An Example of a Rhode Island Deed

Following is an example of an early 20th century Rhode Island deed, this one recorded in Little Compton, Rhode Island. This will help you familiarize yourself with the handwriting and components of Rhode Island deeds of this era for your house history research.

Deed
Little Compton, Newport County, Rhode Island
Lydia J. Warner to Susan H. Brownell
Land Evidence Record Book 19 Pages 487-488
Signed and Recorded 2 March 1907

“487

Know all men by these Presents, that I,
Lydia J. Warner, (widow) of the Town of Little Comp-
ton, in the County of Newport, and State of Rhode
Island hereinafter called the Grantor, in consider-
ation of Twelve Hundred ($,200.⁰⁰) Dollars, to me
paid by Susan H. Brownell, of the Town, County
and State, aforesaid hereinafter called the Grantee,
the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, do
hereby give, grant, bargain, sell and convey unto
the said Grantee and her heirs and assigns
forever.       A certain lot or tract of land with
all the buildings and other improvements thereon,
situate in the Town of Little Compton, R.I. and
known as the Isaac S. Brownell Homestead,
Bounded and described as follows, viz: —
Northerly and Easterly by land of Izabel De
Silveera; and Southerly and Westerly by a
Highway. Said lot contains a about two acres

488

of land more or less.
  The said Grantee hereby reserves to herself the
use and occupancy of the house on the said
described premises until April 15. A.D. 1907.
  To Have ^and To Hold, the afore granted premises,
with all the privileges and appurtenances
thereunto belonging, unto and to the use of the
said Grantee, and her heirs and assigns, forever,
  And I the said Grantor, do hereby, for myself
and for my heirs, executors and administrators,
covenant with the said Grantee and her heirs
and assigns that I am lawfully seized in fee
simple of the said granted premises; that the same
are free from all incumbrances whatsoever, that
I have good right, full power and lawful authority
to sell and convey the same in manner as aforesaid;
that the said Grantee and her heirs and assigns
shall by these presents at all times hereafter
peacefully and quietly have and enjoy the said
premises, and that I the said Grantor will, and
my heirs, executors and administrators shall,
warrant and defend the same to the said Grantee
and her heirs and assigns forever against the
lawful claims and demands of all persons.
  In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand
and seal this second day of March in the year
of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and seven.
Signed and sealed in presence of }   
John B. Taylor                              }                            Lydia J. Warner (L.S.)

State of Rhode Island. }
County of Newport.     }
In Little Compton on the second day of March
A.D. 1907, before me personally appeared Lydia J. Warner,
to me known and known by me to the party executing
the foregoing instrument, and the acknowledged said
instrument, by her executed, to be her free act and deed.
                                                     John B. Taylor, Notary Public

Received for Record March 2. 1907.
At 3.52 o’clock P.M. and recorded by me.
                                Witness,              John B. Taylor
                                                                Town Clerk”