Probate inventories are a vital tool for historians. In Colonial Connecticut, whenever someone with property died, the Court would appoint people to inventory their belongings so that the estate could be distributed to the heirs. When Hannah Daniels died in 1744, the Court set a value for each of her personal possessions (in pounds, shillings, and pence). The archaic spelling and handwriting typical of the 18th century make for difficult reading, but you can move the mouse over the probate inventory on the right and get an explanation below. A transcription is also available.
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