Probate Records

This index includes estate records that were filed in Oglethorpe County during the 1790s - 1960s. The original files are currently housed at the Georgia Department of Archives and History in Atlanta. They have been microfilmed alphabetically and appear on 53 rolls of film, which are available at GDAH or through the LDS (Mormon) Family History Library. To assist the researcher in locating and obtaining the files, the index includes the following information: the name of the decedent, the dates of the papers in the file, the GDAH microfilm number, and the LDS microfilm number.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M
N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

 

What’s in the files

Each file contains the original, unbound documents created during the settlement of the estate. While some of the documents (wills, estate inventories) may have been copied into various court books by the county clerk, many files contain documents that were not recorded anywhere else. Each file may include:

  • Wills
  • Letters of Administration
  • Guardianship Bonds
  • Estate Inventories and Appraisals
  • Estate Sales
  • Slave Lists
  • Annual Returns on the Estate
  • Heirs’ Receipts
  • and other documents created during the probate process.

How to order the files

The original files may be viewed at the GDAH; however, since many of the documents are very old and fragile, GDAH asks that researchers first view them on microfilm, and request the original documents only if the microfilm is unreadable. Photocopies of the files may be ordered from GDAH. To obtain the current fee schedule, contact GDHA or visit their Reference Services web site.

Georgia Department of Archives and History
5800 Jonesboro Road
Morrow, GA  30260
Telephone: 678-364-3710
Wednesday - Saturday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

http://www.sos.state.ga.us/archives/rs/grs.htm

The files can also be ordered on microfilm through the LDS Family History Library system. Since the files appear alphabetically, researchers may be able to study the estate records of several family members on the same film. To locate a Family History Center near you, contact your local Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, or visit their website at www.familysearch.org and click on "Family History Library."