Plea from Sarah A. Bailess (sp?), widow of Edward D. Bailess (?), deceased, of Phillips County, Arkansas asking for settlement of her husband's estate, in a two-page manuscript petition to the Probate Court of the County, October Term, 1854

4to.; (4) pp. [third page blank, final page docketed by court clerk]. The petition states that Sarah's husband died intestate some time in 185--. The administrator of the estate had not done anything to settle the dower rights or real and personal property of the decedent. The property included a tract of land of some 320 acres, plus "four negroes-- one boy William, about 14 years of age, --Sam, about 9 years of age,--one woman and child, Nancy and Amelia. Also, ten head of cattle, -- one mare and colt, --one mule, -- one lot of hogs, and farming utensils." The petitioner requested that the court appoint three commissioners to proceed to settle the estate, and provide a guardian ad litem for the two minor heirs, Amelia and Mary Susan Bailess, all of which was approved.