The two terms, "consort" and "relict" were often used to describe women. Some have misinterpreted the terms to mean that the parties were not legally married but that is incorrect. Benjamin and Mariah Askew were married in Baldwin County, Georgia on January 30, 1823. "Consort" was used when the wife died before the husband. "Relict" was used as we use the term widow; when the wife survived the husband. In this particular case it indicates that Mariah Askew died after her husband. Mitzi Bateman wrote: > How wonderful it is to have these wills on line! I have Askews who were in > central GA, so I was interested in Maria. But what does it mean that she is > a "Relict of Benjamin Askew"? > > Mitzi