Kentucky Probate Records: Difference between revisions

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''[[United States|United States ]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]]  [[Kentucky|Kentucky ]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]]  [[Kentucky_Probate_Records|Probate Records]]''
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==Online Resources==
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=9066 Kentucky, Wills and Probate Records, 1774-1989] ($), index and images, incomplete.
*{{FSC|85984|item|disp=Abstract of Early Kentucky Wills and Inventories}} at FamilySearch; index and images; also at [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/48553/ Ancestry] ($).
*1727-1900 {{RecordSearch|1875188|Kentucky Probate Records, 1727-1990}} at FamilySearch - [[Kentucky Probate Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index and images
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=5661 Kentucky Will Index] ($)
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=5168 Kentucky Will Index, vol. 2] ($)
*[http://apps.sos.ky.gov/land/nonmilitary/patentseries/willsseries/ Kentucky Land Office Wills (found in patent files)]
*[http://search.findmypast.com/search-world-Records/kentucky-wills-deeds-and-marriages-1700-1909-published-1929 Kentucky, Wills, Deeds, and Marriages, 1700-1909 (Published 1929)] ($), index.
*[http://www.deathindexes.com/kentucky/index.html Online Kentucky Death Indexes, Obituaries and Cemeteries]
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/full-text Full-Text Search - Probate Records] at FamilySearch - index & images; dates, records, and places vary; [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P00oMDsAsSw How to Search]


{{Adoption KYGenWeb}}
===Record Synopsis===


== Record Synopsis  ==
Probate is the “court procedure by which a will is proved to be valid or invalid” and encompasses “all matters and proceedings pertaining to the administration of estates, guardianships, etc.”<ref>Henry Campbell Black, ''Black's Law Dictionary,'' 5th ed. (St. Paul, Minnesota: West Publishing Co., 1979), 1081, "probate."</ref> Various records may be found in probate files. These may include [[United States Probate Wills|wills]], bonds, petitions, accounts, inventories, administrations, orders, decrees, and distributions. These documents are extremely valuable to genealogists and should not be neglected. In many instances, they are the only known source of relevant information such as the decedent’s date of death, names of his or her spouse, children, parents, siblings, in-laws, neighbors, associates, relatives, and their places of residence. They may also include information about adoption or guardianship of minor children and dependents. For further information about the [[United States Probate Process|probate process]], types of probate records, [[Analyzing United States Probate Records|analyzing probate records]], and to access a [[Glossary of United States Probate Terms|glossary]] of probate terms, see [[United States Probate Records|United States Probate Records]].


Probate is the “court procedure by which a will is proved to be valid or invalid” and encompasses “all matters and proceedings pertaining to the administration of estates, guardianships, etc.”<ref>Henry Campbell Black, ''Black's Law Dictionary,'' 5th ed. (St. Paul, Minnesota: West Publishing Co., 1979), 1081, "probate."</ref> Various types of records are created throughout the probate process. These may include, [[United States Probate Wills|wills]], bonds, petitions, accounts, inventories, administrations, orders, decrees, and distributions. These documents are extremely valuable to genealogists and should not be neglected. In many instances, they are the only known source of relevant information such as the decedent’s date of death, names of his or her spouse, children, parents, siblings, in-laws, neighbors, associates, relatives, and their places of residence. They may also include information about adoption or guardianship of minor children and dependents. For further information about&nbsp;the [[United States Probate Process|probate process]],&nbsp;types of probate records, [[Analyzing United States Probate Records|analyzing probate records]], and to access a [[Glossary of United States Probate Terms|glossary]] of probate terms, see [https://wiki.familysearch.org/en/United_States_Probate_Records United States Probate Records].
===History===


== History  ==
Probate records of Kentucky are kept by the county clerk.


Probate records of Kentucky are kept by the county clerk.  
Before 1748 there were few American settlers in the area of present-day Kentucky. In the ensuing years, boundary disputes continued between Tennessee and Kentucky. They were not firmly settled until 1859. As a result, some families were unsure which state they lived in. Often, records for them are found in both states.  


Before 1748 there were few American settlers in the area of present-day Kentucky. In the ensuing years,&nbsp; boundary disputes continued&nbsp;between Tennessee and Kentucky,&nbsp;They were not firmly settled until 1859. As a result, some families were unsure which state they lived in. Often, records for them&nbsp;are found in both states.  
A loss of records occurred in some of the 120 counties of Kentucky by either fire or accident. Fortunately, some of these lost records were later re-recorded, making it necessary to extend a search in those counties well past the years in which the records were destroyed.  


