FROM: Lewis Co, Missouri, Administrators & Executors Bonds, Vol.A-C (1833-1914), p. 379, 20 Nov 1863.
State of Missouri
County of Lewis
This day came before me John W. Gaines administrator of the Estate of Samuel Smith deceased and says that to the best of [his] knowledge and belief the names of the Said Samuel Smith deceased and their place of residence are respectively as follows, Richard S. Gaines [sic] and Delilah C. Smith all of whom reside in Lewis County Missouri that the said Samuel Smith died without a will that he will make a perfect inventory of and faithfully administer all the Estate of the deceased and pay the debts as far as the assets will extend and thus laid [?] direct and account for and pay all assets which shall come to his possession or knowledge.
[signed] John W. Gaines
Subscribed and Sworn before me this 20th day of November 1863.
[signed] W. G. Watson, Clerk
Filed for Record November 1863.
[signed] W. G. Watson, Clerk.
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Note that Samuel's only surviving child was Richard S. Smith. Was "Gaines" just an error, because the clerk had just written that name on the line above? John W. Gaines is no known relation of the family -- but he may have been the father or brother of the widow Sarah, whose maiden name is unknown. Likewise, there is no child or other member of the family named "Delilah," but Samuel's widow was "Sarah C.," and there is no "Sarah" mentioned. Is this another error, and is "Delilah" the same person as "Sarah"? Nor did Samuel remarry, so his widow should have been named as the principal heir.
