Craig v. Monitor Plow Works
Craig v. Monitor Plow Works
Opinion of the Court
— A fact additional to the statement above is that the appellant L. R. Craig has never surrendered the actual possession of the lot in question, but has continuously been in possession of the same through a renter. The theory upon which the appellants seek to avoid the effect of the levy and sale by the Monitor Plow Works is that there was never an absolute conveyance of the title to the wife, but that the deed was merely intended as a “testamentary devise, or a naked trust;” that it was only intended as a provision for the wife after the husband’s death. It is only on condition that the facts are found to be in harmony with this theory that the appellants seek to recover.
Without in any manner, committing ourselves to the legal theories of the case, under the facts as claimed by appellant, we think the testimony entirely insufficient to overcome the legal presumptions which follow a deed of conveyance absolute on its face. The only testimony in the case, barring some documentary proofs having no reference to the conveyance, is that of the plaintiffs, and we copy it in full, so far as it can be claimed to relate to the purpose of making the conveyance, and it is as follows: “I was married to my wife, Jennie M. Craig, in July, 1884. All the property she owned at the time of our marriage was simply a little household goods. She has not acquired anything since, other than from
The following are the essential facts, which we think the testimony establishes: That the conveyance was made for the purpose of providing the wife a home in case of accident to him, or of his death ; that it was made without any other consideration ; that the wife had no knowledge of the conveyance until the deed was recorded and presented to her; that the plaintiff has at all times been in possession of the premises, and that at his request the same was reconveyed to him. This is the utmost, as to facts in detail, that can be claimed by the plaintiff, Do they warrant a conclusion that the purpose was to make a devise, instead of a gift ? We think not. The plaintiff nowhere intimates such a purpose. He says, in substance, that he conveyed it to her to insure her a home in case of accident; that she wanted a place to call her own. He quotes her statement that “she never had a place to call her own,” as an inducement to his action. In what sense could she call it her own if she merely held it in trust for him. His expressed object or purpose is not in harmony with a trust transaction. The idea of a gift exactly harmonizes with his purpose. With that she had something to call her own. Counsel for appellant puts a test question in this case : “ Under‘the evidence as given, and under the pleading and admissions of the husband and wife, what would be the judgment of this court were the husband seeking in equity a reconveyance of his title?” We answer for the plaintiff, because the wife, being the
The lien of the judgment attached to the lot at the time of the conveyance to the wife, and a reconveyance would not divest it. Affirmed.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- Craig v. The Monitor Plow Works
- Status
- Published