Lancaster County was carved out of the Camden District in 1785. And from part of it, Kershaw County was formed in 1791. Since the Lancaster County probate records were destroyed in 1865, this is the only basic record left for this valuable county. Deeds are a great source for genealogical research due to the many and varied family members that are mentioned. Not only will the reader find the deed transaction itself, but often such things as marriages, relinquishment of dower, divisions of family farms among heirs, and remarriages of widows can be found in records of deeds. A few Wills were recorded in these deed books, as well as a number of deeds for the burned-out Chesterfield County. --From publisher description.