Texas, U.S., Potter County, Probate Index, 1901-2013

About Probate Records

Probate records are among the most valuable records available for American genealogy because they often include information that can provide insight into the life of the deceased, as well as the lives of any relatives, friends, and neighbors who may be mentioned in the probate file.

Probate records relate to a deceased person’s estate, whether that estate is “testate” (through a will) or “intestate” (without a will). Whether the decedent left a large estate or just some personal property, there’s a good chance that a probate file exists in a local court that oversaw distribution of property, the guardianship of a minor, or payment of debts.

The contents of a probate file can vary from case to case, but certain details are found in most probates, most importantly, the names and residences of beneficiaries and their relationship to the decedent. An inventory of the estate assets can reveal personal details about the deceased’s occupation and lifestyle. There may also be references to debts, deeds, and other documents related to the settling of the estate.

Types of Probate Records

Here are some of the types of documents that you may find in a probate file:

Wills. Wills direct the distribution of the estate according to the wishes of the testator. When the testator dies, the executor or executrix petitions the court for letters testamentary to prove (probate) the will. If the will is judged to be valid, it will be recorded in the will books of that court. The recorded will may include affidavits of witnesses attesting to the authenticity of the will and the competence of the testator at the time it was written. A copy of the will may also be found in the loose papers of a probate packet.

Letters of Administration. In cases of intestate estates, letters of administration are requested to grant an administrator (usually the widow/widower or eldest son) the right to oversee the distribution of the estate in accordance with prevailing laws.

Inventories. An inventory of the estate lists the assets with appraisals so an accurate accounting can be made and probate fees accurately levied. Inventories can give you some insights into your ancestor’s relative wealth, lifestyle, and occupation.

Distributions and Accounting. You may find documents relating to the distributions paid out of the estate for administrative costs, allowances for heirs prior to settlement, and the final distribution of the estate. You may also find receipts and documents relating to the sale of estate assets.

Bonds. Administrators, and at times executors, of estates may have been required to post a bond that would cover the value of the estate to protect the heirs from misconduct. Bondsmen were typically close family members, so these are important documents.

Guardianships. If a minor child or a family member deemed incompetent and dependent had an interest in the estate, you may find guardianship papers included in the probate file. In addition, the guardian may have needed to post a bond equaling the value of the inheritance.

About This Collection

This database consists of an index to probate records filed in Potter County, Texas. The below details are available for each person in the index. In some cases, place of residence is included as well.

• Full name of the deceased
• Filing date and place
• Cause number
• Cause of action

The information found in this database can be used to locate your relative in the original records that this index references. Usually more information is available in the records themselves than is found in an index. You may be able to use the information in the index entry to request a copy of the original probate file from the county clerk's office.