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Subject: [SLAVE-OWNERS] WILL's - Info for Newbies & List
Date: Tue, 27 Feb 2001 18:24:42 EST
Hi List,
The below information was posted on another list by Cindy who is an excellent
researcher and more than willing to share her info. She so graciously has
allowed me to post the below. Her kindness is much appreciated.
Ruth in NC
Cindy wrote:
I would like to say a few words to the newbies and list members about some of
the
problems they may encounter in Wills.
1. Incomplete lists of family members. A person may omit the names of
one or all of his children froms will and even neglect to tell his
wife's name since "everybody knows it" If children are previously
deceased, especially if they died as children many times are not listed
in the will.
Children who have already received their inheritances are often left
unmentioned by the wills of their parents, children who have been
disowned MAY also be unnamed.
This is especially true in early wills.
2.Inconclusive or no relationships, sometimes only names are given and
no relationships.
3.Wife and Children not related, if a man has married more than once
this fact may not be mentioned in his will. This means that the wife
named in his will may or may not be the mother of thte children named
4. Other problems, as you research wills you will find other problems,
nicknames, spellings, handwriting and legal jargon, but most of thse can
be solved by the conscientious person.
You must study each problem and solve it on its own merits.
Thought some of you might find this of some help. Also just because
your ancestor died without a will (intestate) don't give up. Look for
estate settlements, and inventories, all estates had to be settled and
property distributed.
Remember an Administrator or Adminstratrix is appointed by the court
administor a deceased persons estate. He or she resembles an executor or
executrix but is appointed by the court rather than by the desceased
person.
Cindy in NC
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