Essex County (Va.) Circuit Court.

Essex County was formed from old Rappahannock County in 1692. The county was named probably for the English county or perhaps for Algernon Capell, second earl of Essex.

When an individual acts as a trustee for another, the relationship is described as a fiduciary one. The protection of inherited property (both real and personal) was an important reason for the creation of court records. When minor children (under the age of thirteen) survived a parent, a guardian was appointed to protect the estate for the children. Appointments of guardians are recorded in the county court order books. A performance bond was required.

...