Chain of Title: An Adventure to Uncover the 350-Year Legacy of the Old Grist Mill

by Christopher Scott

It all began with an innocent trip to the local historical society to learn more about the old grist mill Christopher Scott had recently converted into his home. At the time, the author could never have imagined he was about to embark on a two-year adventure to uncover the property’s heritage. A trail of clues led to dozens of libraries, archives, and historical societies across the country and around the world.

The historical facts of the property’s legacy of ownership are brought to life as a colorful cast of characters enter and exit the old grist mill’s 350-year narrative. Tales of passion, intrigue, and scandal abound as a large stone grist mill is constructed in the frontier of early colonial Pennsylvania, and immigrants escaping persecution in Europe triumph as they realize the great American dream in a true rags-to-riches story.

Paralleling the fascinating story of the old grist mill’s history, is the equally compelling account of the author’s personal journey of discovery. He is initiated as an amateur historian who learns the importance of tracing leads to their primary sources and navigates his way through a vast assemblage of historical evidence tainted with misinformation, biases, and flawed oral traditions. In the end, virtually every preconception about the old grist mill would be turned upside down by the facts, as a new and unexpected history is revealed.

353 pages, Paperback

Published June 8, 2024

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Reviews

[Marcia Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stumbled upon this book at our local library. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book as it encompasses many of my interests. I love history, old buildings, genealogy and historical research. When I realized the mill was in a neighboring county I was even more drawn to read it for its local interest. I really enjoyed the authors writing style also. It was easy to read and understand, not just boring facts. Sometimes I find non fiction too bland but this book really kept my attention. The book was informative in how to go about researching many old documents and what mistakes to avoid. I learned a lot and it has sparked a desire and educated me how to do research about my own family heritage and properties. I only wish the author had elaborated more about his renovation project and included more pictures. I would love if the public could visit the old grist mill on occasion.

[Meg Pasquerella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chain of Title follows the author through his adventures in uncovering the history of his property in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Originally part of the land grant to William Penn, he traces the ownership of the land and the grist mill that is now his home through the years. You also get a bird’s eye view into his research process, and the twists and turns throughout the project. I enjoyed the conversational tone throughout the book. Read this if you are interested in local history, genealogy, or want to know more about how to conduct historical research.

What fun to read a book by an author who you graduated high school with. Thank you to Chris for providing the advanced reader copy and for asking me to provide feedback on the book! (I even made the acknowledgements!)