A loss&nbsp;of records occurred in some of the 120 counties of Kentucky by either fire or accident. Fortunately, some of these lost records were later re-recorded, making it necessary to extend a search in those counties well past the years in which the records were destroyed.  
*A brief history of the settlement and boundary changes of Kentucky and the resultant effects on record keeping can be found on [http://www.ancestry.com/wiki/index.php?title=History_of_Kentucky Ancestry].($)
*A discussion of Kentucky Probate Records written by Wendy Bebout Elliott for ''Red book: American State, County, and Town Sources'' can be found at [http://www.ancestry.com/wiki/index.php?title=Kentucky_Probate_Records Ancestry]. ($)


*A brief history of the settlement and boundary changes of Kentucky&nbsp;and the resultant effects on record keeping&nbsp;can be&nbsp;found on [http://www.ancestry.com/wiki/index.php?title=History_of_Kentucky Ancestry].($)
===State Statutes===
*A discussion of Kentucky Probate Records written by Wendy Bebout Elliott&nbsp;for ''Red book: American State, County, and Town Sources'' can be found at [http://www.ancestry.com/wiki/index.php?title=Kentucky_Probate_Records Ancestry]. ($)


== State Statutes  ==
Understanding the Kentucky probate laws and how they changed over time can help us learn how the estate was administered, taxed, and distributed and might help to solve difficult genealogical problems.


Understanding the&nbsp;Kentucky probate laws and how they changed over time can help us learn how the estate was administered, taxed, and distributed and might help to solve difficult genealogical problems.  
*[https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/48553/ Abstract of Early Kentucky Wills and Inventories] at Ancestry ($). {{FSC|85984|item|disp=FS Library Book 976.9 P28k; Film 897212 Item 5; Fiche 6051356 1961}} - images.


Additional information about&nbsp;Kentucky state statutes relating to probate matters can be found at law libraries. Online digital versions of state statutes can often be found by conducting a search engine search for the term, "Kentucky statutes."  
Additional information about Kentucky state statutes relating to probate matters can be found at law libraries. Online digital versions of state statutes can often be found by conducting a search engine search for the term, "Kentucky statutes."


== Repositories ==
===Repositories===


==== Local ====
====Local====


*Probate records of Kentucky are kept by the county clerk.
*Probate records of Kentucky are kept by the county clerk.


==== Regional ====
====Regional====


*Copies of probate records are also available at the [http://history.ky.gov/ Kentucky Historical Society] and the [http://www.kdla.ky.gov/ Kentucky&nbsp;Department of Libraries and Archives].
*Copies of probate records are also available at the [http://history.ky.gov/ Kentucky Historical Society] and the [http://www.kdla.ky.gov/ Kentucky Department of Libraries and Archives].


==== National ====
====National====


*The [https://wiki.familysearch.org/en/Family_History_Library Family History Library]&nbsp;located in Salt Lake City, Utah Kentucky probate records available on microfilm.&nbsp;For collection details see the [http://fsbeta.familysearch.org/#form=catalog Family History Library Catalog].&nbsp;Use the[[Family History Library Catalog Place-name Search|"Place Search" option]] to search for a specific&nbsp;Kentucky county. Then look for&nbsp;topics labeled "Probate Records" or "Guardianship." <br>
*The [https://www.familysearch.org/en/library/ FamilySearch Library] located in Salt Lake City, Utah, has Kentucky probate records available on microfilm. For collection details see the [https://familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlc/ FamilySearch Catalog]. Use the[[FamilySearch Catalog Place-name Search|"Place Search" option]] to search for a specific Kentucky county. Then look for topics "Probate Records" or "Guardianship." <br>


