re: I might be asking a dumb question, but regarding old money southern elites

Family was in politics for generations. Ended with my grandfather. There were 7 other plantations built in the area for the kids of whatever great grandfather that was to me. Ours is the only one that has a direct descendant still in the family (my dad). I'm the only male so I get it by default. My dad was the oldest male so he got it.