Should it appear by affidavit that the person sought is, or lately was, at some certain place beyond the limits of this State, the court may direct the commissioners to make personal search at the place or places named if the person prosecuting such order shall provide the necessary expenses of such search. And upon return of the commissioners, duly made and filed, of their failure to view such person allegedly concealed or absent or other satisfactory proof of death, such person shall be taken to be dead and any lawful claimant of any estate held by or for such person shall be let into possession of it.