== Statewide Record Collections ==
===Statewide Record Collections===


*''Index to Kentucky Wills to 1851, the Testators''. Salt Lake City, Utah: Accelerated Indexing Systems, 1979.&nbsp;{{FHL|347173|item|disp=FHL Book976.9 P22i}}. This index shows the testator’s name, county, year of the will, volume, and page number.<br><br>  
*''Index to Kentucky Wills to 1851, the Testators''. Salt Lake City, Utah: Accelerated Indexing Systems, 1979. {{FSC|347173|item|disp=FS Library Book976.9 P22i}}. This index shows the testator’s name, county, year of the will, volume, and page number.<br><br>
*King, Junie Estelle Stewart. ''Abstract[s] of Early Kentucky Wills and Inventories.'' 1933; reprint, Baltimore, Md.: Genealogical Publishing, 1961. {{FHL|85984|item|disp=FHL Book 976.9 P28k; Film 897212 Item 5; Fiche 6051356}}. Includes surname index. Digital version at [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=48553 Ancestry] ($).<br><br>  
*[https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/48553/ Abstract of Early Kentucky Wills and Inventories] at Ancestry ($). {{FSC|85984|item|disp=FS Library Book 976.9 P28k; Film 897212 Item 5; Fiche 6051356 1961}}. Includes surname index.<br><br>
*''Early Kentucky Settlers''. 1700s-1800s. [S.l.]: Brøderbund, c2000. {{FHL|996803|item|disp=FHL CD-ROM no. 9 pt. 519}}, FHL US/CAN Access Window.<br><br>  
*''Early Kentucky Settlers''. 1700s-1800s. [S.l.]: Brøderbund, c2000. {{FSC|996803|item|disp=FS Library CD-ROM no. 9 pt. 519}}<br><br>
*Daughters of the American Revolution. Bryan Station Chapter (Lexington, Kentucky).&nbsp;''Kentucky Court Records, Wills, Deeds, Bibles, Tombstones, etc.&nbsp;''Salt Lake City, Utah: Filmed by the Genealogical Society of Utah, 1971. {{FHL|339322|item|disp=FHL Film 855035 Item 6}}.<br><br>  
*Daughters of the American Revolution. Bryan Station Chapter (Lexington, Kentucky). ''Kentucky Court Records, Wills, Deeds, Bibles, Tombstones, etc. ''Salt Lake City, Utah: Filmed by the Genealogical Society of Utah, 1971. {{FSC|339322|item|disp=FS Library Film 855035 Item 6}}.<br><br>
*Eddlemon, Sherida K.&nbsp;''Kentucky Genealogical Records &amp; Abstracts''.&nbsp;Bowie, Maryland: Heritage Books, c1997-1998. {{FHL|662951|item|disp=FHL Book 976.9 D28e v. 1, 2}}.<br><br>  
*Eddlemon, Sherida K. ''Kentucky Genealogical Records & Abstracts''. Bowie, Maryland: Heritage Books, c1997-1998. {{FSC|662951|item|disp=FS Library Book 976.9 D28e v. 1, 2}}.<br><br>
*Ardery, Julia Hoge Spencer,&nbsp;''Kentucky Records''.&nbsp;Baltimore, Maryland: Genealogical Pub. Co., 1969, 1972. {{FHL|86046|item|disp=FHL Book 976.9 D2a 1969 v. 2; Fiche 6049306 v.1}} (3 fiche), {{FHL|86031|item|disp=FHL Film 908282 Item 1}}.<br><br>  
*Ardery, Julia Hoge Spencer, ''Kentucky Records''. Baltimore, Maryland: Genealogical Pub. Co., 1969, 1972. {{FSC|86046|item|disp=FS Library Book 976.9 D2a 1969 v. 2; Fiche 6049306 v.1}} (3 fiche), {{FSC|86031|item|disp=FS Library Film 908282 Item 1}}.<br><br>
*Daughters of the American Revolution. Fincastle Chapter (Louisville, Kentucky).&nbsp;''Kentucky Wills, Inscriptions, Marriages, and Miscellaneous Records.''&nbsp;Salt Lake City, Utah: Filmed by the Genealogical Society of Utah, 1971. {{FHL|339516|item|disp=FHL Film 855037 Item 7}}<br><br>  
*Daughters of the American Revolution. Fincastle Chapter (Louisville, Kentucky). ''Kentucky Wills, Inscriptions, Marriages, and Miscellaneous Records.'' Salt Lake City, Utah: Filmed by the Genealogical Society of Utah, 1971. {{FSC|339516|item|disp=FS Library Film 855037 Item 7}}<br><br>
*Daughters of the American Revolution. Captain John Waller Chapter (Lexington, Kentucky). ''Kentucky, Miscellaneous Records. ''Salt Lake City, Utah: Filmed by the Genealogical Society of Utah, 1971. {{FHL|339339|item|disp=FHL Film 855036 Item 5}}.<br><br>  
*Daughters of the American Revolution. Captain John Waller Chapter (Lexington, Kentucky). ''Kentucky, Miscellaneous Records. ''Salt Lake City, Utah: Filmed by the Genealogical Society of Utah, 1971. {{FSC|339339|item|disp=FS Library Film 855036 Item 5}}.<br><br>
*Kentucky Historical Society (Frankfort, Kentucky). ''Manuscripts: Autographed Letters and Papers: 1764-1950. ''Frankfort, Kentucky: Kentucky Historical Society, 1971. {{FHL|489932|item|disp=FHL Film 1464005-1464007}}&nbsp;.<br><br>  
*Kentucky Historical Society (Frankfort, Kentucky). ''Manuscripts: Autographed Letters and Papers: 1764-1950. ''Frankfort, Kentucky: Kentucky Historical Society, 1971. {{FSC|489932|item|disp=FS Library Film 1464005-1464007}} .<br><br>
*Kentucky Genealogical Society (Frankfort, Kentucky).&nbsp;&nbsp;''Wills and Ways: Miscellaneous Kentucky Records.''&nbsp;Frankfort, Kentucky: Kentucky Genealogical Society, 1975. {{FHL|86327|item|disp=FHL Book 976.9 V2k; Film 1036724 Item 9}}.<br><br>  
*Kentucky Genealogical Society (Frankfort, Kentucky). ''Wills and Ways: Miscellaneous Kentucky Records.'' Frankfort, Kentucky: Kentucky Genealogical Society, 1975. {{FSC|86327|item|disp=FS Library Book 976.9 V2k; Film 1036724 Item 9}}.<br><br>
*Daughters of the American Revolution. Independence Pioneers Chapter (Missouri). ''Wills, 1655-1871, 1917''. Independence, Missouri: The D.A.R. chapter, 1970-1971. {{FHL|FHL|293768|item|disp=FHL Book 973 P2w; Film 824052 Item 1; Film 870178 Item 1}}(another filming). Includes index.<br><br>  
*Daughters of the American Revolution. Independence Pioneers Chapter (Missouri). ''Wills, 1655-1871, 1917''. Independence, Missouri: The D.A.R. chapter, 1970-1971. {{FSC|FHL|293768|item|disp=FS Library Book 973 P2w; Film 824052 Item 1; Film 870178 Item 1}} (another filming). Includes index.<br><br>
*Kentucky. County Court (Lewis County). ''Wills, 1807-1867''. Salt Lake City, Utah: Filmed by the Genealogical Society of Utah, 1962. {{FHL|92827|item|disp=FHL Film 344045-344048}}. Includes index.<br><br>
*Kentucky. County Court (Lewis County). ''Wills, 1807-1867''. Salt Lake City, Utah: Filmed by the Genealogical Society of Utah, 1962. {{FSC|92827|item|disp=FS Library Film 344045-344048}}. Includes index.<br><br>


