Abstracts of the Testamentary Proceedings of the Prerogative Court of Maryland, Volume XVI - Genealogy Research & Historical Legal Documents for Ancestry Studies

Libers 25 (pp. 88-135), 26, 27 (pp. 1-140); 1721-1724

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).

Following is a representative abstract from these volumes:

Summons to Samuell Heigh and his wife executrix of John Israell (BA) to show cause why they don't take LoA on his estate, or grant administration to another on behalf of the children. Date: 10 November 1724.

Volume XVI consists of abstracts of the records for the period 1721-24, as found in the remainder of Liber 25, Liber 26, and the first 140 pages of Liber 27. 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.

Vernon L. Skinner, Jr.

2008, paper, 300 pp.

ISBN: 9780806353944

102-9951