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Genealogy Research Tips Page One I have been going through some old research notes of mine, and decided to pass along what I think might be interesting and beneficial information to help others with their ancestor search. Did You Know? The appraisers of an estate were selected from freeholders of the deceased's militia district. They were not family members, and had no interest in the estate. A widow could take a "child's part" of the real property free and clear, in which case she could do with it as she chose. She could alternately take her "dower" which entitled her to use during her lifetime (or remarriage) at which time it reverted to the other inheritors. An Administrator was named by the court if: The will did not name an Executor. The will named an Executor who refused, or was unable, to serve. The party died intestate (no valid will). Codes Used in Revolutionary War Applications BLWt Bounty Land Warrant S Soldier personally applied R Soldier applied but application was rejected for some reason; does not necessarily mean the applicant did not serve W Widow applied All papers are not part of the pension file. For instance, the Final Payment Vouchers (also known as "Last Pension Payment File") which shows who received a share of his last half year's payment. You can order a copy of the complete file. Caveat Emptor [Let the Buyer Beware] Many publications are based on contributions from persons doing their own research, or compiling their own lineage. Accuracy of such sources is always questionable and should be verified. The editors did not do the research and should not be held responsible for errors. A Little Levity to Brighten Your Day A certain Story who died left a will which divided his cows as follows: First, to son James, half the cows Second, to son John, one-third of the cows Third, to son William, one-ninth of the cows Upon his death, it was found that he had a total of 17 cows. Not being able to figure out how to distribute the cows as required by the will, the sons asked a neighbor to assist. After some thought, the neighbor solved the puzzle satisfactorily. Can you figure out how he did it? [No half cows please] Is That So? Several times, researchers will be told that certain records for a county no longer exist. Better double check with the State Archives or some reliable printed source. Sometimes the clerks just don't want to be bothered! Plan Ahead Save yourself some frustration, and the possibility of a futile research trip, when planning to visit any out of town library or archive. Before leaving, write and check on their hours of operation, days when closed, and any particulars you need to know before arriving. Availability of Records Actions which limit or modify our right to use public records in any of the states, or on the federal level, do take place from time to time. If there is pending legislation you are aware of, please encourage all researchers to write protesting the closing of records. In cases where regulations are already in effect, the united effort of many genealogists can reverse the action. Please protest all such restrictions in writing. 1  2  3