The inventory of your relative’s chattel property can sometimes provide a variety of clues. The items may suggest occupation, economic status, or provide additional clues (particularly if debts are listed). At the very least the items can provide historical insight into your relative’s life
If you signed up for my “Organizing Genealogical Information” class and have not heard from me, email me using the email address in your receipt. If you want to sign up, we’re taking registrations through early on 5 January or until we’re full.
Definitions can create confusion and any word must be interpreted in context. Yesterday’s tip (about the “rood”) reminded me of that. A rood can be 1/4 of an acre, as mentioned in the post. From another perspective, it is 40 square rods. And, outside of land terminology, it can also be a cross or a crucifix. One also must remember when using legal documents that words are often used with very specific definitions there as well. And those definitions may not align completely with how the word is used in everyday conversation.
The United States Naturalization Act of 1906 made significant changes to naturalization procedures in the United States. One of the key changes for genealogists is that prior to the Act, any court of record could naturalize. After the act, generally only federal courts could perform naturalizations. And in some places and time periods before 1906, certain courts were not as stringent in their procedures than others–especially if there was an impending election.
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