Did you Search all Probate Records?
By Jeannette Holland Austin
Even though the counties list the general contents of probate documents, that does not mean that your desired record is not looming somewhere else! For example, the book labeled “Wills” typically also contains inventories and sales of estates. Likewise “Estate Records” could include inventories, sales, vouchers (signed by the heirs), annual returns, and even some loose Wills! Also the “Annual Returns” books could include inventories, guardianships and more loose Wills.
Thus, what you are seeking is not always listed in the title. That is why it is important to examine everything under Probate. I am currently working in the Bibb County Georgia Probate Records. The Annual Returns are replete with extra probate records, including old Wills. Thus, if you only examined the records labeled “Wills” then you missed some! (The index provides the name and page number to click on).
New! Records added to Elizabeth City County, Virginia:
Land Causes 1809-1813; 1833-1836
Marriages and Licenses 1694-1699; 1719-1720
1704 Quit Rents
Indexes to Probate Records: Wills and Estates 1701-1859; Deeds and Wills 1758-1899
Guardians Accounts: 1737 to 1748; 1827 to 1843
Images of Wills, Deeds, Estates 1689 to 1699
Images of Loose Wills 1700-1805