Chancery Cases in Mecklenburg, County, Virginia

The above images show a 1793 Mecklenburg County, Virginia Chancery case. On the left is the bill also known as the complaint. On the top right is the answer, and on the bottom right is a plat included in the case. The bill and answer often show family relationships. This example case is found digitized here on Library of Virginia’s website.

If you would like to search through chancery cases, the index is here (as show in above image). This link shows availability of digitized chancery cases. I usually type the surnames I’m searching for in the “surname” section, because that will include a name anywhere in the case. I also check the boxes, like “plats” when I’m searching for where people lived. If your ancestors were enslaved, or you aren’t sure and they may have been free, chancery cases will be a huge help to you as you search for your ancestors. These records may help you find your ancestors name, and possible relationships, like a mother and her children.