Today we are excited to announce an expansion of the Suffolk County, MA Probate File Papers database. This addition includes case numbers 33068-35451, for the years 1842-1847, and it adds over 54,000 new file paper pages. The complete database now contains 496,000 file papers and 36,000 searchable names.
This database was created from digital images and index contributed to NEHGS by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Archives. The probate cases include wills, guardianships, administrations, and various other types of probate records. We’d like to thank our wonderful volunteers Sam Sturgis and Bruce Shaw, without whom this update would not have happened.
The complete Suffolk County File Papers collection will eventually cover cases 1-94,757, which includes years up to 1893. The cases are indexed chronologically, which allows us to present them in sections while digital photography is taking place. The digital photography is expected to continue through 2020. We will continue to add additional cases as they become available.
If you have questions on how to search this database, or about our collaboration with the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Archives, please watch our video, How to Search Massachusetts Probate File Papers. The Massachusetts Archives also have a very helpful website that serves as a directory as to where you can find which pieces of probate information.
Please note: This database is available to all NEHGS members.