On 15 February 1893, Lafayette (Lafe) and Ari Anna Smyers Mallory provided an affidavit in support of Eliza's claim as follows: ...our acquaintance with the claimant... dates from 1868... (she) has no property or means of support except from her own labor and contributions from those not bound by law for her support. ...the marriage of Mrs. Smyers and John W. Smyers was the first marriage of both