NYC-ROOTS-L Archives

Archiver > NYC-ROOTS > 2004-02 > 1076010985


From: Jim Garrity <>
Subject: Re: [NYC] Help needed, where do I go to get a copy of this will?
Date: Thu, 05 Feb 2004 14:56:25 -0500
References: <IPEDILBFDPFHLMEFLBLIAENADAAA.gailjorgensen@cox.net>


> Then I have found a blurb in the NY times from 30 Apr 1894 about my
> gg-grandfather's will. It was listed under court calendars for the day and
> in Surrogate's Court it states # 946-Will of Adam Bayer at 2 PM. Here it is
> not listed as a will for probate.
>
> What does this process indicate? I know little about wills.
> Also, where is the easiest, and/or least expensive way to obtain a copy?
>
Hello, Gail....

I'm sorry that I did not respond sooner, but things have been quite busy
here....

Probate records are some of the most useful documents that a researcher
can seek out.

Probate records will tell you the names of the spouse and of the
descendants of the testator. Sometimes the probate papers will tell you
the names of siblings as well. Usually, the papers will also tell you
where these people were living. This is an excellent way to find the
names of married daughters and sisters of the deceased.

Probate records will also tell you what assets (cash as well as
property) the deceased person owned---this opens avenues for land and
property research of the deceased.

It is difficult (and expensive) to deal with the Surrogate's Courts via
the mails, however. It usually is more cost-effective to hire a local
researcher to do a probate search on your behalf if you cannot visit the
Courthouse yourself.

I hope this helps you, Gail!

Jim Garrity

--
James Garrity
NYC Genealogy Research Service, Cemetery Research & Photography
http://www.NYCgen.com
http://www.JimGarrity.com
E-Mail:
eFax: (718)504-6214
Member, Association of Professional Genealogists
Member, Godfrey Memorial Library, http://www.godfrey.org


This thread: