This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: ElaineOswald75 Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.pennsylvania.counties.butler/5883.2.2.2/mb.ashx Message Board Post: According to one of my reference books, executors had to post a bond EQUAL to the value of the estate! And, therefore, most executors were related in some way to the testator (son in law, brother in law, etc.) In fact, the other day, as I was indexing newspapers for the Historical society, I ran across an article where an executor had to post bond in the amount of $400,000! And this was in 1870! The estate files are definitely gold mines. Even the receipts included give an indication (if not already known) of the occupation of the deceased (tools inventoried, etc.) the health of the individual (Dr.'s bills are included). The obits--even if just "died" on such and such--often name in whose home one died, or at least the number of children surviving. Thanks for all your help! Elaine 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.