Book J of the Kentucky Court of Appeals (1780-88) contains some wills and inventories. It can be found under the subject of Kentucky - Land and property in the FHL catalog:  
Book J of the Kentucky Court of Appeals (1780-88) contains some wills and inventories. It can be found under the subject of Kentucky - Land and property in the FamilySearch Catalog:  


*Cook, Michael L. and Bettie A. Cook.&nbsp;''Kentucky Court of Appeals Deed Books.'' Evansville, Indiana: Cook Publications, 1985. {{FHL|269371|item|disp=FHL Book 976.9 R2c 4 vol.}}.<br>
*Cook, Michael L. and Bettie A. Cook. ''Kentucky Court of Appeals Deed Books.'' Evansville, Indiana: Cook Publications, 1985. {{FSC|269371|item|disp=FS Library Book 976.9 R2c 4 vol.}}.<br>


== Learn More  ==
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=5168 Kentucky Will Index, Vol. 2] at Ancestry ($)


==== Published Materials  ====
===Learn More===


*Bennett, R. Terry, Sean E. Mumaw and National Business Business Institute. ''Kentucky Probate: Beyond the Basics. ''Eau Claire, WI&nbsp;: NBI, Inc., ©2005. {{WorldCat|0107004|disp=At many libraries (WorldCat)}}
===Published Materials===


