Archive Record
Metadata
Title of Record Series |
Trust Book Dockets |
Year Range from |
1841 |
Year Range to |
2003 |
Collection/Office |
Prothonotary |
Catalog Number |
PY-2 |
Description |
A variety of miscellaneous documents filed in the Prothonotary office. Records include adoptions (through 1925), appointments, assigned estates, bankruptcy, bonds, charters, conditional sales, and name changes. |
Finding Aids |
Index at front of each book. Separate indexes available for Trust Books #12-20 (1893-1921) and Trust Books #29-51 (1928-2003) in addition to those in front of each book. |
Admin/Biographical History |
In Lancaster County, the Prothonotary initially acted as clerk of all the courts performing the functions of deputy register and recorder of deeds. In 1776, Lancaster County's five row offices were divided between two officials. The duties of prothonotary and clerk of court quarter sessions were performed by one officer, while a second official acted as register, recorder of deeds, and clerk of orphan's court. In 1821, each office was completely separate having its own official. Prior to 1906, this office handled the naturalization of aliens before the federal courts issued these records. The Prothonotary maintains a variety of records including judgments, sheriff's deeds, civil cases, and divorce proceedings. |