As FamilySearch makes it easier to find things in local court and probate records via their full-text searches, one of the things that can be discovered is to whom your ancestor lent money, from whom your ancestor borrowed money, and who signed on as security when your relative borrowed money. Many of these transactions are documented in court and probate records.
It can be tempting to ignore these items. But think about those individuals who had financial dealings with your ancestor:
- How old were they compared to your ancestor?
- Can you find them in census records and directories–how close did they live?
- What were their occupations?
- Do you know where they went to church?
- Do they appear to be someone who loaned money out just as an investment or might there have been a closer relationship?
- Are they related?
Your ancestor may have ignored their debts–that’s sometimes how they end up being mentioned in court records. Don’t you ignore their debts as well.
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