Wills and estate papers are among the most rewarding documents a family historian can find. In a single page, they can name children, grandchildren, in-laws and the property that tied a family together.
What a will can tell you
- The names of a person's spouse, children and grandchildren
- Married names of daughters, which help you trace their new families
- Relatives who had already died, sometimes mentioned in passing
- Where the person lived and what property they owned
- Their occupation, possessions and sometimes their personal wishes
- Friends and neighbours who acted as witnesses or executors
Estate papers beyond the will
When someone died, the process of settling their estate could create a trail of further records: inventories of possessions, accounts of debts and payments, court records of disputes and documents naming guardians for young children. Even people who died without a will may appear in estate administration records.
Who left wills?
Historically, wills were more common among people who owned land or property. However, people of modest means also made wills, especially if they had savings, tools or household goods to pass on. Do not assume your ancestors were too ordinary to leave one.
Finding wills and estate records
These records are usually held by courts, probate registries or regional archives, depending on the country and period. Indexes are often available, and many archives will supply copies. Search under the name of the person who died, and check a range of years, because estates could take a long time to settle.
Tip: Read every name in a will carefully, including witnesses. A witness with the same surname as the deceased may well be a brother, nephew or cousin.
Reading older wills
Older wills may use formal legal phrases and unfamiliar handwriting. Transcribe the document word for word first, then summarise what it tells you about the family. Make a note of any relationships it states, and add them to your tree with the will as the source.