The "dower right" entitles the surviving spouse (generally a widow) to a
life estate in the family home.  In some states, the dower right also gave
the surviving widow a right to one third of the deceased's other assets.  I
do not know what Virginia (colonial) law provided in 1723.  Because of the
dower right, a purchaser could not acquire full title to property from one
member of a married couple, so both husband and wife needed to sign deeds.

	Cordially,

		TomHill 

Thomas C. Hill
Charlottesville, VA  22901-6355
E-Mail: [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]>  


_____________________________________________
From: Discussion of research and writing about Virginia history
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of John Cullom Sr.
Sent: 13 March, 2016 11:16 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [VA-HIST] Genealogy Question


I want to thank those who answered my previous question re the use of
"Boarder" for "room & board" in a City Directory. They clearly answered my
question. This forum is an infinite source of knowledge. 

I'll try again-New Question: what does "-----Elizabeth, wife of Thomas
Collup appeared in court to relinquish dower right to Robert Hall in land
conveyed March 10, 1723" mean? (in PG County records) 

Thanks
John Cullom
Westminster, MD
[log in to unmask] 

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