Genealogy Chat

I'm wondering if there is any way of checking that someone who is named in a Will actually got their entitlement? I have a gentleman in my line who apparently was left a couple of houses in a will, but although the other siblings had their share of property, i'm not so sure he got his.

He died back in the 1940's, what would have happened to his share? Anyone got any ideas??

Probably not unless you are able to get in contact someone who knew him at about the time he became a beneficiary in that will. Did the person in question leave a will themselves? If so might there be a clue in what he left and who to.

This mornings edition of Heir Hunters involved someone who died in 1898. In his will he left about £320 to a beneficiary who did not claim it. The probate research firm managed to trace the beneficiaries descendant's and through their ancestor's wills they were able to claim their inheritance which was now worth approximately £36,000.

In my own family my great grandfather was left his mothers family bible in her will (I have a copy). He obviously never received it because I discovered that it is currently in the possession of a descendant of his half brother who was living with their mother at the time of her death. My great grandfather was in fact living some 200 miles distant from his mother at the time of her death which may explain why he never received the bible.

Ah, I see!! I'm a bit of a novice at this, how would I go about looking for a Will that he may have left?? He died 3 years after his mother (who had left him the 2 houses) and from family I've spoken too about him he only ever lived in a council house and never seemed to have any money. It didn't come down the line either. All a bit of a mystery.

Yes I saw that on Heir Hunters this morning. I always thought it went to the Treasury if it wasn't claimed after 30 years, or is that if there isn't a named beneficiary?

Not easy this tracing malarky is it?? Confusing myself now!!

Thanks for your advice. :-)

Jo-anne,

Ancestry has the probate calendars which list wills and administrations up to 1966.

If you know the man's name and the year of his death plus where if known then it should be relatively easy to see if his estate went to probate. If you either post those details on this thread or send them to me by Private message if you prefer that they remain private then I will take a look for you.

P.S. The 30 year rule only applies were the person died intestate. As the deceased in that case had left a will then the 30 year rule would not apply.

jonesey
hope you dont mind me butting into this thread
i have ancestry and have seen the wills section
i wonder is there a way to see the actual will
zena

Zena, some wills can be downloaded, some have to be sent for. This will explain:
http://www.genesreunited.co.za/boards/board/genealogy_chat/thread/1259939

thank you joy
best wishes
zena