Articles

This is a collection of articles that I’ve written over the years to help others better understand and interpret old records. We can often infer valuable information from context and language that might not be obvious from the record itself.  Many of these articles are specific to colonial Virginia but are generally applicable to other southern colonies as well, and some will be useful in researching the 19th century south as well.

Some General Information of a Legal Nature

Wills, Probate, Succession, and Inheritance

Headrights

Taxes & Tithables

Parish Records

Names & Naming Practices