For years, early in my research when I did not know better, I failed to look for a probate file for an ancestor because he was “dirt poor.” I knew you needed to have money (at least most of the time) in order to have a probate settlement. However several years into my research, I became a firm believer in the “look for anything and everything” camp. That’s why I looked for a probate file for my “dirt poor” ancestor. And there he was in the probate records two times. How can you die twice and have two probate settlements? Turns out for the time period in question, insanity cases were filed with the probate and estate records. It was two insanity cases I had located for him, […]
One question: Is all your data backed up? or “Have you backed up all your data?” for those of you who don’t like to end things with a preposition. Either way, make sure you “git ‘er done,” if you haven’t.
Looking for a place to get copies of current obituaries for free besides the funeral home? In rural areas, try the website of the local radio station.
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