Nancy,
In 18th century Virginia, in general, real property--land, buildings and
things attached to the buildings (shelves, built-in cabinets or
buffets)--were not included in probate inventories. I do not know when the
laws changed to require their inclusion.
So, for the 17th-early 19th centuries, more research in other types of
records are required to arrive at an accurate assessment of a person's total
worth at his/her death.
Hope this is helpful information.
Martha Katz-Hyman
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