==== Websites  ====
*Bennett, R. Terry, Sean E. Mumaw and National Business Business Institute. ''Kentucky Probate: Beyond the Basics. ''Eau Claire, WI : NBI, Inc., ©2005. {{WorldCat|0107004|disp=At many libraries (WorldCat)}}


*:Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives<br>300 Coffee Tree Road<br>Frankfort, KY 40601<br>Tel: 502-564-8300<br>[http://www.kdla.ky.gov/ Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives]<br>[http://kdla.ky.gov/researchers/Documents/probate.pdf Order wills and probate records]
===Websites===


*:Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives<br>300 Coffee Tree Road<br>Frankfort, KY 40601<br>Telephone: 502-564-8300<br>[http://www.kdla.ky.gov/ Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives]<br>[http://kdla.ky.gov/researchers/Documents/probate.pdf Order wills and probate records] <br>


:'''A wiki article describing an online collection is found at:'''
:'''A wiki article describing an online collection is found at:'''
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;[[Kentucky Probate Records (FamilySearch Historical Records)|Kentucky Probate Records (FamilySearch Historical Records)]]


== References ==
    [[Kentucky Probate Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|Kentucky Probate Records - FamilySearch Historical Records]]
 
===References===


<references />  
<references />  
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{{Kentucky|Kentucky}}  
{{Kentucky|Kentucky}}  


[[Category:Kentucky|Probate]]
[[Category:Kentucky, United States|Probate]]
[[Category:United States Probate Records]]

Latest revision as of 17:52, 6 June 2024

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Online Resources[edit | edit source]

Record Synopsis[edit | edit source]

Probate is the “court procedure by which a will is proved to be valid or invalid” and encompasses “all matters and proceedings pertaining to the administration of estates, guardianships, etc.”[1] Various records may be found in probate files. These may include wills, bonds, petitions, accounts, inventories, administrations, orders, decrees, and distributions. These documents are extremely valuable to genealogists and should not be neglected. In many instances, they are the only known source of relevant information such as the decedent’s date of death, names of his or her spouse, children, parents, siblings, in-laws, neighbors, associates, relatives, and their places of residence. They may also include information about adoption or guardianship of minor children and dependents. For further information about the probate process, types of probate records, analyzing probate records, and to access a glossary of probate terms, see United States Probate Records.

History[edit | edit source]

Probate records of Kentucky are kept by the county clerk.

Before 1748 there were few American settlers in the area of present-day Kentucky. In the ensuing years, boundary disputes continued between Tennessee and Kentucky. They were not firmly settled until 1859. As a result, some families were unsure which state they lived in. Often, records for them are found in both states.

A loss of records occurred in some of the 120 counties of Kentucky by either fire or accident. Fortunately, some of these lost records were later re-recorded, making it necessary to extend a search in those counties well past the years in which the records were destroyed.

  • A brief history of the settlement and boundary changes of Kentucky and the resultant effects on record keeping can be found on Ancestry.($)
  • A discussion of Kentucky Probate Records written by Wendy Bebout Elliott for Red book: American State, County, and Town Sources can be found at Ancestry. ($)

State Statutes[edit | edit source]

Understanding the Kentucky probate laws and how they changed over time can help us learn how the estate was administered, taxed, and distributed and might help to solve difficult genealogical problems.

Additional information about Kentucky state statutes relating to probate matters can be found at law libraries. Online digital versions of state statutes can often be found by conducting a search engine search for the term, "Kentucky statutes."

Repositories[edit | edit source]

Local[edit | edit source]

  • Probate records of Kentucky are kept by the county clerk.

Regional[edit | edit source]

National[edit | edit source]

Statewide Record Collections[edit | edit source]

Book J of the Kentucky Court of Appeals (1780-88) contains some wills and inventories. It can be found under the subject of Kentucky - Land and property in the FamilySearch Catalog:

Learn More[edit | edit source]

Published Materials[edit | edit source]

  • Bennett, R. Terry, Sean E. Mumaw and National Business Business Institute. Kentucky Probate: Beyond the Basics. Eau Claire, WI : NBI, Inc., ©2005. At many libraries (WorldCat)

Websites[edit | edit source]

A wiki article describing an online collection is found at:
    Kentucky Probate Records - FamilySearch Historical Records

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Henry Campbell Black, Black's Law Dictionary, 5th ed. (St. Paul, Minnesota: West Publishing Co., 1979), 1081, "probate."
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