If only one (1) of the subscribing witnesses resides within the state, that witness may prove the execution of the instrument, the handwriting of the other witness or witnesses being proved by some other person.
Code 1858, § 2049 (deriv. Acts 1831, ch. 90, § 10); Shan., § 3724; Code 1932, § 7639; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 64-2303.