I think we have 5 inches now according to local stations; it's really coming down. Possibly freezing rain or sleet possible. Oh no! Charlie has posted the answer to last week's puzzler and the one for this week. I will accept one of two answers to this one. Now, briefly - many of you are a little confused on the process of what is done when an individual dies without a will in older times. Here are the basic steps: 1 - individual dies and it is reported to the County Clerk's office at their monthly meeting. 2 - An administrator(s) are appointed by the Court. If no one is able/willing, the Court appoints one. Bonds taken, etc. 3 - The Court appoints normally 3 appraisers of the estate. 4 - The appraisers go out to the house/farm, listing every item with estimated price. Livestock, household, tools, books, crops, etc. 5 - If married, makes a separate list for the widow's dower - or what is set aside and not sold for the widow and any infant children. In this list are also all the debts the man/woman owes and who owes them. 6 - Submit list to County (or hold to send in later with other forms). 7 - Sets up a sale. Hires auctioneer (crier), publicizes. May be several sales depending on size of estate or how things sell. 8 - Try to collect debts, pay bills out of the sale receipts. Guardianships are established for minor children. 9 - Submits forms to County. Goes first to the County Judge. 10 - Judge approves or disapproves and sends to County Clerk. 11 - County Clerk checks and it is cited at the next regular meeting of the Court. It was normally "laid over" - meaning that individuals who might have complaints against the results, sale or anything could come forward and file their complaints. 12 - At next court session, if no problems, County Clerk accepts, signs and it is entered in the inventory and estates book. Marks it as "settlement." 13 - BUT: this might not mean it's over. If Guardian's were appointed for minor children - yearly they submitted a report on the income/ outgo of the ward's estate. Rent of land or slaves, crops, investments vs medical bills, clothing and education. This is entered in the books - "Settlement". Until next year! Or, if a large estate, more bills might be found, more investments in property crops, etc., more income has come in, another inventory had to be taken when more property (land or goods) found. Reported to the Court - studied, approved and marked "Settlement" - for the year! The words "Final Settlement" means the cause is closed. As far as can be found - all has been finished up; wards have reached age 21, no more crops, no more bills, no more income. So this might continue for many years. One man here died in abt 1860 and his estate was settled every year until final settlement in 1896 give or take. Hope this helps! Now back to watch the snow come down. Sandi Colonel Sandi Gorin President, South Central KY Historical & Genealogical Society Sandi's website: http://www.gensoup.org/gorin/index.html Sandi's puzzlers: http://www.gensoup.org/gorinpuzzles/index.php