Deed Volumes were labeled alphabetically (A-J) until 1854. At that time Ozaukee County was formed from part of Washington County. The Washington County Register of Deeds transferred Volumes A-J to the Ozaukee Register of Deeds who labeled the subsequent volumes numerically. The volumes are roughly chronological by date recorded.
The major portion of this index covers both grantors and grantees. Entries on reel 1 of this index refer to Volumes A-I of “Deeds” (Ozaukee Series 13). There is no separate index to Volume J: users should use the index at the start of Volume J. Entries in this index on reel 2 and part of reel 3 refer to Volumes 1-28 of “Deeds.” Each book that was filmed is divided into several numbered sections which were also called volumes. Thus, the cover read for example, “Index to Deeds, Vol. 1-2-3-4.” Each numbered volume consists of one alphabetical sequence in which the page for that letter is divided into a grantor half and a grantee half. Entries give the name of the grantor or grantee and a number that indicates the page; there is no volume number listed. Thus the researcher needs to be aware that when a new alphabetical sequence begins, those entries will be found in the next volume (sometimes indicated by a page tab).
The entries are grouped alphabetically only by the first letter of the grantor's surname. After the alphabetical sequence (A-Z) is complete in each deed volume section, there may be additional name entries listed.
At the end of reel 3 is a separate Grantee Index Volume 1 which indexes Deed Volumes 30-52. (Note that the Deeds in Ozaukee Series 13 end with Volume 35. Volumes 36-52 are at the Ozaukee County Courthouse.) Entries in this index give the instrument number, name of grantee and grantor, deed volume, page number in the deed volume, and name of instrument.
The final items on reel 3 are separate Grantor Indexes Volumes 18-19 which index Deed Volumes 20-39. Entries include the same information as found in the Grantee Index plus the time of reception [of the instrument], land description, to whom the instrument is delivered, and fees assessed.
