Daily AncestorFee simple
Fee simple is full ownership of land, which the owner may sell, give away or leave to anyone, lasting forever.
A fee simple is the greatest ownership interest in land. The holder can sell it, mortgage it or leave it by will to whomever they choose.
Older deeds created it with the words to him and his heirs forever. Those words describe the kind of ownership; they do not mean particular heirs were named or living.
As seen in a recordDeed recorded in a county deed book, 1800s
To have and to hold the said tract unto the said Jas. Doyle, his heirs and assigns forever, in fee simple.
How to cite this page
Daily Ancestor. "Fee simple." Dictionary of Old Record Words. https://dailyancestor.com/dictionary/legal-land/fee-simple. Last checked 2026-10-01.