Winchester (Va.) Will Books 1794-1938

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

Extent:
13 v.
Creator:
Winchester (Va.) Circuit Court
Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

Winchester (Va.) Will Books, 1794-1938 typically record the names of the testatior, list of heirs and the year the wills were proven in court, and probate records such as inventories and appraisements.

Biographical / historical:

Winchester, in Frederick County, was first known as Opequon, then as Frederick's Town (or Fredericktown), and, finally, upon establishment as a town in 1752, as Winchester. According to tradition, one of the town's founders, James Wood, named the town in honor of his birthplace in England. Winchester was incorporated as a town in 1779 and as a city in 1874. It was enlarged by annexation from Frederick County in 1970.

Acquisition information:
These items came to the Library of Virginia in a shipment of court papers from city of Winchester.
Physical location:
State Records Center-Archives Annex, Library of Virginia