My GrUn James DALY wrote his last W & T, 11 Dec 1842. It was properly witnessed, and then signed by a Judge. It appointed a guardian for his minor child, although his wife was still young and alive, and named this guardian as the Will's executor also. This person's name was Francis Moran. On 9 May 1843, James' wife, Ana Maria went before the Court of Common Pleas, and had the Judge who signed the Will, 'affirm' that he was present at the signing of the Will, and that indeed it was James' signature on the handwritten will. This created another paper document. My assumptions: James died before 9 May 1843. My GRgf, Lawrence moved into the household after his brother's death, married Ana Maria, and therefore, there was no need for an execution of the will. I don't find any papers indicating that Francis Moran became a guardian of James and Ana's minor son. My questions: What other papers would have been present to show the Will's execution? With other estates, I've seen property listings, receipts for lawyer fees, etc. With this one I found nothing. Someone wrote on the front of the will "Closed-up apparently" which leads me to believe they found no paperwork subsequent to the affidavit dated 9 May 1843, either. This would be easy to figure out if the minor child's name remained "Reselaer L" as his father gave it to be, but I believe that this child becomes the James, that is shown, on the 1850 Census as the youngest child of Lawrence and Maria. James and Renselaer seem to share the same birth year. Why were there no guardianship papers filed? Why was a 'guardian' necessary with the child's mother still alive? If anyone can help me clarify this situation, I'd appreciate it. Sincerely, Patricia