"I called the Georgetown County Deed Office a few days ago, and tried to locate Deeds for ancestors. As I gave the lady the names (who was very, very unhelpful) she couldn't find any deeds using the names of my Ancestors. These are houses that I KNOW are there because I have seen them myself. I know they still exist to this day. "
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Who owns these houses now?

The county deed office that you called may have just the names of CURRENT owners, not previous owners. There should be records of prior owners, but perhaps not at the office that you phoned. It may take more than a phone call, but more like you going to the courthouse and through OLD deed books yourself.

And those OLD books may be stored at a different location, like in the basement or attic of the office building.

And then, IF this courthouse ever burned, there may not be any old records in existence.

All things to consider..

toot