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
Wills are usually only one page. It is the probate that has several pages to them. They have the inventory of the land and personal items listed and the price of each item. To find the children names you can try land records sales after his death. Was there any children under age? If there was you can try guarianship records. Good Luck "Lampshire, Cathy" wrote: > 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 > > ==== OHKNOX Mailing List ==== > Listowner Email is 73777.25@compuserve.com or MaggieOhio@columbus.rr.com > To search this list go to http://searches.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/listsearch.pl and enter OHKNOX for the list name.