Administration of the estate of any person deceased shall be granted:

1. I. To the executor named in his will.
2. II. To the widow, husband or any of the next of kin, or to such suitable person as they or any of them may nominate.
3. III. To one of the devisees or creditors.
4. IV. To such other person as the judge may think proper.

Source. RS 158:2. CS 167:2. GS 176:2. GL 195:2. PS 188:2. 1919, 34:1. PL 299:2. RL 352:2.