Louisa County (Va.) Wills 1738-1897 (bulk 1768-1897)

Access and use

Location of collection:
Library of Virginia
The Library of Virginia
800 East Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Archives Reference Services
Phone: (804) 692-3888

Summary

Creator:
Louisa County (Va.) Circuit Court
Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

Louisa County (Va.) Wills, 1738-1897, record the deceased's plan for how his or her estate was to be divided among his or her heirs following his or her death. Information commonly recorded in wills include the name of the deceased, also referred as the testator; names of heirs; a listing of real and personal property (including slaves) and how it was to be divided among the heirs; names of individuals who were to be the will's executors; the date will was written; and the date will was recorded at the court house. Additional record types may be found in this collection such as fiduciary records (inventories and accounts.)

Biographical / historical:

Louisa County was named for Louisa, a daughter of George II. It was formed from Hanover County in 1742.

Individuals dying with a written will died testate. After the death of an individual, his or her will was brought into court, where two of the subscribing witnesses swore that the document was genuine. After the will was proved, the executor was bonded to carry out his or her duties to settle the estate. The court then ordered the will to be recorded.

Acquisition information:
These items came to the Library of Virginia in shipments of court papers from Louisa County.
Arrangement:

Arranged chronological by year and then alphabetical by surname.

Physical location:
State Records Center - Archives Annex, Library of Virginia
Physical description:
15 cu. ft. (15 boxes)