It was the responsibility of the state, as administered by the county Orphans' Court, to oversee the welfare of orphans and the protection of the property of minors who came into the possession of property of significant value. Thus, the court was concerned with not only children whose father had died but also with children who inherited legacies from other persons, such as a grandfather. Guardians were appointed by the Orphans' Court for minors under the age of 14; once 14 years of age, a minor could choose his or her own guardian. Boys reached their majority at age 21 and girls at age 18. Such records are filled with valuable genealogical data: Relationships are stated or implied; ages are evident; approximate dates of death can be inferred; and clues exist to an individual's relative wealth.
Mary Marshall Brewer
2003, 5.5" x 8.5", paper, index, 248 pp.
ISBN:
101-D059
