The Survivors
After receiving Pratt's letter, Champlin's brother Jonathan petitioned the Surrogate in order to settle his brother's small estate.
He had to prove that Jeffrey was dead, and so enclosed the two letters posted here and the apparent circumstances of his brother's disappearance. He also described the enquiries that were made, and the reasons why Jonathan's death had to be assumed.
He also had to prove that Jeffrey was a resident of Yates County, and stated that the Kansas venture was just a visit and the young man was still a legal resident of Milo.
He lists Jeffrey's heirs at law, and the value of the estate, which was $300; these would be part of any such petition.
The judge did in fact grant the petition; Jonathan Champlin was appointed administrator of his brother's estate on 5 September 1861, the day he submitted his petition. He signed his oath as administrator the same day, along with a bond of $600 ensured by Daniel and Ira Owen, who were neighbors. This was the usual amount of an administrator's bond, being twice the value of the estate.
