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(A simple abstract will require only one basic record. A long abstract may require the basic record plus sections. Instructions are not yet available for sections.)
ABSTRACT INDEXING SOHS Box/Location Number The box you received will have a box identifying number on it. This is the box your abstracts will live in in the SOHS archives. The number must be recorded in the indexing for each abstract in the box.
Abstract Number
This is the highest number assigned by the Jackson County Abstract Co. upon creation of the abstract. Used to identify a particular abstract and locate it within its box. Usually found on the outside front or back of abstract.
Some abstracts contain earlier abstracts. Use the number on the outside of the document for filing purposes, but record the earlier number in the appropriate column for cross-reference.
Some documents are continuations of earlier abstracts or of earlier continuations. "Continuation 20603 to Continuation 18993 to Continuation 7362 to Abstract of Title 751"; should be filed as Abstract Number 20603 for filing purposes, but the numbers 18993, 7362 and 751 should be entered in the appropriate column for cross-reference to the earlier documents referencing that property.
Abstract Date
Approximate year of the abstract's creation. It should appear in the last pages of an abstract.
Property Description
There may be multiple descriptions; it may be brief or it may be a paragraph. It usually appears in the first pages, often repeated throughout the abstract. It's very important that this identifying information be transcribed accurately--it makes the difference between indexing an abstract and hiding it within the index. Please pause after typing the property description to compare what you've typed against the abstract. Examples:
1. "The West half of the Southwest quarter of Section Thirty (30) and the North half of the Northwest quarter of Section Thirty-one (31) of Township Thirty-eight (38) South of Range Four (4) East of the Willamette Meridian." Transcribe as: "W half SW quarter Sec 30 and N half NW quarter Sec 31 T38S R4E." (No periods, and no deviation from this style, please. If we all adhere to the same style it will only take one search to find a particular abstract.)
A handwritten note on the cover of this abstract calls this property "Dead Indian Ranch." Both descriptions should be transcribed, both the legal description and any colloquial names given the property.
2. "The East one-half of Lot Numbered Four (4) of Roguelands Irrigated Orchard Tracts, in Jackson County, Oregon, as the same is numbered, designated and described on the official plat thereof, now of record." Transcribe as:"Lot 4 Roguelands."
3. "Lot No. 5 in Block No. 2 in SUMMIT AVENUE HEIGHTS ADDITION to the City of Medford, Oregon."Transcribe as: "Lot 5, Block 2 Summit Avenue Heights Addition, Medford."
4. "A strip of land sixty-three and three-fourths (63 3/4) feet wide off of the south side of the following described tract: Commencing twelve (12) chains and ninety-five (95) links west and forty-five (45) links North of the south-east corner of the Packard Donation Land Claim in Section thirty (30) in Township thirty-seven (37) south of Range one (1) west of the Willamette Meridian, and running thence north 536.25 feet to a stake set for a beginning point; and from said beginning point running thence north 123.75 feet, thence west 130.00 feet; thence south 123.75 feet; thence east 130.00 feet to the place of beginning."
Transcribe as: "A strip of land near the SE corner Packard DLC Sec 30 T37S R1W."
5. "Beginning at the Southwest corner of Lot number Seven (7) in Block numbered Two (2) of the Imperial Addition to the city of Medford, Jackson County, Oregon, according to the recorded plat thereof now of record, and running thence East 38.5 feet; thence North 300 feet; thence West 72.27 feet; thence South 150 feet; thence in a Southeasterly direction 152.1 feet, more or less, to the place of beginning."
Transcribe as: "Portion of Lot 7 Block 2 Imperial Addition, Medford."
Maps
If the abstract contains a map, plat or other graphic description of the plot of land, enter the word "map" in the proper column.
Names
Transcribe names of all property owners.
Don't transcribe names of surveyors, judges, recorders, clerks, abstractors, sheriffs, deputies, attorneys
Donation Land Claims and Land Patents
Identify by both name and DLC number or certificate number, when noted
Documents
These abstracts are collections of complete documents or reference to documents, some of which are more noteworthy than others. We expect to find documents relating to the sale of the property; don't bother indexing them. Don't mention: deeds, quitclaim deeds, warranty deeds, contracts of sale, mortgages Do mention, along with names of principals: Wills, probates, affidavits, foreclosures, townsite agreements, articles of incorporation, anything unusual.