Probate Index Preface
These indexes are the primary finding aid to our holdings of manuscript probate records for all three counties from c. 1680 to c. 1925. These are not indexes to all the names appearing in the records, but only the names of the deceased for whom the files were created. Contained in each index are the individual's name, and a date or dates. The dates correspond to the date of the documents within that individual's file and may refer to a date of the will or to a date for probate to begin. New Castle and Kent County Probates are on self service microfilm available in our Research Room, and Sussex is in the process of being filmed (inquire with Research Room staff for details). Copies of this microfilm are also available for sale. Ask staff for ordering information if you are interested.
A probate file may contain the will or letters of administration, renunciations, an inventory of the possessions of the deceased, a list of sales, or items sold from the estate, estate vouchers, or releases, administration bonds, administration or executor's accounts, distributive accounts, or settlements, guardian bonds, guardian accounts, and exceptions to accountings. Naturally, there will not be a completed family tree available for you in these files. From these documents a researcher may be able to discover relationships to help create or confirm a family line.
As always, thoroughly check all resources available in the course of your research.
