Next friend does not necessarily mean "kin"--it is always a court-appointed attorney usually for a minor. The word "my friend" Daniel Brown, executor does not mean they are related. Could be, but it doesn't mean they are. As for "friends" and Quakers (the Society of Friends), be careful not to mix up metaphors, so to speak. We are talking an 1800s will that simply I appoint my friend Daniel Brown my executor. This is not complicated. It means just what it says.

On Jul 7, 2014, at 12:41 PM, Michelle wrote:

> I have several documents in which the words "next friend" or "friend" are used and I admit when I first began doing genealogy research those two words threw me off as well.
> 
> Next friend definitely means next close relative; think of "kin" when you see the word friend or "Next close kin" for next friend.  It seems a strange use of the word friend to us today.  
> 
> Sometimes the "next friend" is a parent.  In the Brown Will, anyone mentioned as Friend" is kin...a relative, it is a broad description and does not specify the exact relationship ie. father, brother, uncle, cousin.  That will have to be determined with further research or by research already gathered.
> 
> Hope this has helped.
> 
> Michelle Pendleton
> 
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