Genealogy Chat

Yes, but where his will was proved /administration granted could depend on where he held property. He could even have probate granted in both countries! So it would be worth searching both England and Scotland (if it is possible to search Scotland after 1901). But of course there could be nothing to find. Also if you can find wills of either 'father-in-law', or indeed, Fred's father, it could help. My family has a similar tangle and I have been able to sort out one wife's story, with the help of several wills and administration grants, but the other one is still something of a mystery. Kate.

Hey i've just been reading this and its a very interesting story, i hope you get it all sorted out. I've found a birth for a Katharine Leckie Gordon on the IGI. KATHARINE LECKIE GORDON - International Genealogical Index Gender: Female Birth: 25 MAR 1864 Kelton, Kirkcudbright, Scotland Parents - John Gordon and Isabella McWilliam Hope this helps in some way Mhairi

Haven't checked for a will. How would I go about that? I am still quite new to this!

bump. Can anyone advise me on how I woulod find out if there was a will? Is it likely a clerk left one? Thanks

Well, for England and Wales post-1858, you can search in the National Probate Calendar which is held on microfiche at some record offices and probate offices, though record offices may not have it right up to the present day (my local one has microfiches up to 1942, I think it is, and volumes up to the 1960's) to see if probate or administration was granted. It is organised by year the grant was made, which is usually the year of the death or maybe the year after the death, but could be years and years after! Within each year it is in alphabetical order of surname and first name within surname. If you find an entry you can order the will or letter granting administration from York for £5. If you know the person's address and when they died, you can pay York the £5 to do the search and send you a copy of the will etc. but they will only search a certain number of years, I think it is 3, and you don't get a refund if they find nothing! The details of how to order from York are on http://www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk/cms/1176.htm As for Scotland, you can search online at Scotland's People up to 1901, but after that I don't know. Kate.