Antoinette Waughtel Sorensen has recently completed transcribing the
estate papers for
William KEITH, opened 1863, lived in Brandywine
http://www.rootsweb.com/~inshelby/est_william_keith.htm
Nancy KEITH
http://www.rootsweb.com/~inshelby/est_nancy_keith.htm
John KEITH, common pleas action to sell real estate of the dec'd
http://www.rootsweb.com/~inshelby/est_john_keith.htm
James KEITH
http://www.rootsweb.com/~inshelby/est_james_n_keith.html
These transcriptions are unique in that each and every little strip of
paper in the bundle has been recorded. The probate process can be seen
in the flow of the work. First, the administrator (or executor, if a
will exists) applies for the "job". Sometimes this document is preceded
by the widow relinquishing her right to administration, or by the
executor so appointed by the deceased asking to be excused as executor
(usually due to age or having moved). Next, the administrator will post
bond with securities, showing he/she is worth twice the estimated value
of the estate. This bond protects the heirs and creditors involved, in
case the administrator decides to "leave town" with the estate proceeds
or is less than honest in his administration (see the Fansler vs Doble
case that Melinda is transcribing).
The inventory, sometimes including the appraisors' oaths, is the first
step. From this inventory, the widow takes her share (the dollar amount
changes with time) in cash or personal property. An estate sale
follows.
The proceeds of the sale are used to pay old notes and creditors. The
undertaker/coffin-maker is almost always the first to be paid. The
administrator is required by law to report to the court every two years,
if settlement cannot be reached immediately. On final settlement, any
"extra" money is divided among the heirs at law of the deceased (after
the administrator's fee). These receipts often hold important clues
regarding the residence of the heirs, married names of daughters and
names of grandchildren if a son or daughter precedes the parent in
death.
Antoinette took the time to transcribe each receipt/voucher/claim that
was included with the estate papers. These will NEVER appear in the
court record books. They can show everything from the amount of tobacco
& whiskey purchased and ministers supported to the number of out-of-town
accounts and newspapers subscribed to by the deceased.