In re Estate of Groome

In July, 1886, Thomas B. Groome, under the homestead laws of the United States, filed a homestead claim upon 160 acres of public land in San Luis Obispo County. At the time of filing his claim, he was living on the land filed upon with his family, and continued to do so thereafter till he died. In 1887, he commuted his homestead, and paid the government for the land, and in December, 1890, a government patent *70 therefor was issued and delivered in his name. In May, 1890, he died intestate, leaving surviving him his widow, Julia Groome, and one daughter, then sixteen years of age. In August, 1890, letters of administration upon his estate were duly issued to his widow, who qualified and entered upon the discharge of her duties. In December, 1890, appraisers of the estate were duly appointed, and in May, 1891, an inventory and appraisement of all the property of the estate were made and returned to the court. This inventory ^included the 160 acres of land above mentioned, and the tract was appraised at the sum of eight hundred dollars, its then cash value. During his lifetime no homestead was ever selected by the decedent or his wife under the laws of this state. On May 29, 1891,…