I haven't blogged because there hasn't been much to blog about! We've fallen into a well-established routine. Today as I worked, I thought about the records which we're doing. Family Search has a contract to complete probate records for the state of Vermont. We've been doing probate records all the time we've been here. I do all of the preparing of the records--Elder does the majority of filming and helps with putting the records back into their folders. It works well for us. I hope you won't be too bored with my conclusions about the work. Remember that my new found knowledge is based on probate in Vermont from approximately 1812 to 1915.
By far, I see more wills from men than women. Probate records are kept for people who had something to leave to someone usually family. Men's wills are pretty straight forward and they just leave "everything". Women are pickier often spelling out who gets what including a favorite teapot or brooch. Often pieces of jewelry are given to friends. And though I haven't kept track precisely, women most often give what they have to other women. Once or twice we've seen instances where people have cut the spouse out of the will completely.
Elaborate genealogies sometimes accompany the other records and will be such a boon to families who are searching for them. Long and elaborate inventories list everything from large properties to false teeth or teaspoons in the cupboard. Claims against the will are often written on envelopes and small scraps of paper. Many papers are fastened together with straight pins, small nails, staples, brads and elaborate paper clips. We had a mystery going for awhile about some mysterious small black pieces which were often in the envelopes until we discovered they were the remainder of rubber bands. Black-edged notes to the judge sometimes appear from a tearful widow.
We find the work interesting, but tedious. We haven't been bored yet because we have a vision of how important these records will become. Several months from now the thousands of images we've done will be available to those who have ancestors in Vermont. The people who work in our building appreciate the records, but they're astounded that we'd leave our home and family and, willingly, spend 8 hours a day doing this work.
We attended Zone Conference this week and it was very inspiring. We were inspired by these tremendous young people. What a sacrifice for them. They are well-versed in the scriptures and our president is inspired in his leadership for them. We are proud to be part of the New Hampshire Manchester Mission. We enjoyed seeing our friends--the Longmores and Longhursts. Both couples lived for some time in Pocatello.
Perhaps the most important impression I've had from the probate records is that you can't take it with you. No matter how long your inventory of personal goods is--it will be left to someone else. It's important to remember that. Yes, we are lonely at times, lonely for home and for all of you, but our mission is here and it is a calling from the Lord. We miss you all. This is Vermont.
By far, I see more wills from men than women. Probate records are kept for people who had something to leave to someone usually family. Men's wills are pretty straight forward and they just leave "everything". Women are pickier often spelling out who gets what including a favorite teapot or brooch. Often pieces of jewelry are given to friends. And though I haven't kept track precisely, women most often give what they have to other women. Once or twice we've seen instances where people have cut the spouse out of the will completely.
Elaborate genealogies sometimes accompany the other records and will be such a boon to families who are searching for them. Long and elaborate inventories list everything from large properties to false teeth or teaspoons in the cupboard. Claims against the will are often written on envelopes and small scraps of paper. Many papers are fastened together with straight pins, small nails, staples, brads and elaborate paper clips. We had a mystery going for awhile about some mysterious small black pieces which were often in the envelopes until we discovered they were the remainder of rubber bands. Black-edged notes to the judge sometimes appear from a tearful widow.
We find the work interesting, but tedious. We haven't been bored yet because we have a vision of how important these records will become. Several months from now the thousands of images we've done will be available to those who have ancestors in Vermont. The people who work in our building appreciate the records, but they're astounded that we'd leave our home and family and, willingly, spend 8 hours a day doing this work.
We attended Zone Conference this week and it was very inspiring. We were inspired by these tremendous young people. What a sacrifice for them. They are well-versed in the scriptures and our president is inspired in his leadership for them. We are proud to be part of the New Hampshire Manchester Mission. We enjoyed seeing our friends--the Longmores and Longhursts. Both couples lived for some time in Pocatello.
Perhaps the most important impression I've had from the probate records is that you can't take it with you. No matter how long your inventory of personal goods is--it will be left to someone else. It's important to remember that. Yes, we are lonely at times, lonely for home and for all of you, but our mission is here and it is a calling from the Lord. We miss you all. This is Vermont.
1 comment:
I for one, am not bored. I find the work interesting and we make it fun. We love spending time with you two wonderful people.
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