The Wax Maddox Seal Pat Doster had read about the tiny seal in a W. N. Hurley book called Maddox Family of Southern Maryland. She had to see it because the wax seal on the 1757 will of Notley Maddox Jr. was absolute history. Important documents in England and the Colonies were authenticated by placing a glob of sealing wax next to the signature and impressing the wax with a signet ring. If the Maddox family had passed down from father to son a signet ring, this was tangible evidence of their ancient Welsh heritage. Genealogists borrow legal concepts, Doster says.
Most family historians view copies.
Deeds, wills, other probate records, marriage bonds, are all copies made and stored in the courthouses of the county of residence of our ancestors. State archives microfilm the copies, so does the Mormon Church. Pat Doster seems well-suited for genealogy. Daughter of a lawyer, this North Carolinian is a stickler for truth and accuracy. She doggedly checks her details and travels extensively to satisfy her craving for history.