In some United States jurisdictions in some time periods the estate of a person owning real estate may not have gone to probate. When Riley Rampley died in Illinois in 1893, he owned real property. Instead of probating his estate, his oldest son filed an affidavit (recorded with the deed records) swearing that there was no indebtedness on the property and that Rampley’s final bills had been paid. It would be fifteen years later before any action was taking involving title to the property. If the estate of your land-owning ancestor was not probated after his death, see if an affidavit or similar document was filed in with the land records.
We’ve just released the recording and handout for my recent “Pond Crossing” webinar. This presentation discusses way to determine the “across the pond” origins for 18th and 19th century immigrants to the United States. The focus of this presentation is on sources and methods and are not specific to any country of origin. The bulk of the presentation discusses situations where the place of birth is not as easy as simply locating the immigrant’s death record, obituary, etc. Our discussion concentrates on situations where multiple records need to be used and where the establishment of the extended kin network is necessary. Orders are processed immediately and presentation can be viewed as often as needed and is for personal use only. Order here for immediate download.  
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