Captain Berry's Will

Overview:

Russell Baker on History, New York Times, 1/14/1992
 
 

 
 
• Review the fragmentary evidence relating to William Berry and William Berry Warman.   What can historians make of it all and how do they move such detail to a level of intriguing interest and enlightenment for the general reader?

• In this exercise you will examine the original probate records relating to the estate of Captain William Berry. First turn to the Orphan's Court Proceedings taken from from Maryland State Archives PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY REGISTER OF WILLS (Orphan's Court Proceedings) 1777-1790. MSA C 1275-1.

• For the original inventory of Berry's personal effects taken from Maryland State Archives, PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY REGISTER OF WILLS (Original Inventories), MSA C 1229-28-24

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

• For the original accounting of the disposition of Berry's estate taken from Maryland State Archives, PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY REGISTER OF WILLS (Administration Accounts), [ST 1 9806], MSA C 1144-5

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

• Compare the original manuscript of the proceedings to the transcript. Are there any differences?

 

 
 
 
 
 
 

• Who are the principal players?

 

 
 
 
 
 

• What do you learn about Berry and his family from the inventory and the account?

 

 
 
 
 

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