This came from a posting on the Phillly-List:
http://www.rootsweb.com/~kycarter/tips.html
Genealogy Hints & Tips
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Examples:
1. Affidavits of Descent from Sherry Lowe:
....If a person owns property and that person dies intestate (without
a will), it is normal to file an Affidavit of Descent. This Affidavit
is a
sworn statement that gives the name of the deceased land owner,
the date of death and the names of the heirs of the decedent.....
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2. Tip for finding maiden names
The following is from a Minnesota Genealogical Newsletter:
"In the lower left corner of most old deeds you will find two to four
witnesses. The first one is always from the husband's side, the next
two from the wife's side. That is to protect her one-half dower rights
under the law. Nothing you will ever use will give greater clues to
maiden names."