Death of David Carson

This document is a bill, charging David Carson's estate for medical care and medicine he received prior to his death.

After seven years in the Soap Creek Valley, David Carson passed away from an unknown illness at age 52. Due to the unexpected and sudden nature of his passing, he left no will behind. The Probate Court appointed a neighbor, Greenberry Smith, as the administrator of the Carson estate.

Smith did not recognize Letitia and her children as David Carson’s beneficiaries, meaning they would not be entitled to inherit the lands they already lived on.

In January 1853, Smith held a public auction of David's estate and all of the family’s belongings. Letitia spent $104.87 of her own money to buy back what property she could, including her bedding, cookware, and a few heads of cattle.

Everything else from the Carson farmstead was sold away, leaving Letitia and her children homeless and penniless.

This is a newspaper notice published in the Weekly Oregon Statesman (Salem, Oregon) after David Carson's death.

It announces that wealthy neighbor Greenberry Smith had been appointed the administrator of the estate of David Carson.

He asked all claimants to the estate to submit claims within one year.

Greenberry Smith as the Administrator of David Carson's Estate.

This document confirms Greenberry Smith as the administrator of David Carson's estate, appointing him as such on November 25th, 1852. It does not list Letitia Carson as a known heir of David Carson's Estate.

This sale was orchestrated by Greenberry Smith, the administrator of David Carson's estate. Letitia Carson bought $104.87 worth of material, others bought tools, home goods, and livestock.

This document from November 1853 outlines Greenberry Smith as administrator, and not Joseph T Hughart, another friend or neighbor of David Carson. It essentially declares that despite a relation or closeness to the land or David Carson, Hughart is not at all interested in owning it.

This document, dated November 14th, 1853, is a tax receipt sent to Greenberry Smith as the administrator of David Carson's estate.

The Appraisal and Sale of David and Letitia's personal property

This document records a private sale of David Carson's estate items, including 1 calf and 4 heads of hog. It is signed by Greenberry Smith on February 20th, 1853.

This document pertains to the election and certification of Greenberry Smith as the administrator of David Carson's estate. The document includes handwritten answers filling in a government template for administrator ownership. Smith's case is #2683 and he signed the papers on December 25th, 1853.

This document, dated November 14th, 1853, is a tax receipt sent to Greenberry Smith as the administrator of David Carson's estate. It reads, "Received of G B Smith administrator of the estate of David Carson Deceased 45 cts it being the full amount of his tax for the year 1853. This Nov 14, 1853. T J Right by A N Locke Sheriff of Benton County."

Dec 7, 1852, Oregon Probate Court record Appraisal of late David Carson's property

This document provides a list of the stock, agricultural implements, and household furniture belonging to the estate of David Carson, along with their appraised value, as determined by Jacob Modie and David D. Davis, appraisers for the Oregon Probate Court.

This first page lists David Carson's belongings, including steer, oxen, heifers, calves, a bull, cows, hogs, a horse, wagon, log chains, gun, pot metal, cupboard ware, two trunks, bedding, books, one clock, a watch, and one spade.

The total value of these belongings is $1,446.50 (approximately $55,000 in 2024). Many of the items listed here are later seen in the sales that Greenberry Smith organizes.

________________________________________

Next Page: Letitia vs. Greenberry Smith I

Previous Exhibit: D. The Carsons' Soap Creek Valley Homestead Next Exhibit: F. Letitia in Douglas County

________________________________________

Browse Exhibits

Browse Collections

Browse Items