During that time, male guardians were often appointed for children whose father had died. That did not indicate that the mother was dead--even if they were called orphans--or incompetent. Women didn't have the same legal standing as men so a male was appointed to see to that. The guardian didn't have to be a relative but often was. You will want to follow these children through the term of their guardianship. At some age--often 14--children had some say in who their guardian would be. As each came of age, there should be a court action ending the guardianship. If there was any estate left, that child would receive his share at that time. Barbara Brixey Wylie John Wylie Consulting, Professional Genealogists [email protected] -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, November 19, 2004 8:22 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [ILVERMIL] William K. Cotton Does anyone have any information on the problems with the guardianship of WIlliam K. Cottons' minor heirs after his death in Dec. 1849. There was a court appearance of Samuel G. Craig, the guardian, Ad Litem(sp) of the five children in Vermilion Co., Court in 1850. Isaac S. Cotton was the administrator of the estate. Was he an uncle ?? Mary Brooks Cotton, the mother was still living. She was enumerated as head of household in the 1850 cenus - Vermilion county with the five children.; Hannah M., John W., Sarah, America E., and Benjamin. Any information, much appreciated. Lois ==== ILVERMIL Mailing List ==== "The Past, and Present, Building a Future for Our Children." Kristie Setser- List Admin. http://www.gentrails.com/vermil.shtml http://www.rootsweb.com/~ilvermil ============================== Search our Immigration Records and view names from multiple ports ranging from 1500s - 1900s. Over 23 million records to view. Learn more: http://www.ancestry.com/s13967/rd.ashx