Hi,

The transcription may have been done years ago for proof for a lineage 
society or in response to a query prior to photocopying. The will book 
may have been in better shape at that point.   You might try going to 
Goochland County's website and see if they is a list of clerks of the 
court anywhere and see if the name appears on it.

Marilyn Jackson

On 6/2/2021 1:14 PM, Douglas Burnett wrote:
> I have a question for my more experienced Virginia Researchers as I have
> run into a first of a kind situation.
>
> I am researching George Cox of Henrico County who died sometime between Feb
> 1727/8 and 21 May 1728 as determine by the date of the will and date it was
> proven from the image on the microfilm.
>
> The microfilm was on FamilySearch.org/records/Images and labeled
>
> Goochland. Will Records 1728 – 1742/Deed Books 1728 -1742—743 images.
>
>
>
> >From Title Slide on the above Microfilm:
>
> Goochland County Virginia
>
> Deeds Etc NO.1
>
> With Wills Inventories Etc
>
> 1728 – 1734
>
>
>
> Image 16 of 743
>
>
>
> The copy of the record that was microfilmed had led a rough life and lots
> of bits and pieces missing.
>
>
>
> As I was working through the transcription I realized that I had a pdf file
> that was obtained from who knows where but was by the signature block
> obtained from the County Court as it was signed by the Deputy Clerk and was
> the same will I was working on.
>
>
>
> I started comparing microfilm to pdf and identifying differences. There was
> nothing on the Court House copy that would indicate that any of the
> original file was missing as it appeared to be a complete transcription.
>
>
>
> I was also surprised that the Court House would have a typed copy of a
> 1727/8 will which it would issue as an official copy. There is no date on
> the Deputy Clerks signature on what I will call the Court House copy.
>
>
>
> As I have been taught over the last 20 years of genealogy work a
> transcription is a letter by letter effort with all of the relevant
> spelling errors and punctuation as it is. Not up to the 21st Century to
> correct grammar of the 18th Century if you will. I do go one step further
> than some and make the line length of the transcription match the original
> so when someone wants to check, it is much easier to negotiate between the
> two documents.
>
>
>
> Any thoughts on how a Deputy Clerk for the County
>
> (1) would have a transcribed will from 1728
>
> (2) why there would be a number of differences between transcribed and
> original
>
> (3) why the County  issued copy has no indication of pieces missing yet the
> microfilmed copy has significant chunks missing.
>
>
>
> Thanks in Advance
>
>
>

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