Irish v. Story
Irish v. Story
Opinion of the Court
Prior to the transaction in controversy tbe plaintiff’s ward, Jeremiah Story, owned a house and lot in the suburbs of the city of Des Moines. On. March 3, 1906, said ward, being then about seventy-seven years of age, was made defendant in a proceeding instituted by one of his children to have him adjudicated a person of unsound mind and for tbe appointment of a guardian for the preservation of his estate. On April 3, 1906, Daniel Story, a son of said Jeremiah, was appointed his temporary guardian. On July 25, 1906, said guardian
That Jerepiiah Story was suffering from the physical infirmities of age is shown without substantial controversy. It is equally clear that his mental faculties were impaired, but the extent of the deterioration is.the subject of considerable -dispute. The circumstances under which the deed was given, as stated by the defendant and his witnesses, are that very soon after the discharge of Daniel Story as temporary guardian of the father the latter went alone to the office of one English, who had been his friend and adviser, and requested him to prepare the deed. This being done, he executed it, and told English to keep it, and when he met Dan to give it to him. Defendant does not claim that this was done pursuant to an agreement or understanding between him and his father, and says he hesitated for som£ time about accepting the deed. The old man lived for a time in the house with the son, but quarrels and disagreements between them were not infrequent, and defendant admits that on at least two occasions he cursed his father. The latter claims he was driven away, and, while defendant denies this, he concedes that their relations were hostile, and that he did not invite his father to his table. It is probably true that
We do not stop to discuss the question of burden of proof, to which counsel have given attention; for, wherever it lies, we are satisfied with the sufficiency of the evidence to sustain the decree of the district court. Of the law governing cases of this nature there is no serious difference of ojiinion between counsel. The decisive question is one of fact, and we think it was correctly solved by the court below.
The decree appealed from ‘is therefore affirmed.
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.