An exciting new collection rich in stories,
keepsakes, heirlooms, and secrets.
Before he died, Jonathan Stark (the “testator”) provided instructions on how he wanted his estate distributed. His 1919 will describes his land and property, and includes names of heirs, witnesses, and guardians.
Wills in your family story can reveal the same kinds of rich details.
A variety of records are created when the court deals with handling the property and affairs of the deceased. For Mr. Stark, it started with proving the will’s accuracy.
These “probate records” give insight into his life—with lists of his personal possessions, information about property and residences, and even relationship details.
Probate records for your ancestors can yield similar gems of information.
Probate records sometimes included inventories, lists of assets with appraisals that give clues into the deceased’s wealth, lifestyle, or occupation.
Mr. Stark left a Ford Model T, a car that was mass produced by 1919 and cost about $500, making it the perfect vehicle for middle class Americans.
Some inventories go in depth and give a room-by-room account of the deceased’s home.
In 1919, a man was judged by where he slept. Jonathan Stark may have been telling a story for posterity when he listed out his featherbed, sheets, and coverlets. His bed curtains implied he slept in a canopy bed.
Last words are some of the most important for family history. Wills represent a person’s final wishes and the legacy they wanted to leave.
Jonathan Stark bequeathed his prized gold watch to a nephew (and not his son) giving clues about what and who was important to him.
The court appointed a guardian to care for minor children and manage their inheritance. The records created are called Guardianship Papers.
Mr. Stark’s sister became guardian for his orphaned daughter, Abigail, suggesting a close sibling relationship.
After all the evidence is examined and the proceedings are over, the final distribution of the deceased’s estate is documented in these records.
Jonathan Stark left many possessions and assets, giving context about his lifestyle before he died—and what kind of life Abigail may have had.