South Africa, Cape, Probate Records of the Master of the High Court - FamilySearch Historical Records: Difference between revisions

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{{breadcrumb
'''[[South Africa Genealogy|South Africa]]'''
| link1= [[South Africa Genealogy|South Africa]]
| link2=
| link3=
| link4=
| link5= Cape Province
}}
{{South Africa HR Infobox
{{South Africa HR Infobox
|CID=CID2517051  
|CID=CID2517051  
|title=South Africa, Cape, Probate Records of the Master of the High Court, 1822-1990
|title=South Africa, Cape Province, Probate Records of the Master of the High Court, 1834-1989
|location= Cape (South Africa)
|location=South Africa  
| LOC_01 = Cape Province
| LOC_01 = Cape Province
| LOC_02 =  
| LOC_02 =  
| loc_map = ZA Locator Map South Africa Cape Province.png
| loc_map = ZA Locator Map South Africa Cape Province.png
| record_type = Probate Records
| record_type = Probate Records
| start_year = 1822
| start_year = 1834
| end_year = 1990
| end_year = 1989
| language = Afrikaans and English
| language = Afrikaans and English
| FS_URL_01 =  
| FS_URL_01 = [[South Africa Genealogy]]
| FS_URL_02 = [[South Africa Websites]]
| FS_URL_02 = [[Africa Websites]]
| FS_URL_03 = [[Western Cape Province, South Africa Genealogy]]
| FS_URL_03 = [[Africa Historic Maps]]
| FS_URL_04 = [[Eastern Cape Province, South Africa Genealogy]]
| FS_URL_04 = [[South Africa Websites]]
| FS_URL_05 = [[Northern Cape Province, South Africa Genealogy]]
| FS_URL_05 = [[South Africa Archives and Libraries]]
| FS_URL_06 = [[South Africa Probate Records]]
| FS_URL_06 = [[Western Cape Province, South Africa Genealogy]]
| FS_URL_07 = [[South Africa Cemeteries]]
| FS_URL_07 = [[Eastern Cape Province, South Africa Genealogy]]
| FS_URL_08 = [[South Africa Civil Registration]]
| FS_URL_08 = [[Northern Cape Province, South Africa Genealogy]]
| FS_URL_09 =  
| FS_URL_09 =  
| FS_URL_10 =  
| FS_URL_10 =  
| Coverage =
| RW_URL_01 = [http://sagenealogy.co.za/ South African Genealogy]
| Inventory =
| DFNL = [[South Africa, Cape, Probate Records of the Master of the High Court Digital Folder Number List|Digital Folder Number List]]
| RW_URL_01 = [http://home.global.co.za/~mercon/index.htm South African Genealogy]
| RW_URL_02 = [https://www.cyndislist.com/south-africa/ Cyndi's List - South Africa]
| RW_URL_02 = [https://www.cyndislist.com/south-africa/ Cyndi's List - South Africa]
| RW_URL_03 = [https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/search?locationId=country_64&orderby=memorials&page=1#cem-2306728 Find a Grave - South Africa]
| RW_URL_03 = [https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/search?locationId=country_64&orderby=memorials&page=1#cem-2306728 Find A Grave - South Africa]
| RW_URL_04 = [http://genealogyintime.com/records/Africa-genealogy-records.html GenealogyInTime Magazine]
| RW_URL_04 = [http://genealogyintime.com/records/Africa-genealogy-records.html GenealogyInTime Magazine]
| RW_URL_05 = [http://www.e-family.co.za/cdni/cdni_index.htm Cape Master Death Notice Index]
| RW_URL_05 = [http://homepages.paradise.net.nz/golden/A%20Guide%20to%20research%20in%20South%20Africa.htm Researching in South Africa]
| RW_URL_06 = [http://www.eggsa.org/librarySearch/searchGraves.htm Genealogical Society of SA - Graves]
| RW_URL_06 = [http://www.eggsa.org/librarySearch/searchGraves.htm Genealogical Society of SA - Graves]
| RW_URL_07 = [http://www.genza.org.za/biblio/main.php Genealogical Society of SA - Funeral Programs]
| RW_URL_07 = [http://www.genza.org.za/biblio/main.php Genealogical Society of SA - Funeral Programs]
Line 40: Line 31:
| RW_URL_09 =  
| RW_URL_09 =  
| RW_URL_10 =  
| RW_URL_10 =  
| custodian = Pietermaritzburg Archives (Formerly Natal State Archives), South Africa
| custodian = Master of the High Court, Cape Town
}}
}}
== What is in This Collection? ==  
== What is in This Collection? ==  
This collection includes records from 1834-1989. Probate records often include heirs, locations, property transfers, wills, and other important information. The most useful records in the collection are the death notices which give much more information than a death certificate. The probate records are contained in packets with a record cover identified by an assigned file number.  
This collection includes records from 1834-1989.
 
