DESCRIPTION:

Philadelphia has always been a major port of entry for immigrants to the U.S. It was established as a city and county during the colonial era. Early in its history, laws required that estates be probated before the court. This database includes abstracts from probated wills for the years 1682-1819. Each record provides the names of all individuals named in a will, their relationship to the deceased and the date the will was proved in court. Researchers may obtain copies of the original wills at the city hall in Philadelphia. This database will help tie together individuals who lived in the Philadelphia area from its earliest beginnings.