Submitted by: Vonda Lee Heverly
Sources: Orange County Probate Order Books, cited through document

Probate Order Book 2

• p. 641: (20 Jan 1847) In vacation: Be it remembered that on 20 Jan 1847 letters of administration upon
  all and singular goods, chattles, rights, credits, money, and effects which were of John SIMMONS,
  decd., was granted to Edward W. MOORE. Bonded $1500, William MARLEY security.

Probate Order Book 3

• p. 18: (24 Feb 1847) Elizabeth SIMMONS v. Wm. MARLEY et. al. in dower. Cause continued until next session.
• p. 19: (24 Feb 1847) Contains two entries regarding fees; Edward MOORE administrator for John SIMMONS estate.
• p. 55: (26 May 1847) Names all of the same people who are in the civil suit (see below); Elizabeth SIMMONS
  is assigned her dower in the lands in the petition mentioned; specific sections are mentioned which
  John SIMMONS had deeded to Sally Jane SIMMONS and Julian SIMMONS.
• p. 74: (23 Aug 1847) Commissioners report that dower is assigned and set over to Elizabeth SIMMONS widow of John SIMMONS Sr. late of Orange County.
• p. 78: (24 Aug 1847) Edward W. MOORE admr of John SIMMONS estate files an inventory of $234.37, and also files sale bill for $277.98.
• p. 213: (28 Aug 1848) Proceedings transferred to Circuit Court due to interest of Wm. CATHCART judge of this court, he being an heir in John SIMMONS estate.

Civil Order Book 4

• p. 207: (Saturday, 16 Sep 1848) Edward W. MOORE, admr. for John SIMMONS decd cause continued until next term.
• p. 232: (Friday, 14 Mar 1849) Edward W. MOORE, admr. for John SIMMONS decd suggests that John BAKER esq. be appointed guardian of Julia Ann, Sally J., William, Leonard, and James SIMMONS, minors.
• p. 235: (Saturday, 17 Mar 1849-dates are inconsistent?) Edward W. MOORE admr. for John SIMMONS decd; by the return of sheriffs of Washington, Orange, and Dubois Cos., subpoenas were served on the following:
  Wm. and Eleanor MARLEY; Wm. and Margaret CATHCART; Leonard, Wm., and Alexander SIMMONS; Elizabeth
  Jane, Julia Ann, James, Elizabeth, and Alexander SIMMONS more than 30 days before the first day of
  the present term of this court.
  Also, notice of pendancy of this suit has been given to Moses, Adam, and Benjamin SIMMONS by public
  notice in the "American Eagle". Said Moses, Adam, and Benjamin SIMMONS, and Leonard, Wm., Alexander,
  and John SIMMONS come not, but make default.
  Juliann, Sally J., Leonard, James, and Wm. Jr. are minors within the age of 21; court appoints John
  BAKER a discreet (sic) and disinterested person as guardian.
• p. 236: (continued from above) Wm. CATHCART and Margaret his wife file their disclaimer in which they consent
  that distribution of said estate be made amongst the other heirs.
  "Said Wm. MARLEY in right of his wife and Jesse ARCHER in right of his wife and himself and Larkin
  COMPTON in his own right and in right of his wife Elizabeth COMPTON formerly Elizabeth BAILEY with
  whom he the said Larkin COMPTON has intermarried since the commencement of this suit, appear and file
  their several answers to said bill of complaint."

Distribution of the estate ordered:
Total assets: $527.93
Total claims: $308.44
Left for distribution: $219.29

One third to the widow $73.09
Jesse W. ARCHER and wife $36.30
Wm. MARLEY and wife $29.30
James MAY and wife $36.30
Larkin COMPTON and wife $44.30

The remaining heirs having been advanced by the said John SIMMONS in his life time an amount exceeding the shares
of ARCHER, MARLEY, MAY, and COMPTON. Ordered that admr. distribute as above.