South African probate records often include heirs, locations, property transfers, wills, and other important information. The most useful records in the collection are the death notices which give much more information than a death certificate. The probate records are contained in packets with a record cover identified by an assigned file number.  
 
When a person died, the nearest relative or other connection should have completed a death notice and sent it to the Master of the High Court within 14 days of the death.   
When a person died, the nearest relative or other connection should have completed a death notice and sent it to the Master of the High Court within 14 days of the death.   


This collection includes several handwritten and typed indexes. You can use these lists to quickly scan for your ancestor’s name and where his or her records are located. The index includes the name of the person who died, the death dates, the name of the spouse, and the probate file number. The death notices and wills included in the probate files are hand-written. The death notices are on a pre-printed form.  
This collection includes several handwritten and typed indexes. You can use these lists to quickly scan for your ancestor’s name and where his or her records are located. The index includes the name of the person who died, the death dates, the name of the spouse, and the probate file number. The death notices and wills included in the probate files are hand-written. The death notices are on a pre-printed form.  
 
The original probate records from the Master of the High Court in Cape Province, South Africa are located in the Cape Archives Depot, Cape Town.
The original probate records from the Master of the High Court in Cape Province, South Africa are located in the Cape Archives Depot, Cape Town.
 
===Reading These Records===
{{HR Add}}
These records are in Afrikaans and English. For help reading these records see the following guides:
=== Index and Image Visibility ===
{{Image Visibility}}
=== Reading These Records ===  
These records are in Afrikaans and English. For help reading these records see:
*[[Afrikaans Word List]]
*[[Afrikaans Word List]]
*[[Netherlands Language and Languages]]
*[[Netherlands Language and Languages]]
*[[South Africa Language and Languages]]
*[[South Africa Language and Languages]]
== What Can These Records Tell Me? ==  
 
The following information may be found in these records:
==What Can These Records Tell Me?==
{{columns-list|3|
'''Death notices''' within the probate records contain different information at different times but may include variations of the following:  
*Name of the deceased  
*Name of the deceased  
*Birthplace of the deceased  
*Birthplace of the deceased  
Line 72: Line 63:
*Whether the deceased left a will  
*Whether the deceased left a will  
*Name of the informant
*Name of the informant
}}
 
== Collection Content ==
==Collection Content==
=== Sample Images ===  
=== Sample Images ===  
<gallery>
<gallery>
Image:South Africa, Cape Province Probate Records 1947 DGS 007739210 img 00052.jpg|1947 Death Notice
Image:South Africa Cape Province Probate Records of The Master High Court DGS 007739210 Image 52.jpg|Death Notice
Image:South Africa Cape Province Probate Records of The Master High Court 007739210 00053.jpg|1947 Will Page 1
Image:South Africa Cape Province Probate Records of The Master High Court DGS 007739210 Image 53.jpg|Will Page 1
Image:South Africa Cape Province Probate Records of The Master High Court 007739210 00054.jpg|1947 Will Page 2
Image:South Africa Cape Province Probate Records of The Master High Court DGS 007739210 Image 54.jpg|Will Page 2
</gallery>
</gallery>
=== Digital Folder Number List ===
 
{{DFNL_List| page = [[South Africa, Cape, Probate Records of the Master of the High Court Digital Folder Number List]]}}
== How Do I Search This Collection? ==  
== How Do I Search This Collection? ==  
Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:
Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:
*The name of the deceased
*The name of the deceased
*Location of residence upon death
*Location of residence upon death
=== Search The Index ===
=== Search The Index ===
{{Search Collection Link| CID=CID2517051}}
{{Search Collection Link
=== View the Images ===
| CID=CID2517051
{{DFNL View
}}
|page = [https://familysearch.org/wiki/en/South_Africa,_Cape,_Probate_Records_of_the_Master_of_the_High_Court_Digital_Folder_Number_List South Africa, Cape Province, Probate Records of the Master of the High Court Digital Folder Number List]
 
|CID = 2517051 }}
{{Tip|More images are available in the FamilySearch Catalog at [https://familysearch.org/search/catalog/331262 Probate Records, 1834-1989]. Click on camera icon to see images.}}
{{HR Tip|More images are available in the FamilySearch Catalog at {{FSC|331262|item|disp=Probate Records, 1834-1989}}. Click on camera icon to see images.}}
 
