[APG Public List] surviving spouse "elective share"

[JFonkert at aol.com]

Does anyone know the general history of "elective share" of surviving  
spouses in testate cases?  I know what modern-day Minnesota law says, and  also 
know that specifics vary among states.  I am wondering when such  
protections became common.  I gather this is an outgrowth of dower's  rights.
 
I am going to be looking at 1840 statutes from a couple of states tomorrow, 
 but if anyone can give me a quick general picture, I'd appreciate it.
 
Jay Fonkert,  CG
_http://fourgenerationsgenealogy.blogspot.com/_ 
(http://fourgenerationsgenealogy.blogspot.com/) 
Saint  Paul, MN

Member, Association of Professional  Genealogists
(professional profile at _www.apgen.org)_ (http://www.apgen.org)/) 
Member, Genealogical  Speakers Guild
(professional profile at _http://www.genealogicalspeakersguild.org/)_ 
(http://www.genealogicalspeakersguild.org/))   

CG (Certified Genealogist) is a service mark of the Board for  
Certification of Genealogists, used under license by Board-certified associates  after 
periodic competency evaluations.

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