This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: JanetLWood Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newyork.counties.queens/4439/mb.ashx Message Board Post: I have found reference to two family wills from the 1870's Queens Co. I do not have the wills, just the newspaper announcements. They both use language that I am unfamiliar with and hope someone could explain in layman's terms. "special guardian appointed in will case" - this was stated after the announcement that the will had been brought for probate in the court. Will is for a nearly 70 year old woman who at the time of death left a living spouse and no children. Would perhaps the husband who was probably named executor in the will have been deemed unable to do his executor duties? The other statement is "Letters of testamentary issued". This is in the will of an 82 year old widower who has no children (the husband in the above case, who outlived his wife by a few years). Thanks for any help understanding what the situation might have been. -Janet Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.