1. As far as I know, 21 was the age of maturity. 2. A planatation was a farm, often a larger one. It was often used in the period. What was known as Connecticut Farms (Union area) was also called Connecticut Planations. Providence, Rhode Island, was Providence Plantations. When Stephen Brown(e) of Newark and Elizabeth willed his land in present-day Union, Maplewood, and Irvington to his four sons, he described it as a planation, and it must have contained several hundred acres. 3. The will is unusual in ordering the land to be sold. Among the English one son often inherited the land of the father. It was not, however, always the oldest son, as the oldest son may have moved on to another location, and one of the younger sons would get the property. 4. People of Dutch background favored an equal division of the property, but had to state that in the will because the "defaualt" would have privileged the sons. In your case, it may be that the man dying felt that the farm could not be broken up (and support the people working it) or that his sons and sons-in-law had other occupations. 5. Another possibility is that the deceased had already sold land to some of his heirs. 6. You may find the deed registered. And you should find the information on the sale of the land filed with the court documents on his will. Wilson Brown >>> "Betty Clingman" <[email protected]> 11/14/03 01:58PM >>> Hi List, Thanks for all the interesting discussion on the various methods of comparing 1700's and modern valuation of estates. It was very helpful. Now I have a couple of new questions. Actually three. Was 21 the established age of majority for males in New Jersey in 1750? In the ancestor's will that I am transcribing from microfilm, he uses the term "arrives at the age of eighteen years" when referring to his daughter but uses the term "of age" when referring to his sons, not giving a specific age in years. Next question: The will orders that five years after his death, his land ("plantation" in Somerset County) is to be sold. At that time, his daughters are to receive a fixed amount set out in the will with the remaining proceeds from the sale of the land to be divided among the wife and sons. My questions is this: was it the common practice at that time to order that real property be sold and the proceeds paid to the heirs rather than willing the land itself directly to the heirs? Last question for today: Exactly what did the term "plantation" mean in 1750's New Jersey lingo? Thanks for all the input. I appreciate it. Betty Louisiana P.S. For any of you Somerset County researcher who are pursuing the MORRISON family, I am transcribing the complete will of John MORRISON of Basking Ridge, dated 17 June 1751, proved 25 Oct 1753. Let me know if you are interested. ==== NJESSEX Mailing List ==== Know the town name but not county? Search: <http://www.state.nj.us/infobank/locality.htm> ============================== To join Ancestry.com and access our 1.2 billion online genealogy records, go to: http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=571&sourceid=1237