"Our One Common Country" author talk in Stratford, CT

[L Verge]

The rights of widows in the 1860s may have been determined by individual state laws; but from what we know, when Mr. Surratt died in 1862, he had no will. Mary Surratt could not inherit what was left of his estate, however. The three children inherited what was basically the land and the two houses.

As the kidnap plot unfolded and John left his employment with Adams Express Co., he signed his rights to the inheritance over to his mother - knowing that if he were found to be a "traitor," his property would be confiscated.

Could such a situation have existed when Mr. Lincoln died intestate? Do we know that Mary automatically inherited a portion? I assume the estate was settled in Illinois?