Terminology of Old
Years ago a widow would be referenced as Jane Jones, consort of John Jones. John Jones might be referenced as a relict. Their issue would be their children. Below is a terminology list of “the Olden Days”.
consort | Spouse who survived after her husband’s death. |
freeholder | A landowner entitled to vote and hold office. See yeoman on this page. |
freeman | Person entitled to the rights of a citizen, to vote, and conduct business. Also see What is a Freeman in Colonial America? |
issue | Indicates offspring, children or progeny. |
landgrave | A title of rank in early South Carolina, a holder of 48,000 acres of land. |
ordinary | In Georgia, a probate judge. |
relict | Spouse is already deceased. |
surrogate | In New Jersey and New York, a judicial officer presiding over probate manners. |
vicar | A cleryman. |
yeoman | An independent farmer-member of a former class of small freeholding farmers in England. |