Did you Search all Probate Records?

Genealogy Tips by Jeannette Holland Austin

Leave no Stone Unturned! 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 clerk’s 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).

It is actually easy to make good use of all of the documents on 8 Genealogy Websites (Georgia Pioneers et al), because a quick stroll through the index (or link to a name) could provide answers quickly. In order words, it behooves the genealogist to identify ALL entries of persons with the same surname. When you get down to it, we are all cousins!

Look under "all" Rocks

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