We tend to think of extensive governmental paperwork as a modern phenomenon. The documents in the 1877 probate file for Jacob Grim, who died intestate (without a will), prove that in a state only 18 years old, paperwork greased the wheels of the County Court.
Jacob Grim died in early August 1877 without leaving a will. He did, however, leave behind a sizable estate valued at $3,000.00. His son-in-law, Hiram A. Straight, petitioned the County Court to settle Jacob's estate, on behalf of Jacob's surviving children (and heirs).
Petition for Letters of Adminstration - Page 1
"In the County Court of Clackamas County State of Oregon –
In the matter of the state of Jacob Grimm deceased
To Hon. N. W. Randall, County Judge of said County –
Your petitioner, H. A. Straight, respectfully shows that Jacob Grimm, a resident of said County at the time of his death, died in said County on or about the 5th day of August 1877 –
That at the time of his death he was aged about 65 years, and was possessed of real and personal property in said County for the probable value of $3000.00 –
That petitioner has made diligent inquiry to find whether deceased left a will, and is fully satisfied that he died intestate.
That deceased left no widow, and owes no debts of any considerable amount, and the children and heirs of deceased who are the next of kin
{---} John B. Grimm, Wm. Grimm, Daniel Grimm, Sophronia Grimm, Jerushia..."
Petition for Letters of Administration - Page 2
"...Greenwell, Julia Young, and Ivy Straight have united in a written request to this petitioner to act as administrator of the estate of deceased.
Wherefore petitioner prays that he may be appointed of the estate of said deceased - {signed} Hiram A. Straight
State of Oregon
County of Clackamas
I, H.A. Straight, being duly sworn sat that I am the petitioner above named, and that the foregoing petition is true as I {---} believe.
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 20th day of August.
{signed} Hiram A. Straight
{signed} W. H. Fouts – Clerk"
"In County Court of Clackamas County Oregon
In matter of estate of Jacob Grimm, dec’d
Petition for letters of Administration
Filed Aug 20th 1877 – W. H. Fouts - Clerk"
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