The Shemwell Family

John McGehee Estate Probate Summary: Administrators - Anna McGehee (1875-1877) and William Joshua McGehee (1878-1886) GENERAL SUMMARY: Court records document the legal aspects of John McGehee's estate from 1875 to 1886. An estate Administrator was identified in court on January 20, 1875. This suggests that John McGehee died before this date. During the court proceedings, there are two separate Administrators: Ann McGehee (1875 to 1877) and William Joshua McGehee (1878 to 1886). COURT SUMMARIES: January 20, 1875: Ann McGehee (probably John McGehee sister) is identified as the Admistratix (aka Administrator). She approved a claim against the estate. The court agreed and ordered that $41 be paid to A. Davis Fourth Class. Note that Fourth Class Claims are for money due employees of the decedent of not more than $800.00 for each claimant for services rendered within 4 months prior to the decedent's death and expenses attending the decedent's last illness. February 17, 1875: Ann McGehee presents a Bond to the court which is called "imperfect". She is cited and ordered to appear before the court with a new Bond or present reasons why she can't. May 19, 1876: Court claims that no account has been filed, as per required by the law, 12 months since the Letters of Administration were supplied. Ann (and possibly Thomas) is cited and ordered to appear before the next term of the court and present the account for settlement. July 12, 1876: The court claims that for the last 12 months there no account on file. The court issues Ann McGehee a citation and orders compliance. The wording of "Guardian" is crossed out and replaced with "Administration". This definitively suggests that John McGehee is deceased. November 9, 1876: Ann McGehee filed her account for final settlement. The court ordered that this settlement be inspected by all interested parties. The case is continued until the next court term. January 11, 1877: Ann McGehee appears before the court and presents the final settlement for John McGehee, Deceased, which was recorded on November 10, 1876. No issues are found with the final settlement and the court orders that Ann McGehee be charged with $27.90 and the Bond cancelled. The court further ordered that Ann McGehee and her securities be released from any further liabilities regarding the Bond. April 9, 1878: In Case #135, Wm J McGehee (probably William Joshua McGehee, John McGehee's grandson) is first identified as the Guardian. It is noted that he has provided a Bond which is sufficient. April 9, 1878: Case #137 is presented right after Case #135. It has exactly the same wording as Case #135; but, Wm J McGehee is now identified as the Administrator. It is noted that has provided a Bond which is sufficient. October 15,1878: Wm J McGehee provides an inventory of Personal/Real property and effects belong to his ward. The court approves the inventory. October 15, 1878: Nancy McGehee and Thomas Margaret claim that some of the estate property is perishable; namely, 4 milk cows with calves, 3 yearlings, 2 young steers, 3 horses, 2 feather beds, 2 bedsteads, and 1 lamb. The court orders Wm J McGehee to get the property appraised. After a 20 day period in which Wm J McGehee publicly posts the inventory, there is to be an auction at Nancy or Thomas' residence on November 16, 1878 at 10:00am. Those attendees paying less than $5 for an item shall pay cash. Those attendees paying more than $5 may get a credit of 12 months with 10% interest and post a note with approved security. April 15, 1879: Wm J McGehee presents an appraisement and Sale Bill. The court orders it to be recorded. Wm J McGehee is charged the sum of $211.65 July 16, 1879: Wm J McGehee presents to the court the status of the account which was filed on April 15, 1879 and advertised as directed. The court confirmed the account and orders that he be charged the sum of $72.93 November 9, 1881: Court proclamation to all interested parties, John McGehee's heirs, that the account is current. January 11, 1882: The court states that the account filed on November 9, 1881 is confirmed and Wm J McGehee charged with $290.27 January 9, 1883: Wm J McGehee is charged by the court the amount of $67 for the rent of the lands during 1882. He also submits his current account and the court deems it is current and advertised as the law directs. April 12, 1883: Court confirms that the annual account filed on January 9, 1883 is approved. The court further orders that the Wm J McGehee be charged with $265.60 balance which is due the wards. January 16, 1884: The court state that the 5th account filed by Wm J McGehee is current and ordered it advertised as the law directs. April 15, 1884: The court states the 5th account filed by Wm J McGehee is current and confirmed. The court orders that Wm J McGehee be charged $302.29 January 12, 1886: Wm J McGehee appears before the court to present the account. The court says it should be recorded and published as per the law. April 14, 1886: Wm J McGehee appears before the court to present the account which was filed on January 1886. The court examined the account and said it was current with no exceptions. The court ordered the Wm J McGehee charged $144.90