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From time to time I receive queries wanting to know the meaning of various terms used in genealogical records and court documents found by family historians and genealogists. Many of these rather odd-sounding terms concern women named in court records from the American Colonies, terms especially related to marriage, inheritance, and property ownership. As our country began to grow, changes were being made in women’s rights, and in the 1840’s and 1850’s, states began enacting laws allowing married women to make contracts, to own property, and to control their own earnings, as well as having custody of their own children.

The following terms are often found in early land deeds, bills of sale, newspapers, church records, and on gravestones:

Consort– although it has varying meanings, consort usually refers to a wife or husband, spouse, or mate. You may see, “Jane, consort of William.” Consort also means companion or partner; therefore this phrase means that William and Jane are both still living. If William were deceased, Jane most likely would be referred to as his widow or relic. A Prince Consort is the husband of a reigning queen. In countries such as Denmark, the Netherlands and Great Britain where the daughter of a king may inherit the throne, her husband does not have the title of king. Thus, the consort of Queen Elizabeth II is Prince Philip.

Relic– A widow or widower; the surviving spouse. Relicta means widow and relictus means widower. “Jones married the relict of William Brown in late 1669 or 1670.” Yes, it is rather startling to see your ancestor referred to as a relic.

Dowager– In early records this term was a title of respect given to older ladies (as opposed to women) who survived their husbands. It was often given to a widow with a title or rank. “Her husband having been a gentleman, she was referred to as a dowager.” The term, “dowager” also referred to property from her husband.

Dowery – Also called Duary or Portion, any land, money, goods, or personal property a bride brought to the marriage that became the property of the husband. It was to be used by him so long as the marriage lasted. In the case of real estate it could not be sold unless there was a clause in the marriage contract permitting such a sale.

Dower Release– a statement by a wife usually found at the end of a deed stating that she, of her own free will, agreed to the sale and gave up all right to that land. The court clerk questioned a wife, separately from her husband, before the release was signed. The release forfeited a wife’s right to any of her deceased’s land (dower) that he had sold to another. In some cases a widow was able to reclaim land that her husband had acquired in fee simple (an inheritance having no conditions or limitations in its use) and subsequently sold, even 50 years after the sale, unless the buyer had acquired a dower release from the owner’s wife.

Dower Right– Also known as the Widow’s Third, refers to a widow’s right to a portion, usually one-third of the real estate gained during marriage if the husband died intestate (without a valid will). This provision of law made from her deceased husband’s property was granted for her and the support of the family for her lifetime. The amount set aside varied from state to state.

Derivative Citizenship–Refers to citizenship granted to the wife or minor children of a man who had completed the process of becoming a US citizen before 1922. The wife and minors did not need to apply. After 1922, a woman could gain citizenship through her husband’s citizenship without having to file a declaration of intention (first papers) or meet the residency requirements.

Our ancestors created many court records genealogists and family historians are delighted to discover – especially those that mention women and women’s names. Many times they are the only clues available to unravel family lineages and relationships.

Happy researching.

E-mail genealogy queries to mjones@vicad.com or mail to Relatively Speaking, c/o Victoria Advocate, P.O. Box 1518, Victoria, TX 77902. Enclose a SASE for a reply.