The American colonies (and Provinces) operated under English (after 1707, United Kingdom) law, save for odd local laws covering circumstances for which the local governments might have appealed for exception. I'm reasonably certain (but can find no easy proof on-line) that 18 was the age of majority under the Crown during the entire period of British rule, as it remains today. "18" is therefore likely the minimum for all your situations in all your venues. But the local courts overseeing probate matters were courts of equity, and would not typically approve certain functions requiring seasoned experience or judgment to just anyone who was just "of age". Appointments not directed by the testator - say, to appraise an estate - were usually to "responsible" older men. If someone can find an authoritative rebuttal for "18" as the general rule, I'd be happy to see it. John "Cree & Susan Newbold" <newbold@comcast.net> wrote: >Most everyone using this List has read numerous documents or abstracts which >named individuals performing some or all of the following duties in >Maryland, Delaware, or Virginia during the 17th and 18th Century: > > > >*   Witness to Will >*   Administrator of an Estate >*   Executor of a Will >*   Appraiser of an Estate >*   "Approver" of an Estate >