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{{Vermont Probate Record}} | {{Vermont Probate Record}} | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
== Record Synopsis == | == Record Synopsis == | ||
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Various types of records are created throughout the probate process. These may include, wills, guardianships, bonds, petitions, accounts, inventories, administrations, orders, depositions, 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. | Various types of records are created throughout the probate process. These may include, wills, guardianships, bonds, petitions, accounts, inventories, administrations, orders, depositions, 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 [http://wiki.familysearch.org/en/United_States_Probate_Records United States Probate Records]. | For further information about the probate process, types of probate records, analyzing probate records, and to access a glossary of probate terms, see [http://wiki.familysearch.org/en/United_States_Probate_Records United States Probate Records]. | ||
== History == | == History == | ||
A general knowledge of Vermont history is essential to understanding Vermont probate records because that helps us know where the records were kept at various times. The territory we now recognize as Vermont was first inhabited by Europeans during the mid 1600s. The 1666 establishment of Fort Sainte Anne on the Isle La Motte is considered to be the first permanent European settlement. Non-French settlers began exploring and inhabiting the Vermont region towards the end of the 17th century. The first British settlement, Fort Dummer, was built in 1724. Before long, conflict over the frontier region erupted between the two nations. As a result of France’s defeat in the French and Indian War, Britain gained control over the entire region. Only a few European people settled in Vermont before 1724.<br> | A general knowledge of Vermont history is essential to understanding Vermont probate records because that helps us know where the records were kept at various times. The territory we now recognize as Vermont was first inhabited by Europeans during the mid 1600s. The 1666 establishment of Fort Sainte Anne on the Isle La Motte is considered to be the first permanent European settlement. Non-French settlers began exploring and inhabiting the Vermont region towards the end of the 17th century. The first British settlement, Fort Dummer, was built in 1724. Before long, conflict over the frontier region erupted between the two nations. As a result of France’s defeat in the French and Indian War, Britain gained control over the entire region. Only a few European people settled in Vermont before 1724.<br> | ||
Disputes over the newly acquired region soon developed amongst the British colonies. Massachusetts, New Hampshire and New York all asserted claim to parts of the territory. In 1740, King George II established the modern day boundary between Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The border, however, between New York and New Hampshire remained relatively undefined for some time. From 1749 to 1763 New Hampshire issued a series of land grants for 129 towns in the region. The majority of property was located in areas lying west of the Green Mountains (or New York side). A ruling in 1764 by King George III set the boundary line between New York and New Hampshire as the Connecticut River (or the modern day boundary between Vermont and New Hampshire). Land previously granted by New Hampshire fell under the jurisdiction of New York. When New York failed to recognize the New Hampshire grants the colonists became infuriated. Settlers of the New Hampshire Grants formed an informal militia, known as the Green Mountain Boys, to prevent New York officials from exercising their authority. Consequently, a period of strife ensued. | Disputes over the newly acquired region soon developed amongst the British colonies. Massachusetts, New Hampshire and New York all asserted claim to parts of the territory. In 1740, King George II established the modern day boundary between Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The border, however, between New York and New Hampshire remained relatively undefined for some time. From 1749 to 1763 New Hampshire issued a series of land grants for 129 towns in the region. The majority of property was located in areas lying west of the Green Mountains (or New York side). A ruling in 1764 by King George III set the boundary line between New York and New Hampshire as the Connecticut River (or the modern day boundary between Vermont and New Hampshire). Land previously granted by New Hampshire fell under the jurisdiction of New York. When New York failed to recognize the New Hampshire grants the colonists became infuriated. Settlers of the New Hampshire Grants formed an informal militia, known as the Green Mountain Boys, to prevent New York officials from exercising their authority. Consequently, a period of strife ensued. | ||
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'''1781.''' Before long Vermont’s population necessitated the creation of additional counties. In 1781 Cumberland County was abolished and the counties of Windsor, Windham, and Orange were formed. Rutland County was also formed from the northern portion of Bennington County. As a result of the reconfiguration, the number of probate districts per county decreased. Each Vermont county was divided into two probate districts, with the exception of Rutland, which was established with one. Since that time, all Vermont counties have been comprised of either one or two probate districts.<ref>John A. Williams, editor, ''Laws of Vermont, 1781-1784''; vol. 13 of ''State Papers of Vermont'' (Barre, Vermont: Modern Printing Company, 1965), 12-13.</ref> | '''1781.''' Before long Vermont’s population necessitated the creation of additional counties. In 1781 Cumberland County was abolished and the counties of Windsor, Windham, and Orange were formed. Rutland County was also formed from the northern portion of Bennington County. As a result of the reconfiguration, the number of probate districts per county decreased. Each Vermont county was divided into two probate districts, with the exception of Rutland, which was established with one. Since that time, all Vermont counties have been comprised of either one or two probate districts.<ref>John A. Williams, editor, ''Laws of Vermont, 1781-1784''; vol. 13 of ''State Papers of Vermont'' (Barre, Vermont: Modern Printing Company, 1965), 12-13.</ref> | ||
'''Today''' Vermont has 14 counties and 18 probate districts. The four southern counties (Bennington, Rutland, Windham, and Windsor) still have two probate courts each. The remaining counties each have one probate district who's jurisdiction is confined to the current county boundaries.<br> | '''Today''' Vermont has 14 counties and 18 probate districts. The four southern counties (Bennington, Rutland, Windham, and Windsor) still have two probate courts each. The remaining counties each have one probate district who's jurisdiction is confined to the current county boundaries.<br> | ||
== State Statutes == | == State Statutes == | ||
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Vermont probate courts are responsible for wills, inventories, estates, guardianships, name changes, adoptions, and relinquishments. | Vermont probate courts are responsible for wills, inventories, estates, guardianships, name changes, adoptions, and relinquishments. | ||
Adoption cases over 99 years old are open to the public. <br> | Adoption cases over 99 years old are open to the public. <br> | ||
== Repositories == | == Repositories == | ||
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==== National ==== | ==== National ==== | ||
*The [ | *The [[Family_History_Library|Family History Library]] located in Salt Lake City, Utah has pre-1850 Vermont probate records available on microfilm. For collection details see the [https://www.familysearch.org/#form=catalog Family History Library Catalog]. Use the "Place Search" option to search for a specific Vermont county. Then look for topics labeled "Probate Records" or "Guardianship." | ||
== Statewide Record Collections == | == Statewide Record Collections == | ||
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== References == | == References == | ||
<references /> | <references /> | ||
{{Vermont2|Vermont}} | {{Vermont2|Vermont}} | ||
[[Category:Vermont|Probate]] | [[Category:Vermont|Probate]] | ||