This is what John K. Gott wrote as his introduction to Guardian Bonds: These abstracts of the guardian bonds of Fauquier County, Virginia (formed from Prince William County in 1759) were compiled from the County records from 1759 to 1871. The bonds for the years 1759 [1760] to 1818 were abstracted from loose bonds and Minute Book entries in the Clerk's Office of the County. The bonds from 1818 to 1871, except for the years 1834 to 1850, are contained in bound volumes now in the Archives Division, Virginia State Library, Richmond, Virginia. These books were printed blank forms which were filled in, then bound together in heavy blue wrappers. The first volume, refered to as Book One in this compilation is marked "1818 to 1822"; however it contains two hand-written bonds, dated 27 and 28 January 1823. The other three volumes, represented in these abstracts as Book Two, Book Three, and Book Four are marked: January 1823 to September 1827; November 1827 to December 1833; and 1850 to 1871. The volume, if one existed, for the years 1834 to 1850 is missing--the abstracts in this compilation for these years were made from the Court Minute Books. The Minute Book entries give less information than the original bonds: there are no securities or witnesses listed and no value of the estate of the ward or wards. The user will note that the guardian was either chosen by the ward or appointed by the Court. This is important to the genealogist because any orphan over the age of 14 years could chose his or her guardian. The Court appointed the guardian for any "infant" under the age of 14 years. The entry in the original bond always read an "infant(s) over 14 years of age" or an "infant(s) under 14 years of age." Occasionally, a parent was appointed guardian of his/her children, probably indicating that they had inherited property or were entitled in some way to property, real or personal. The guardian was required by law to give an account of his ward's estate and the Court audited and recorded such accounts. Frequently, guardianships were revoked by the Court for failing to appropriately administer a ward's estate. The Minute Books abound with guardian's accounts received, etc. John K Gott “Glencairn” Marshall, Virginia ________________________________________________________________________ More new features than ever. Check out the new AOL Mail ! - http://webmail.aol.com