The Keystone: Essential Guide to Pennsylvania Historical Records (2024 edition; pdf download)

This is the 2nd edition, updated April 2024, of the essential research guide that allows you to locate exactly where Pennsylvania historic documents (deeds, wills, court records, etc.) were filed as the counties changed their boundaries over time. Thousands of links give you quick access to online county histories, maps, tutorials, land records, and other resources. Each of the 67 chapters (one for each county) are cross-referenced, and you will:

• Access free online published county histories to correlate with maps and 1850-1880 census records, putting residents in the context of their community. Published county histories often give you insight into your ancestors' lives--the challenges they faced, the wars they fought in, the land they cherished, and even the superstitions they believed in.
• Use 19th-century maps that show landowners of the time to pinpoint where they lived and track down their FAN Club (friends/family, associates, and neighbors). Identify nearby churches where they baptized their children and cemeteries where they buried their loved ones.
• Learn how each county evolved even as residents stayed in one place, how they split apart to form new townships in a newly created county. Mine the detailed information on each township to be sure you are searching all counties for that secret key to your brick wall. Many townships no longer exist, but this ebook spells out what became of them (compiled from Newberry Library's Atlas of Historical County Boundaries).
• Follow the links to search buyers and sellers in county land records (deeds between two private parties). Did you know that all land was originally in the hands of the government, first the Penns and then the state, before transferring it to individuals? Search online records to see if your people bought land after an Indian treaty or received it through military service or bought it from Virginia when the states disputed ownership.
• Replace your old Pennsylvania Line with the latest online sources
• Much more...see https://ancestortracks.com/wp/keystone/
• Bonus: Since this is a pdf download containing urls that will be updated approximately every two years, purchasers have free access to one update within 3 years from date of purchase.