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

Libers 21 (pp. 207-347), 22 (pp. 1-147); 1709-1712

Readers of this excellent series know that 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).

Volume XII contains abstracts of the records for the period 1709 to 1712, as found in Libers 21 and 22. Mr. Skinner has combed through administration, bond, will, inventory, administration account, and final balance entries for these years. The abstracts are arranged chronologically by court session. For the most part, the transcriptions state the names of the principals (testators, heirs, witnesses, administrators, and so forth) as well as details of bequests, names of slaves, appraisers, and more. This volume refers to more than 7,500 residents.

Vernon L. Skinner, Jr.

2008, paper, 288 pp.

ISBN: 9780806353654

102-9994