Probate registers are arranged by the date the estate was filed with the probate court. Under the estate name there is given the actions taken and the dates recorded for those actions. Case files contain original documents such as wills, appointment of administrators and/or guardians, sale of property, settlements, commitment papers, etc.

Illegitimate births were not filmed. Records includes child's name, birth date, sex, color, parents' names and birthplaces, father's occupation, and when registered. Information may be incomplete.

Declarations of intention are often called "first papers" wherein a person declares his intention to become a citizen of the U.S. Later records may contain more information.