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Archiver > NCROOTS > 1999-11 > 0941497585


From: "The Hedges" <>
Subject: Re: [NCROOTS] Estate records
Date: Mon, 1 Nov 1999 17:06:25 -0600


Very true, Cindy. None of my family died with wills but I have able to find all the property transactions which name all the children etc. It is dated and gives you a good idea of when deaths happened.

Cynthia in New Orleans
-----Original Message-----
From: Cindy Goad <>
To: <>
Date: Monday, November 01, 1999 11:03 AM
Subject: [NCROOTS] Estate records


This is for the newcomers to Genealogy who feel that just because their
ancestor died without a will (intestate) there are no records of
genealogical value.

Even though your ancestor did not leave a will there are more than
likely estate records these consist of division of property, inventories
of estate, there can be petition for dower, petition for sales of
property. You may find any or all the above in estate records. An
administrator would be appointed if no on claimed that right. The
administrator was usually a spouse, or next-of-kin. Where there were
several next-of-kin having the same degree of relationship, the court
would appoint the most suitable one.

Estate records are in the county in which in the deceased died. Early
records are in the archives, but counties usually have a copy of the
record.

Inventories can be especially useful to those doing slave genealogy as
the names of slaves are listed. Debts owned to the estate and well as
those owed by the estate.

Petitions for dower are very informative as the widow and her deceased
husband are named, heirs to the estate are usually named.

Sale of property both personal and real may list heirs, buyers at sale

So just because you do not have a will all is not lost. All of this
pertains to NC as each state has different laws. To get estate records
you will need to write the Clerk of Superior Court's Office in the
county seat of the deceased. If you request information from the NC
archives there is an $8 search fee plus copies at $.75 a page.

Cindy in NC


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