Making Abstracts of Wills

While you’ll want to make a photocopy of your ancestor’s will when you find it, abstracting the record for later use is easier than reading through the whole document again. Here are the key items to record when abstracting a will:

&#149 type of record (will, inventory, intestate proceedings, etc.)

&#149 source citation (book, page/s, file number, microfilm number)

&#149 repository name and address

&#149 name of testator (person making the will)

&#149 personal information (“of sound mind and body,” desired burial, etc.)

&#149 names and relationships (if given) of executors

&#149 date the will was signed

&#149 date the will was entered into probate and/or recorded

&#149 signature or mark of testator

&#149 names and addresses (if given) of witnesses

&#149 bequests and devises (names, relationships, items each person is to receive,including land descriptions)