=== How Do I Analyze the Results? ===
=== 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 [[Use_Appropriate_Forms#Prepare_a_Research_Log |research log]].
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 [[Use_Appropriate_Forms#Prepare_a_Research_Log | research log]].
== What Do I Do Next? ==
 
=== I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now? ===
'''Remember to:'''
*Add any new information to your records
*Whenever possible, look at the original record.  It often has more information than the indexed record.
*If available, check the image for additional information
*Print or download a copy of the record, or extract the genealogical information needed.
*Analyze the entry to see if it provides additional clues to find other records of the person or their family
 
=== I Can’t Find the Person I’m Looking For, What Now? ===
==What Do I Do Next?==
*The person may be recorded with an abbreviated or variant form of their name
===I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now?===                          
*Try searching by surname only
*Use the age to find an approximate birth year to begin your search in church or civil records for the person and other family members 
*Remember that spelling was generally not standardized until the early part of the 20th century
*Use the information to find the person or family in prior census records                         
=== Research Helps ===
*Continue to search the records to identify children, siblings, parents, and other relatives who may have lived nearby. This can help you identify other generations of your family. Repeat this process for each new generation you identify
The following articles will help you research your family in [[South Africa Genealogy|South Africa]].
*Compile the entries for every person who has the same surname; this is especially helpful in rural areas or if the surname is unusual       
*[[South Africa Record Finder]]
*The probate record may contain an inventory of personal property, and a list of who received the property 
*[[South Africa Finding Town of Origin]]
*Check for siblings, especially women, to determine if they married                       
*[[South Africa Church Records|Church Records]] often were kept years before government records were required and are a good source for finding ancestors before 1900
 
===I Can't Find the Person I'm Looking For, What Now?===                              
*Switch to a different record collection. Depending on the time period, either Civil Registration records or Church Records may be more useful                                 
*Remember that there may be more than one person in the records with the same name as an ancestor and that the ancestor may have used nicknames or different names at different times                         
*Keep in mind that there may be more than one person in the records with the same name                        
*Standard spelling of names typically did not exist during the periods our ancestors lived in. Try variations of your ancestor’s name while searching the index or browsing through images. Pay special attention to how the name should have been pronounced and try variations on the pronunciation                         
*Remember that sometimes individuals went by nicknames or alternated between using first and middle names. Try searching for these names as well                       
*Search the indexes and records of [[South Africa Societies|local genealogical societies]]
*Try different ways of searching the collection. For example, fill in just the given name or the surname. This will return a list of everyone with that name so you can browse through options 
*Be aware that there may have been some transcription errors
 
== Citing This Collection ==
== 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.
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}}
 
;Collection Citation:
"South Africa, Cape Province, Probate Records of the Master of the High Court, 1834-1989." Database and Images. <i>FamilySearch</i>. <nowiki>https://FamilySearch.org</nowiki>: 20 February 2018. Pietermaritzburg Archives (Formerly Natal State Archives), South Africa.
 
{{Record_Citation}}
{{Record_Citation}}
{{Image_Citation}}
{{Image_Citation}}
[[pt:África do Sul, Província de Cabo, Registros de Inventários (Registros Históricos do FamilySearch)]][[Category:Collections with a Digital Browse]]
 
'''[[#top|Top of Page]]'''
 
== How Can I Contribute to the FamilySearch Wiki? ==
{{Contributor_invite}}
 
{{H-langs|en=South Africa, Cape Province, Probate Records (FamilySearch Historical Records)|pt=África do Sul, Província de Cabo, Registros de Inventários (Registros Históricos do FamilySearch)}}

Revision as of 09:44, 4 April 2018

South Africa

Access the Records
South Africa, Cape Province, Probate Records of the Master of the High Court, 1834-1989
CID2517051
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{{{CID3}}}
{{{CID4}}}
{{{CID5}}}
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This article describes a collection of records at FamilySearch.org.
Cape Province, South Africa
Flag of South Africa
Flag of South Africa
Locator map of Template:Location
Location of Cape Province, South Africa
Location of South Africa
Location of South Africa
Record Description
Record Type: Probate Records
Collection years: 1834-1989
Languages: Afrikaans and English
FamilySearch Resources
Related Websites
Archive
Master of the High Court, Cape Town


What is in This Collection?[edit | edit source]

This collection includes records from 1834-1989.

