Guardianship in Courts

HineRonald

How was an individual chosen to be a guardian, when family members could no longer take care of family due to death of Head of House during the 1800s in Pennsylvania

Áine Ní Donnghaile

Often, a guardian was a close family member. Women generally could not be guardians even for their own children in that time because they had few to no rights. A brother-in-law of the deceased might be chosen, for example, as guardian for his sister's children.

Essentially, the guardian was responsible for any estate left to a minor child. The guardianship was not of the minor, per se, but for the wealth (money or property) of the child.

Often, you'll see records of the guardian paying, out of the estate, for the child's clothing and education. I've found extremely detailed records in some cases.

sc woz

@HineRonald

I found a great answer at

Guardianships and Orphans’ Court in Pennsylvania

Admittedly this was found using an A.I search it did sound like it might be of use.

HineRonald

Thank you!