The Antient Press
Transcriptions of VIRGINIA County Court and Historical records primarily of Northern Virginia and the Northern Neck from approximately 1650 to 1850.
Founded by Ruth and Sam Sparacio in 1985. We have published over 500 books.
Deeds, Wills, Order, Record and Minute books are published in chronological pattern to enhance researching Virginia ancestry. For example, Culpeper County consists of 23 books (deeds, wills, tax and minute books) covering the years 1763-1809. Richmond County consists of 47 books (deeds, orders and accounts) covering the period 1692-1783. We also have other miscellaneous books including some Land Tax records, Titheable lists, and early surveys.
The Antient Press first published book Pamunkey Neighbors of Orange County Virginia as a result of Ruth's search for her family history. It includes the surnames LINDSAY, MONTAGUE, MILLS and STEVENS. Two supplements followed which expanded on BROCKMAN, BURRUS, COLEMAN, DANIEL, EMBREE, GRAVES, JACKSON, AND LINDSAY (Volume I) and MILLS, MINOR, MONTAGUE, QUISENBERRY, RHODES, SMITH, STEVENS, STUBBLEFIELD, TANDY, THOMAS, THOMPSON, and VIVION (Volume II).
Most of the books are transcripts of court records as complete as possible, including legible margin notes and marks. The page number from the original record book is given for each entry. Books are indexed primarily by surname however some property and geologic landmarks are also included.
The original record books, kept by the county clerks are very large, approximately 15" x 18", hand written by quill pen using ink (imported from England) on heavy, thick vellum paper with a sturdy grey cloth cover.
Many of the Record Books remaining in some of the County Clerk Offices are still in good shape in spite of the years. The writing varies from being almost impossible to read, to beautifully written in script, consistent with the "record keeping" practices of the time. In the 1600's the sentence structure was much the same as the King James version of the Bible.
Original records are often difficult to read and interpret. Our publications aid researchers in that we have tried to publish a straightforward 'readable' transcription of these records just as they were written.
Bookworms and mildew have destroyed parts of many original books and they are faded and torn in places. Record books not destroyed by war, fire, pestilence and other acts were filmed by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day-Saints and the Virginia State Library.
The Fairfax County Virginia Room greatly facilitated access to these unique historical records.
Ruth and Sam Sparacio have been recognized for their contribution to Virginia history by:
The HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF FAIRFAX COUNTY, VIRGINIA... 1993, Certificate of Recognition for significant Historical Contributions
The VIRGINIA GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY ... 1995 Award for Exemplary Contribution in Publishing. Writing or Editing Virginia Genealogical Source Studies.
The FAIRFAX COUNTY HISTORY COMMISSION .... 1998 Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of outstanding contribution to Historic Preservation.
Site Updated May 2013
Founded by Ruth and Sam Sparacio in 1985. We have published over 500 books.
Deeds, Wills, Order, Record and Minute books are published in chronological pattern to enhance researching Virginia ancestry. For example, Culpeper County consists of 23 books (deeds, wills, tax and minute books) covering the years 1763-1809. Richmond County consists of 47 books (deeds, orders and accounts) covering the period 1692-1783. We also have other miscellaneous books including some Land Tax records, Titheable lists, and early surveys.
The Antient Press first published book Pamunkey Neighbors of Orange County Virginia as a result of Ruth's search for her family history. It includes the surnames LINDSAY, MONTAGUE, MILLS and STEVENS. Two supplements followed which expanded on BROCKMAN, BURRUS, COLEMAN, DANIEL, EMBREE, GRAVES, JACKSON, AND LINDSAY (Volume I) and MILLS, MINOR, MONTAGUE, QUISENBERRY, RHODES, SMITH, STEVENS, STUBBLEFIELD, TANDY, THOMAS, THOMPSON, and VIVION (Volume II).
Most of the books are transcripts of court records as complete as possible, including legible margin notes and marks. The page number from the original record book is given for each entry. Books are indexed primarily by surname however some property and geologic landmarks are also included.
The original record books, kept by the county clerks are very large, approximately 15" x 18", hand written by quill pen using ink (imported from England) on heavy, thick vellum paper with a sturdy grey cloth cover.
Many of the Record Books remaining in some of the County Clerk Offices are still in good shape in spite of the years. The writing varies from being almost impossible to read, to beautifully written in script, consistent with the "record keeping" practices of the time. In the 1600's the sentence structure was much the same as the King James version of the Bible.
Original records are often difficult to read and interpret. Our publications aid researchers in that we have tried to publish a straightforward 'readable' transcription of these records just as they were written.
Bookworms and mildew have destroyed parts of many original books and they are faded and torn in places. Record books not destroyed by war, fire, pestilence and other acts were filmed by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day-Saints and the Virginia State Library.
The Fairfax County Virginia Room greatly facilitated access to these unique historical records.
Ruth and Sam Sparacio have been recognized for their contribution to Virginia history by:
The HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF FAIRFAX COUNTY, VIRGINIA... 1993, Certificate of Recognition for significant Historical Contributions
The VIRGINIA GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY ... 1995 Award for Exemplary Contribution in Publishing. Writing or Editing Virginia Genealogical Source Studies.
The FAIRFAX COUNTY HISTORY COMMISSION .... 1998 Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of outstanding contribution to Historic Preservation.
Site Updated May 2013