I have just been reminded of a valuable lesson. A Will may not be just about the future by referring to a spouse and their children, or living relations, it can also give clues about the past.
I was researching a family tree for someone (hence no names). They were born around 1758 -1760 and died 1843, but there were no useful records about them until 1796. From then on the family tree was straight forward with use of census returns, BMD and newspapers.
But who were his parents? There were several possibilities in birth registers across England, and even larger unknown number not yet published online.
Although I knew the family tree from then on, I thought I would check the Will, and there it was:
"And I desire and request my executrix will give my son, H----- B-----, the large portrait of my father the Rev. H----- B-----
Comments welcome but not sought. I am just chuffed (and a little smug)
I was researching a family tree for someone (hence no names). They were born around 1758 -1760 and died 1843, but there were no useful records about them until 1796. From then on the family tree was straight forward with use of census returns, BMD and newspapers.
But who were his parents? There were several possibilities in birth registers across England, and even larger unknown number not yet published online.
Although I knew the family tree from then on, I thought I would check the Will, and there it was:
"And I desire and request my executrix will give my son, H----- B-----, the large portrait of my father the Rev. H----- B-----
Comments welcome but not sought. I am just chuffed (and a little smug)
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