Preface

In this 400th anniversary year of the Jamestown colony, it is entirely appropriate that this version of Henrico Co., VA Deeds should be published. These earliest days of our nation's history are chronicled in these pages seen for the first time as a compilation by the public.

This book represents another huge step toward achieving the dream of Bert Mayes to share the information in these valuable pages with everyone inquiring about their ancestors in the Henrico County area. Bert endured years of hard labor in dark and musky archives, reading old, crumbling deeds. He toiled to group the deeds by common areas. Yet Bert's job was cut short prematurely with his unexpected death. Fortunately for all of us, Selena has taken the challenge. She has taken the baton and moved the chains further in our never-ending quest for our past. Selena gathered Bert's notes and consolidated them into this second volume of Henrico County deeds.

The information in this volume has many values. One particular premium is the value of "seeing" the outline of one's property. It's difficult for even the most visual of artists to "see" the outline of the properties described by the "calls" alone. So Selena has taken the time to draw the approximate property lines to give the readers a good idea as to how the properties looked. Frequently, adjacent property owners were relatives, and by placing the properties together, one gets a better picture of the community. And this helps us to better relate to their life and times.

Publication of this book has been a love of labor. The hours are endless and the appreciation minimal. In fact, it has to be self evident. Yet it is incumbent upon us to recognize Selena for her dedication and devotion to this project. Many years from now when the torch has been passed to newer generations, Selena's work will still be illuminating the past and inspiring descendants of early Virginia property owners to delve deeper into the lives of those who now belong to the ages. This book will become a   useful and often referred to reference for anyone doing genealogical research in the Henrico County area.

                                                                                                                Tracy Knauss

                                                                                                                Chattanooga, TN

                                                                                                                May 1, 2007