That relative of yours who was an only child and had no descendants? Have you researched to see how their estate was settled after they died? While there are variations depending upon time period, location, and how much property they had, their estate settlement could provide significant genealogical information.
If they had no will, the estate settlement could mention cousins, where those cousins lived, and how those cousins were related (depending upon the place and time). Even if there was a will, those cousins would have been heirs and may have been given legal notice regarding the estate. Either way the records of the settlement could provide significant genealogical clues.
In the United States, situations of this type tend to be more helpful from the 19th century moving forward. Earlier records tend to provide less in terms of specific information, but may still be helpful.
Upcoming events:
2 Responses
You have inspired me here! I must dive deeper into a 2x great aunt’s estate. She was not an only child, but she never married and had no children. I have no idea what happened to her estate when she passed. I have so many questions about a particular cousin she was very close with but zero answers (so far)! This may help, thank you.
You are welcome! Good luck.