1-5-302. When execution may be proved by handwriting. The execution of an instrument may be established by proof of the handwriting of the party and of a subscribing witness, if there is one, in the following cases:
     (1) when the parties and all the subscribing witnesses are dead;
     (2) when the parties and all the subscribing witnesses are nonresidents of the state;
     (3) when the place of their residence is unknown to the party desiring the proof and cannot be ascertained by the exercise of due diligence;
     (4) when the subscribing witness conceals himself or cannot be found by the officer by the exercise of due diligence in attempting to serve the subpoena or attachment; or
     (5) in case of the continued failure or refusal of the witness to testify for the space of 1 hour after his appearance.

     History: En. Sec. 1618, Civ. C. 1895; re-en. Sec. 4672, Rev. C. 1907; re-en. Sec. 6923, R.C.M. 1921; Cal. Civ. Sec. 1198; re-en. Sec. 6923, R.C.M. 1935; R.C.M. 1947, 39-120.