Are You Serious? Really?

I'm always leery when I go poking around on Ancestry.  It's been so long since I've found anything there worth really considering even noting in my files. 

Its a love hate relationship.  I'd love to be hopeful that someone there has original work but I hate the fact that if there is original work there I haven't yet found it.

Late yesterday I went looking for a family there just to see what I could find.  There were four trees that matched the family I wanted.  Interesting - four sources.  Okay we'll look at this one.  Hmmmmmpppphhhhh  four sources, all census, didn't really tell me anything I didn't know.  So this person has images of wills but the stuff in the wills doesn't match what is on the charts.  Numerous questions with no answers posted - ok maybe it was in a private conversation. 

BUT if you can source with a census why not tell us where you got the birth date and your statement that he was born in Scotland?   How can you show his will but have the wife dying in 1856, but she's very clearly named BY NAME in the will as being very much alive (1865) at that time?   Why are ALL your dates 01 JAN XXXX ...   I know that's a default for most genealogy software, but even when you are estimating on the death you still have a birth date with 01 JAN.  

While we're discussing the things on this entry, lets talk about the marriage that you have in Indiana in 1741, you know, when Indiana wasn't even a place yet?  I doubt this couple even ever left West Virginia or Virginia but marrying in Indiana?  REALLY? 

I used to think that if I could find a tree that had some sources maybe there was hope.  This one made me truly doubt that.  I left questions in the comments, lots of questions.  I guess the real question is will this person even try to answer?   Seriously?  Really? 

Relatively Speaking... Cousins Who Blog

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I love probate files. They are just loaded with tons of good stuff. Take for instance the one above. There is so much good information to be found, and its usually free for the looking. Shall we take a few minutes to explore this document?

1. If this paper is found then there is a will somewhere. Granted the names you'll find in the will should be here, having the actual will is a very good thing as well.
2. Death date is given. Hard to miss that, it very clearly states "...died on the 11th Day of November 1944". Same paragraph prior gives place of death as well.
3. Names of direct line descendants - along with their age & relationship to the deceased.
4. Addresses of descendants. Great info for digging on city directories for more info. Helps if you have some idea of where they lived.
5. Whether or not the spouse survives is also found on this form.
6. Not on this one, but another in my file, bottom back has "Ohio Estate Tax Return". No dollars given on this little form, BUT it does give the cause of death and confirms the death date and her residence at time of death. Also listed was a full date of birth & place as well. Not a bad return on my .15 cent copy fee eh?

So taking the time to find the Application for Probate of Will, Application for Letters of Admin., or Application for Release of Estate from Admin., can all provide you with valuable genealogical information. Sometimes filling in holes with dates or other information you can't get anywhere else.

Probate files & paperwork - its a good thing!

Happy Researching!

Karen