For the last two years, Robin Robinson and the Recorder of Deeds office has been in the process of preserving their 700 historic deed and miscellaneous books. With a little more than half preserved at the time, the office focused its attention to the historical properties found in the books.
Throughout this project the Recorder of Deeds office has received help in researching historical aspects of the books, particularly in the miscellaneous books. The miscellaneous books are the most recent books to be preserved. They contain information on the enslaved people in Bucks County. Three people — Linda Salley, Doreen Stratton and Jesse Crooks — have been helpful in researching properties purchased by enslaved people and manumissions, which are found in the miscellaneous books. To honor their contributions, the Recorder of Deeds office decided to dedicate deed books to them.
Robinson said, “Linda, Doreen and Jesse have been instrumental in furthering our understanding of the history and stories that need to be added to our living Bucks County history.”
Salley, president and a founding member of the African American Museum of Bucks County, has her roots in education. She is a retired New York City educator and administrator. Stratton is a local historian, writer, researcher and photographer of the Underground Railroad in Bucks County. Her family has lived in Bucks County since the Civil War. Crooks is a local historian who volunteers as a Mercer Museum library archivist. He is part of the archives committee for the Solebury Township Historical Society.
“It is with great pleasure that my office honors them in this small way, having their names placed in deed books that will last up to 500 years,” Robinson said.
To contact the Bucks County Recorder of Deeds office, call 215-348-6209 or visit buckscounty.org/government/RowOfficers/RecorderofDeeds
