There are some states that have counties and towns or cities with the same name. Often these towns are not located in the county of the same name causing confusion. For this reason whenever referring to a political jurisdiction, indicate it is a county by using that word in the location. If you consistently use the word “county,” you will know that Des Moines, Iowa, refers to the city of Des Moines and not the county.

In some jurisdictions that retain the original will in the packet of probate papers, there still may be a will record book that contains a transcription of the will made at the time it was admitted to probate by the court. If the original will is difficult to read, the transcription may clarify things that are illegible on the original.

Is there a newspaper clipping, photograph, family bible, etc. that you have that no one else does? Have you made a copy or digital scan of it that can be saved in a remote place from the original?

If there’s something you have and your copy IS THE ONLY ONE, consider duplicating it as a way to preserve and share it so that you increase the chance that in 100 years it still exists in at least some form.

A relict is that which survives. A “relict consort” (if the phrase is used) is usually referring to the widow or widower, “consort” meaning spouse. “Relict,” generally used alone, usually means widow or widower.

Do not assume the word means that two people were not married.

Generally speaking…

“Dower” is the interest a wife has in her husband’s real or personal property. Depending upon the time period and location, it may be a 1/3 interest, a life estate, etc.

A “dowry” is the money/goods, etc. that a woman brings into a marriage.

Put me down as confused.
This screen shot shows a search just conducted this morning on the “Illinois County Marriages, 1810-1934” database at FamilySearch.

My search was for a couple where one had the last name Tammen and the other had the last name Johnson. FamilySearch told me there were no matches that matched “strongly.”

How do you get “stronger” than the same last names I entered?

Have any older relatives that you’ve not asked questions of or asked about family pictures, etc.? Now might be a good time. One never knows what’s going to happen. The courthouse and other places will probably be there next week. Aunt Martha might not.