Amongst the various sources of information open to the genealogist, it is generally admitted that Wills occupy the most important place. From a testamentary document, it is often possible to obtain particulars of three or four generations of a family, besides a general insight into the extent of civilization and social position of our ancestors.
Not only can we see the autograph of the testator, but often ascertain the armorial bearings of the family, since it was customary in former days for testators not only to sign, but also to seal, their wills. By means of the armorial bearings on seals attached to wills one often obtains important clues to family descent—not to speak of the value of information about lands and residences, places of burial, and other useful matter mentioned in such documents.
