Think “What Might Have Been Created”

It is always advisable to think of all the records that might have been created when one is missing. Perhaps the records of your ancestor’s estate settlement cannot be found. Are there other court records (perhaps a partition suit?)? Were there guardianship records for the children? Were there deeds that might have settled up property? Would tax records provide any clues?

It can be frustrating when a record is missing, but ask yourself “what else could there be?”