Unto the said James Rogers all of that tract or parcel of land to wit
Beginning at the center and quarter corner of the south line of section
Twelve in township five north of range seven east thence running east
Bind on said line eighty rods to Edward Earls corner thence north
With said line one hundred and twenty eight rods thence west
Eighty rods to the line of the said quarter section line thence south
With said line to the place of beginning containing sixty four acres
More or less
To have and to hold the same with all rights privileges and
Appurtenance thereunto belonging or in any wise appertaining to the said
James Rogers to his heirs and assigns forever in fee simple and I
The said John Reed and wife for themselves and their heirs do covenant
And agree with the said James Rogers and hi heirs and assigns
Against him the said John Reed and his heirs and against all
Persons whomsoever will and shall forever warrant and defend
By these presents.
In testimony whereof the said John Reed and wife who
Relinquishes his right of dower have hereunto set their hands and
Seals the day and year first above written
John (his mark) Reed (seal)
Mary Reed (seal)
Signed sealed and delivered
In presence of John C Lemng
Edward Earl

State of Indiana
Jennings County
Be it remembered that on this day John Reed and
Mary his wife the grantors in this deed of conveyance
Named and who are personally known to me be the persons whom they
Represent themselves to be personally came before me and acknowledged
The same to be their free and voluntary acxt and deed for the
Uses and purposes therein mentioned and wife being also by me
Examined separately and apart from her said husband and
The contents of said deed being by me made known to her did
Upon such examination declare that she did voluntarily sign
Seal and acknowledge the same and that she is stills satisfied
Therewith. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hands and
Seal this 17 day of February AD 1844
John C Leming JP (seal)
Recorded March 14 1844

While each of the deeds where John Reed purchases an undivided one fifth helps establish the relationship to John Rogers, it takes all five of the deeds to piece together the family. Since I only have deeds for the sale of 128 acres of land, I believe there may be another 3 deeds that I’m missing;

• 64 acres to Samuel Rogers
• 64 acres to Mary Rogers and Charles Elias Deputy her husband
• 64 acres to Elizabeth Rogers and Jesse Hopkins her husband

Otherwise, I need to find a deed where John Reed sells 192 acres of land in section 12, township 5 of range 7 east.