Posts in October 23, 2024

This mid-18th century document from Middlesex County, Massachusetts, indicated that Simon, Catherine, and Ephraim Puffer had chosen Samuel Connant as their guardian. Chances are because the document was in the packet of papers for their guardianship, their choice of guardian was approved. Children could choose or nominate a guardian if necessary (the Puffer children’s father was deceased), but the child generally had to be over the age of fourteen and the court had to approve the appointment. Seeing a child has chosen their guardian can be a suggestion as to how old that child is. Make certain you are familiar with local practice before using such a document as evidence a child is of a certain age. And remember that children could have guardians appointed if their mother […]