Abstracts of theTestamentary Proceedings of the Prerogative Court of Maryland

We have just received the latest books in the Abstracts of the Testamentary Proceedings of the Prerogative Court of Maryland series.  We now have all 28 volumes which cover the time period of 1658 through 1775.

The Prerogative Court was the focal point for probate in colonial Maryland.  All probate matters went directly to this court in Annapolis.  Eventually, probate was delegated to several county courts, however, many documents related to probate were filed at the Prerogative Court and not in the county.

The author of these books, Mr. V.L. Skinner has arranged the abstracts in chronological order by court session.  He gives the names of the principals (testators, heirs, witnesses, administrators, etc).  In many cases, he has included the details of the bequests, names of slaves, and appraisers.

The first 15 volumes can be found at R GEN 929.3752 SKI.
Volume 16 - 28 R GEN 929.3752 SKI can be found in the "New Book" section of the Genealogy area.