Ask a Genealogist

Question:  I believe the children of my ancestor were placed for adoption or guardianship in the late 1790's.  Can you tell me what I can check for Suffolk County Massachusetts for this time period at NEHGS?

Answer: We have the published index to Suffolk County probate records and the microfilm of the record books.  If there was a guardianship in Suffolk County it should be listed in this index.  Also if there was a name change or adoption I would recommend the book List of Persons whose names have been changed in Massachusetts, 1780-1892. (Baltimore, MD, Genealogical Publishing Co., 1972) [Call # F63.A5.1972].  You will find all three of these items on the fourth floor in the NEHGS Microtext Department.