Daily AncestorExecutor
An executor is the person named in a will to carry out its terms, pay the debts and distribute the estate.
The executor is chosen by the testator in the will itself and then confirmed by the court. Duties included collecting assets, paying debts and taxes, and handing out what was left as the will directed.
Testators often chose a wife, grown son, brother or trusted neighbor, so the choice can hint at family relationships. Records abbreviate it as Exr. or Exor.
As seen in a recordWill recorded in a county will book, 1800s
I appoint my beloved wife Martha and my son Jacob executors of this my last will.
How to cite this page
Daily Ancestor. "Executor." Dictionary of Old Record Words. https://dailyancestor.com/dictionary/legal-land/executor. Last checked 2026-10-01.