It is estimated that about once in every twenty-five years, all the real property in the country passes under the supervision of the probate courts, and whether the estimate be based on correct or incorrect data, it is certain that there are but few titles of twenty-five years duration that do not show testamentary conveyances or descents. The records and proceedings of these courts, therefore, have a direct and important bearing on every title of long standing, and are among the muniments that go to give stability thereto, as well as security to the possession of the party asserting such title.

42 Brock vs. Frank, 51 Ala., 89; Apperson vs. Bolton, 29 Ark.,

418; Newman vs. Willetts, 52 111., 98.

The ordinary proceedings of county and probate courts which have a direct influence upon land titles are: the probate of wills and issuance of letters testamentary and of administration; the inventory and collection of the effects of deceased persons; the proof of payment of debts and legacies; the assignment of dower and homesteads; the sale of lands by executors and administrators; the distribution and partition of the estates of deceased persons; and, incidentally, of proceedings relative to guardians and wards, adoption, etc.