Things slowly changed over the years, and I cannot be sure about 1850 without researching the state of the laws at that time, but in Colonial Virginia a guardian was responsible for the children's estate, i.e., in modern times, you would probably call him (and it was always a "him" while the custom/law of coverture was still recognized) a trust fund manager.  A guardian was not responsible for the shelter, clothing or feeding of the child, though sometimes they performed some or all of these duties, too.

Detailed legal responsibilities of the guardian are found in Henning's Statutes.

Lou Poole

-----Original Message-----
From: Research and writing about Virginia genealogy and family history. [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of George A Williams
Sent: Friday, March 11, 2011 10:15 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [VA-ROOTS] guardianship

Thank you for your help in advance.  I have numerous sources, showing reference to family members being assigned as guardians of related and non related minors, but not appearing on the census as members of the household.  In 1850, after the death of his wife  a guardianship was effected for his children probably since his father in law had died and his bequest to his daughter, the mans\'s wife, passed to her children.  The man is noted to be representative of the man's daughter for this bequest.  Question:  is this the legalese for the safeguarding of (money) bequest to the daughter and then to her children?  George A. Williams

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