Under English Common Law, which was the practice in the 18th Century
Colonies, at age 14 males could witness documents - females age 12. At these ages they
could also: testify in court, select their own guardian, serve as an
apprentice, be punished for a crime, show land to processioners, sign contracts, act
as an executor and bequeath property in a will.
Times have really changed!
Gloria in MD
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