Genealogy Chat

The family has done some more clearing of family papers and found a 1956 Will which listed lots of people by name AND relationship. --- AND then we found the December 1869 Probate copy (PLUS paper Seal still attached) of the 1868 Will of my husband’s great-great-grandfather! (That one left all to his wife, whom he nominated as Executrix, so no family lists there, I’m afraid). --- You feel as if you’re touching the past. --- Am now contacting the Exeter part of the Devon Records Office – and copying in other bits of the family within easy reach – to see if they would welcome the 1868 Will being deposited. It ain’t my decision, of course, but (so far) all have acknowledged that it would be safer (both for physical care and risk of damage from theft/fire) if it were deposited in the Archives; and they also agree that other parts of the family should be able to access it, which would be hard if we hold onto it. --- Christine

You're SO lucky. I would love to find old wills, but a fear none of my family had enough to leave to make it worth their while making a will. I bet you're over the moon. Kath. x

Christine It's amazing how old documents can make you feel in touch with the past. Like Kath, my lot were poor, but I do have a Will for a gt gt uncle. It was very helpful as it listed a lot of property he owned and gave the names of his surviving siblings as well as various nieces and nephews. This gave me the clue to find that his wife was the eldest sister of my gt gt uncle's husband. nell