Cathy, I have seen many farms called 'plantations', especially in Maryland and even in the early New England area. The farmers were often called 'planters' and I think that is where the term for their farms stems. Jeanne -----Original Message----- From: Lampshire, Cathy <clampshire@Exchange.FULLERTON.EDU> To: OHKNOX-L@rootsweb.com <OHKNOX-L@rootsweb.com> Date: Wednesday, March 29, 2000 9:02 AM Subject: Knox Co. Wills > I was hoping someone could answer questions I have regarding my ancestor's >will. > I have a copy of the 1-page will of my grtgrtgrt grandfather, Abraham >Biler/Beiler who lived in Miller Township, Knox County. He died in 1849. > >1) His will is only 1 page long. Is that a normal length? I was thinking >that he may have suddenly become ill and a will was needed immediately, >hence a short will. >2) He did not even mention the name of his wife or children. It just >stated, "I leave to my wife and children ......." Why did he not name >them? Was that common? >3) He was a farmer, but on his will he stated that he was leaving the >"plantation" to his wife. Why did he not call it a farm? Was >"plantation" a common substitute for "farm" back then? > > >Cathy >Anaheim, CA >