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| link1=[[United States Genealogy|United States]] | |||
| link2=[[United States Probate Records|Probate Records]] | |||
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| link5=[[United_States_Probate_Process|Probate Process]] | |||
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==== | ==== Record Overview ==== | ||
Anyone of legal age, sound mind, and freedom from restraint had the right to leave a last will and testament. Nearly 10 percent of the pre-1900 adult population made one or more wills. Males with valuable property were more likely to have left a will. Because wills often list the names of many family members, as much as half the population either left a will or was mentioned in one. | Anyone of legal age, sound mind, and freedom from restraint had the right to leave a last will and testament. Nearly 10 percent of the pre-1900 adult population made one or more wills. Males with valuable property were more likely to have left a will. Because wills often list the names of many family members, as much as half the population either left a will or was mentioned in one. | ||
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==== Guardianship ==== | ==== Guardianship ==== | ||
The court may have appointed a guardian to care for minor children or incompetent adults. In some cases a parent was appointed as the guardian for his own child. Sometimes male relatives were made guardians even though the mother was alive. The records may include letters of guardianship (appointment of a guardian), bonds, sale of property (to provide for a minor's needs), accounts (account of the guardian's services and support in behalf of the minor), and a final account when the child comes of age and a guardian is no longer needed. Records of guardianship may be kept separately from other probate papers, or a different court may have jurisdiction over guardianship. | The court may have appointed a guardian to care for minor children or incompetent adults. In some cases a parent was appointed as the guardian for his own child. Sometimes male relatives were made guardians even though the mother was alive. The records may include letters of guardianship (appointment of a guardian), bonds, sale of property (to provide for a minor's needs), accounts (account of the guardian's services and support in behalf of the minor), and a final account when the child comes of age and a guardian is no longer needed. Records of guardianship may be kept separately from other probate papers, or a different court may have jurisdiction over guardianship. | ||
[[Category:United_States_Probate_Records]] | |||