How do you think of an old family relic or treasure? Is it something which you would very much like to pass down to your children while telling them a story? If so, your thoughts are consistent with those of your ancestors. From the very beginning, colonists to the American Continent carried their treasures across Europe and on the high sea. As a matter of fact, there was a good store of silver in many of the homes of the early planters. Such was the instance of Margaret Cheesman, of Bermondseam who, in 1679, bequeathed a great silver beaker and tankard with other plates to the children of Lemuel Mason of Virginia. <a href="https://www.geni.com/people/Col-Lemuel-Mason/6000000000462363437">Colonel Lemuel Mason</a> Much care was taken in furnishing the home with London imports. If we really want to know more about our ancestors, the inventory of their estate details such items as clothing, furnishings, and often items as precious as Mrs. Chessman's silver beaker. What happened to the family treasures over the years as they were passed on? If you have an unidentified antique in your family, the last will and testament, inventory, and sales of an estate might provide some answers because this is where the testator passes down items of inheritance. These documents are generally found at the local county court house where your ancestor resided. Further back in time, Virginia Pioneers has a vast collection of old wills and estates dating from the 17th to 19th centuries. Sources: Leah and Rachel, p. 16; New England Historical and Genealogical Register, April 1693, p. 250. Virginia Pioneers
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