How to Submit a Will
1. Your will must be in ascii text, not the format of a word processor. Most word processors allow you to save files as "text" DOS Text" "Plain Text" etc. If you can read your file in an e-mail message, it is in the right format. It is easiest if you use Notepad.
2. Send each will as an individual message.
3. The will must be of a decedent in Essex County, prior to 1850. I will accept more modern wills. However, even though a will is public records, some family members may not want it on the web for all to see. Please get everyone's permission - especially anyone who is mentioned. Of necessity, I reserve the right to edit names or to seek confirmation.
4. You must provide a source for the material i.e. printed Essex County Probate Records, Essex Antiquarian, published genealogy. Where applicable, include author, publisher and date. No material from publications printed after 1923 will be accepted (as the material may be copyrighted.)
5. You should include your name and (optional) e-mail address for inclusion at the bottom of the will under "submitted by:"
6. Do not use any "special characters," if the character is on your keyboard, it is NOT a special character. Many printed wills use li or some other character for the English pound. That can be converted to £. It is best if there is a space before and after the li.
7. Don't change (correct) spelling. The way the will was written is what we should be working with. Exception: the single and double "f" is confusing to many, and since it is merely and old way of expressing s, convert it to s.
8. Send the will as text in a message to me
9. Questions? Contact: John Slaughter