Troup County, Georgia, U.S., Miscellaneous Records, 1800-1950

This collection includes deeds, inventories and appraisements (1828–1908), tax digests (1850), wills (1888–1929), administrator and guardian bonds (1848–52), and World War I service records for Troup County, Georgia. Although this collection is browse only, each register typically includes an index to the records that follow. Browse the indexes to locate your ancestor’s record, and note the page number. Then browse to that page number to locate the record.

Deeds

Deeds record the transfer of property from one party to another. Make note of other names on deeds. While some may be local officials, pay special attention to the names of witnesses, who were often family members, neighbors, and associates of your ancestor. Neighbors may also be named as owners of adjacent property in the property description. If your ancestor is the grantor of the property, search for an earlier deed that shows him acquiring the land.

Inventories and Appraisements

These records relate to probate records for Troup County and include the inventories of estates, as well as appraisals of their value. As part of the probate process, estates are inventoried by three parties without a vested interest in the will, but who may be relatives of the deceased. Inventories and appraisals offer you a unique look into the items in your ancestor’s household. Make note of the executor or administrator, since there is likely some sort of relationship.

Wills

Wills are legal documents dictating how a person’s assets are to be disposed of upon his or her death. Family historians can learn a lot from these records because they typically include the names, and sometimes places of residence, of next of kin. Look for the names of spouses, children, siblings and other relatives, and make a note of unfamiliar names included for further research. They may turn out to be extended family that you’re not yet aware of. Note the order in which children are listed, since they are often listed in order of birth. The distribution of assets may also hold clues. Make notes of organizations—religious and otherwise—to which your ancestor bequeaths assets. There may be additional information about your ancestor in the records of that group. Transcribe the will and extract pertinent details so that you can follow up on all the clues found in these important documents.

Administrator and Guardian Bonds

Administrators were court-appointed persons who were responsible for administering the estate according to the prevailing laws. Guardians were appointed to look out for the interests of minor children of the deceased. Both administrators and guardians were required to post a bond equal to the amount of the estate to ensure proper distribution of the estate. Since bondsmen were bound to the interests of the estate and/or minor heirs, they were typically relatives or very close friends, so make note of their names. They can provide clues to a wife’s maiden name, in-laws, and other extended family.

World War I Service Records

In this portion of the collection you'll find official service records of the U.S. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps, 1917–1919, from Troup County, Georgia, as compiled by the Veterans Service Office of the State of Georgia. The World War I service records for each serviceman are filed alphabetically. Each record includes name, race, address, birth date and place, appointment (rank, date, and branch of service), promotions, assignments, principal stations, overseas service, and discharge.

Tax Digests

Tax digests can be helpful in placing an ancestor in a particular place. Look for the number of "polls" to determine how many males, age 21 to 60, were in the household. They can also reveal personal details about your ancestor's property, economic status, and lifestyle. Details such as the number of slaves owned or hired, livestock, amount and types of land owned, savings and/or debt, income, and luxury items like carriages or billiard tables are among the items noted on tax digests.