Genealogy Chat

Hello all
Does anyone know how likely - or not - it would be for Irish ancestors to leave a will if they were poor?
Sounds a silly question perhaps but I. Trying to explore different avenues to trace my family ancestors so am wondering if pursuing documents such as wills might be an option?
Thanks all

It's always worth looking for Wills, but seldom would you find one if no property or money was owned.
Remember to look for spouse's family names too, in case extended family are mentioned....eg. To Maureen, now the wife of William Smith , a cooper of Dublin.

People who were not poor enough to need parish help, but not rich enough to leave Wills are often difficult to track because of the lack of paper evidence.

Have you looked for parish records or apprenticeship details?

It's worth trying.

If you haven't done so already do try the Courts and legal records for Ireland on FMP, It's not all criminals you'll come across, It can be very useful to find whose cattle strayed on whose land and who the witnesses were, who was using a horse and cart on a Sunday. Often you'll find family members named.

from FMP " Court and legal documents are such an instance and whilst they may include reports of crime, many records were also kept for things like dog licenses and jury duty rolls. These can be particularly useful for territories where census records are unavailable."

Thanks that is most helpfulxx