Clan usually refers to a group of people with a common ancestor from the Scottish Highlands . A codicil is an addendum to a will, which doesn't cancel the will . In colonial America, in-law could refer either to the relatives of one's spouse , or to step relationships. New England Historic Genealogy Society 48. Many churches kept records of baptisms, christenings, confirmations, marriages, and deaths.
Vital records are birth, marriage and death records .