We use the names of people on documents as clues. Sometimes the reason why a person is listed on a document is fairly obvious, parents on a birth certificate for example.<\/p>\n
But a witness on a deed or a will. The witness may be a relative, friend, or another warm body.<\/p>\n
But the witness had to be of legal age and that may be a clue.<\/p>\n
And always learn why names are on records and in what capacity they are acting. What requirements were there to act in that capacity?<\/p>\n