South African probate records often include heirs, locations, property transfers, wills, and other important information. The most useful records in the collection are the death notices which give much more information than a death certificate. The probate records are contained in packets with a record cover identified by an assigned file number.

When a person died, the nearest relative or other connection should have completed a death notice and sent it to the Master of the High Court within 14 days of the death.

This collection includes several handwritten and typed indexes. You can use these lists to quickly scan for your ancestor’s name and where his or her records are located. The index includes the name of the person who died, the death dates, the name of the spouse, and the probate file number. The death notices and wills included in the probate files are hand-written. The death notices are on a pre-printed form.

The original probate records from the Master of the High Court in Cape Province, South Africa are located in the Cape Archives Depot, Cape Town.

Reading These Records[edit | edit source]

These records are in Afrikaans and English. For help reading these records see the following guides:

What Can These Records Tell Me?[edit | edit source]

Death notices within the probate records contain different information at different times but may include variations of the following:

  • Name of the deceased
  • Birthplace of the deceased
  • Age of the deceased
  • Names of the deceased’s parents
  • Occupation of the deceased
  • Names of surviving or deceased spouses (with death date) if any
  • Date and place of death
  • Names of the children of the deceased
  • Whether the deceased owned property
  • Whether the deceased left a will
  • Name of the informant

Collection Content[edit | edit source]

Sample Images[edit | edit source]

  • South Africa Cape Province Probate Records of The Master High Court DGS 007739210 Image 52.jpg

    Death Notice

  • South Africa Cape Province Probate Records of The Master High Court DGS 007739210 Image 53.jpg

    Will Page 1

  • South Africa Cape Province Probate Records of The Master High Court DGS 007739210 Image 54.jpg

    Will Page 2

How Do I Search This Collection?[edit | edit source]

Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:

  • The name of the deceased
  • Location of residence upon death

Search The Index[edit | edit source]

Search by name on the Collection Details Page.
  1. Enter the information in the fields in the Search Collection section or click More Options to see additional fields
  2. Click Search to show possible matches


Tip: More images are available in the FamilySearch Catalog at Probate Records, 1834-1989. Click on camera icon to see images.

How Do I Analyze the Results?[edit | edit source]

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.

Remember to:

  • Whenever possible, look at the original record. It often has more information than the indexed record.
  • Print or download a copy of the record, or extract the genealogical information needed.

What Do I Do Next?[edit | edit source]

I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now?[edit | edit source]

  • Use the age to find an approximate birth year to begin your search in church or civil records for the person and other family members
  • Use the information to find the person or family in prior census records
  • Continue to search the records to identify children, siblings, parents, and other relatives who may have lived nearby. This can help you identify other generations of your family. Repeat this process for each new generation you identify
  • Compile the entries for every person who has the same surname; this is especially helpful in rural areas or if the surname is unusual
  • The probate record may contain an inventory of personal property, and a list of who received the property
  • Check for siblings, especially women, to determine if they married
  • Church Records often were kept years before government records were required and are a good source for finding ancestors before 1900

I Can't Find the Person I'm Looking For, What Now?[edit | edit source]

  • Switch to a different record collection. Depending on the time period, either Civil Registration records or Church Records may be more useful
  • Remember that there may be more than one person in the records with the same name as an ancestor and that the ancestor may have used nicknames or different names at different times
  • Keep in mind that there may be more than one person in the records with the same name
  • Standard spelling of names typically did not exist during the periods our ancestors lived in. Try variations of your ancestor’s name while searching the index or browsing through images. Pay special attention to how the name should have been pronounced and try variations on the pronunciation
  • Remember that sometimes individuals went by nicknames or alternated between using first and middle names. Try searching for these names as well
  • Search the indexes and records of local genealogical societies
  • Try different ways of searching the collection. For example, fill in just the given name or the surname. This will return a list of everyone with that name so you can browse through options
  • Be aware that there may have been some transcription errors

Citing This Collection[edit | edit source]

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

"South Africa, Cape Province, Probate Records of the Master of the High Court, 1834-1989." Database and Images. FamilySearch. https://FamilySearch.org: 20 February 2018. Pietermaritzburg Archives (Formerly Natal State Archives), South Africa.

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.

Top of Page

How Can I Contribute to the FamilySearch Wiki?[edit | edit source]

Template:Contributor invite

To access available information, first log into FamilySearch.

DGS stands for Digital Genealogical Society also known as an Image Group Number. Each set of digital images is assigned a DGS number for identification purposes.

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