There is a difference between being someone’s heir and being their descendant. A descendant “descends” from the person–is their child, grandchild, great-grandchild, etc. An heir is someone who (usually according to state statute) is entitled to a share in a deceased person’s estate. If the deceased person had living children, they are usually heirs. The children of a deceased child would also be heirs.If the deceased had no children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, etc. (and left no surviving spouse) then their heirs could be their siblings, or their first cousins, depending upon the family structure. And of course, the definition of heir is dependent on statute–so check that out for the time period of interest as well. ———————————— Check out GenealogyBank’s Offer for Tip of the Day Fans!
Before long, there will be several indexes online to the 1940 census. Same data–just different indexes. Which brings us to a good reminder. Is there another index or finding aid to a set of records you have been using? Keep in mind that for some records, particularly vital records, local offices may have created their own indexes in addition to those that might have been created by historical/genealogical societies or interested individuals. Maybe another finding aid will help you with that missing reference. ———————————— Check out GenealogyBank’s Offer for Tip of the Day Fans!
We have added two new webinars in our April 2012 series: Creating Research Plans–12 April 2012 Google Docs for Genealogists-13 April 2012 Details and registration information are on our webinar page. ———————————— Check out GenealogyBank’s Offer for Tip of the Day Fans!
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