Abstracts of the Testamentary Proceedings of the Prerogative Court of Maryland, Volume XXXIII - Historical Genealogy Research & Legal Document Reference for Family History Studies

Libers 40 (pp. 154-end), 41 (pp. 1-193); 1764-1765

The Prerogative Court was the focal point for probate in colonial Maryland. All matters of probate went directly to this Court, located in Maryland's colonial capital, first in St. Mary's City until 1694 and later in Annapolis. Eventually, administration of probate was delegated to the several county courts; however, many documents related to probate continued to be filed at the Prerogative Court and not in the corresponding county. The Prerogative Court was also the colony's court for equity cases (resolution of disputes over the settlement and distribution of an estate). During 1764-1765, the court met every two months.

This series of Prerogative Court transcripts is arranged, with a few exceptions, chronologically by court session. Volume XXXIII refers to nearly 7,000 colonial inhabitants of the Province of Maryland. For the most part, the transcriptions state the names of the principals (testators, heirs, guardians, witnesses, administrators, and so forth), details of bequests, names of slaves, appraisers, and more.

Vernon L. Skinner, Jr.

2011, paper, 300 pp.

ISBN: 9780806355542

102-9509