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Kentucky Probate Records - FamilySearch Historical Records

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Kentucky Probate Records, 1727-1990
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This article describes a collection of records at FamilySearch.org.
Kentucky,
United States
Kentucky flag.png
Flag of Kentucky
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Location of Kentucky
Record Description
Record Type Probate
Collection years 1727-1990
FamilySearch Resources
Related Websites


What is in This Collection?

The collection consists of an index of probate records from 1727 to 1990, created in Kentucky county courts. Probate records include wills, bonds, inventories of estates and other records. Some probate records were recorded in books which may have carried many titles, such as:

  • Accounts
  • Administrations
  • Appraisals
  • Minutes
  • Petitions
  • Guardianships
  • Inventories
  • Settlements

Additional records and/or images may be added to this collection in the future.

Index and Image Visibility

Whenever possible FamilySearch makes images and indexes available for all users. However, rights to view these data are limited by contract and subject to change. Because of this there may be limitations on where and how images and indexes are available or who can see them. Please be aware some collections consist only of partial information indexed from the records and do not contain any images. For additional information about image restrictions see Restrictions for Viewing Images in FamilySearch Historical Record Collections.

To Browse This Collection

You can browse through images in this collection using the waypoints on the Collection Browse Page for Kentucky Probate Records, 1727-1990.

What Can These Records Tell Me?

The following information may be found in these records: Probate records may include: petitions, inventories, accounts, decrees, and other court documents.

  • Name of testator or deceased
  • Names of heirs such as spouse, children, and other relatives or friends
  • Name of executor, administrator, or guardian
  • Names of witnesses
  • Residence of testator
  • Document and recording dates (Used to approximate event dates i.e. A will was usually written near time of death)

Collection Content

Sample Image

  • Will

    Will

Each county began keeping probate records from the time the county was created. Wills are often placed or transcribed into a bound volume.

Coverage Table

As of February 2015 the following records have been indexed.

County # of Indexed Records Years Covered
Caldwell 3,669 1809-1968
Henry 3,078 1800-1910
Hickman 3,098 In process
Russell 1,728 In process
Trimble 858 In process

How Do I Search This Collection?

Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:

  • The name of the deceased
  • The approximate date of death
  • The approximate date of probate
  • The place where your ancestor lived
  • The names of family members or associates who may be named in the probate record

Search the Index

Search by name on the Collection Details Page.
  1. Fill in the search boxes in the Search Collection section with the information you know
  2. Click Search to show possible matches

View the Images

View images in this collection by visiting the Collection Browse Page:
  1. Select County
  2. Select Volume Title and Year to view the images
Tip
 More images are available in the FamilySearch Catalog Kentucky Probate Records, 1727-1990. Some catalog records link to multiple references. In this case, click on a reference to find a camera icon to see images.

How Do I Analyze the Results?

Compare each result from your search with what you know to determine if there is a match. This may require viewing multiple records or images. Keep track of your research in a research log.

What Do I Do Next?

When you have located your ancestor’s probate record, carefully evaluate each piece of information given. These pieces of information may give you new biographical details that can lead you to other records about your ancestors.

I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now?

  • Add any new information to your records
  • Use probate records to identify heirs and relatives
  • You may be able to use the probate record to learn about adoptions or guardianship of any minor children and dependents
  • Use the document (such as the will) or the recording dates to approximate a death date
  • Use the information in the probate record to substitute for civil birth and death records, since the probates exist for an earlier time period
  • Use the birth date or age along with the residence or place of birth of the deceased to locate census, church, and land records
  • Use the occupations listed to find other types of records such as employment or military records
  • Probate record may include information about land transactions

I Can't Find the Person I'm Looking For, What Now?

  • Look for variant spellings of the names. You should also look for nicknames and abbreviated names
  • Check for a different index. There are often indexes at the beginning of each volume
  • Search the indexes and records of nearby counties

Research Helps

The following articles will help you research your family in the state of Kentucky.

Other FamilySearch Collections

These collections may have additional materials to help you with your research.

FamilySearch Catalog

FamilySearch Historical Records

Citing This Collection

Citations help you keep track of places you have searched and sources you have found. Identifying your sources helps others find the records you used.

Collection Citation:
The citation for this collection can be found on the Collection Details Page in the section Cite This Collection.
Record Citation:
When looking at a record, the citation can be viewed by clicking the drop-down arrow next to Document Information.
Image Citation:
When looking at an image, the citation is found on the Information tab at the bottom left of the screen.
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