Vermont, Orange County, Bradford and Randolph Districts, Probate Records - FamilySearch Historical Records

Record Description
The collection for Orange County, Bradford District contains images of probate estate files from the Supreme Court of Vermont. The files are located at the Division of Public Records in Montpelier. The collection is divided into multiple parts, 1780-1800, 1800-1847, 1800-1810 and 1820-1830.

For a list of records by location, alphabet and dates currently published in this collection, select the Browselink from the collection landing page.

The collection for Orange County, Randoph District contains images of probate estate files located at the Division of Public Records in Middlesex. Each estate file consists of multiple images.The files are arranged by folder number then name. Folders 1-8 cover 1790-1890, folders 9-30 cover 1800-1840, etc.

For a list of records by location, alphabet and dates currently published in this collection, select the Browse.

Record Content
This collection usually contains the following information:


 * Name of testator or deceased
 * Names of heirs such as spouse, children, and other relatives or friends
 * Name of executor, administrator, or guardian
 * Names of witnesses
 * Residence of testator
 * Dates the documents were written and recorded (These are used to approximate event dates, i.e. a will was usually written near the time of death.)
 * Description and value of personal property or land owned by the deceased

How to Use the Record
To begin your search it is helpful to know the following:


 * The place of residence
 * The approximate death or probate date
 * The name of the deceased

To search the collection for Randolph District follow this series of links: ⇒ Select the "Browse" link in the initial search page ⇒ Select the "County and District" category ⇒ Select the "Box Number, Name Range and Year Range" which takes you to the images

Search the collection by image comparing the information with what you already know about your ancestors to determine which one is your ancestor. You may need to compare the information about more than one person to make this determination.

Using the Information
When you have located your ancestor’s record, carefully evaluate each piece of information given. These pieces of information may give you new biographical details that can lead you to other records about your ancestors. Add this new information to your records of each family.

For example:


 * Use probate records to identify heirs and relatives.
 * Use the document (such as the will) or the recording dates to approximate a death date.
 * Use the information in the probate record to substitute for civil birth and death records since the probates exist for an earlier time period.
 * You may be able to use the probate record to learn about land transactions.
 * Use the birth date or age along with the residence or place of birth of the deceased to locate census, church, and land records.
 * Use the occupations listed to find other types of records such as employment or military records.

Tips to Keep in Mind

 * Probate records may provide informationn about adoptions or guardianship of any minor children and dependents.
 * Compile the entries for every person who has the same surname as the deceased; this is especially helpful in rural areas or if the surname is unusual.
 * Continue to search the records to identify children, siblings, parents, and other relatives who may have died in the same county or nearby. This can help you identify other generations of your family or even the second marriage of a parent. Repeat this process for each new generation you identify.
 * When looking for a person who had a common name, look at all the entries for the name before deciding which is correct. Keep in mind that wills are more likely to be found in rural communities than in larger cities and industrial areas.

Unable to Find Your Ancestor?

 * Look for variant spellings of the surnames.
 * Look for an index. There are often indexes at the beginning of each volume. Local genealogical and historical societies often have indexes to local records.
 * Search the indexes and records of nearby counties.

Related Websites
Access Vermont Genealogy

Related Wiki Articles
Vermont Probate Records

Citation for This Collection
The following citation refers to the original source of the information published in FamilySearch.org Historical Record collections. Sources include the author, custodian, publisher and archive for the original records.