Margie,

I don't know what records are still available specifically for Amelia County but in general I would continue to trace the property until you find a deed that gives better metes and bounds.

I assume you don't know who owned the land after John Archer?  A sheriff's sale was usually the result of a bankruptcy or a lawsuit, most often a chancery case.  Check the court records leading up to the sale to find the name of the trustee appointed by the court.  The deed of sale will likely list the trustee as first Grantor, which is how it will be listed in the index.  With that name you should be able to find the next owner.  Likewise, check the court records after the sale for a report of the sale, it should list the buyer.

If  there are no court records look at the land tax records for the next tax period.  You will have to go through it page by page looking for a new entry that matches the hundred acres -- it should state that the 100 acres was transferred from John Archer (or possibly the trustee).

If you are unable to determine the name of the trustee you will have to go through the deeds page by page looking for a deed that matches the last description of the property you have.  John Archer will likely be listed as a party of the second or third part.  Some counties index their deeds by all concerned parties, some only the first grantor and grantee.

Once you have the next owner just keep on going until you come to a deed that has better metes and bounds.  Eventually, with hard work and luck, you should be able to match it to a current tax map.  Of course, if it was subdivided (which is likely) the whole thing gets much more difficult but not impossible.  I've traced many properties that way in VA and MD.  Time consuming but worthwhile.   Unfortunately, you likely won't be able to do it on-line, you'll have to pay a visit to Amelia County (which is a nice thing in itself).

I hope this is what you were looking for -- good luck!

kathy

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