This seems to be the most authoritative answer to my question about guardian bonds and was echoed in several other replies received. Thanks everyone! "When a woman was left a widow with minor children, the children were considered orphans in need of a legal guardian. The guardian was almost always a male relative who would ensure the child's welfare until reaching majority. Even FATHERS of motherless children sometimes sought guardianships, usually because his children were entitled to an inheritance from the mother's family. There were also cases when both parents were living, but a guardian was appointed to protect an inheritance from another relative, such as a grandparent." Pg. 28, "A Genealogist's Guide to Discovering Your Female Ancestors" by Sharon DeBartolo Carmack, Betterway Books, Cincinnati, Ohio, 1998. Jeanne Johnson (researching RYMAN and BOSWORTH)