City of Minneapolis v. Town of Orono
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City of Minneapolis v. Town of Orono
Opinion of the Court
Proceeding instituted by the city of Minneapolis in the district court of Hennepin county against the town of Plymouth and the town of Orono to determine the settlement for poor relief for Bennie T. Horton, his wife, and small child. At the trial it was stipulated that the city and the towns mentioned are political subdivisions in Hennepin county, in which county the town system of
“It is hereby stipulated by and between the parties hereto, by their counsel, that the only question upon which an appeal is to be taken is whether or not Bennie Horton was emancipated before his mother, Theresa Horton, acquired a residence for relief purposes in the Town of Orono.”
The court found that he had not been emancipated, and determined the settlement for the purpose of poor relief of Bennie, his wife, and child to be in Orono. Orono’s motion for amended findings or a new trial was denied, and it appeals from the order.
The assignments of error all center on the finding that Bennie had not been emancipated prior to his mother’s obtaining a settlement for poor relief in the town of Orono. In addition to what is above stated, these uncontroverted facts appear: Bennie was born May 15, 1913, at Fertthe, this state, and in the fall of the same year his parents removed to Minneapolis. In 1925 his father died. Thereafter his mother, Theresa Horton, removed to the town of Plymouth, where she, with Bennie and some younger children, resided until, on December 7, 1932, she removed to the town of Orono, where she resided continuously until in August 1934, when she removed to the city of Minneapolis. Further facts in respect to Bennie are: From April 14, 1934, to March 31, 1937, he served the United States government in the Civilian Conservation Corps. Between March 31, 1937, and August 1937, he lived with his mother in Minneapolis, and was included in his mother’s relief budget, receiving poor relief from the city. August 4, 1937, Bennie enlisted
Mason St. 1927, § 3161, the same as L. 1933, c. 385, provides: “Every minor not emancipated and settled in his own right shall have the same settlement as the parent with whom he has resided.” Bennie had resided with his mother in Plymouth until she removed to Orono, December 7, 1932. Orono became her place of settlement for poor relief purposes before Bennie became 21 years of age. Emancipation is the act of the parent, the mother in this case, since the father was dead. Emancipation need not be in writing or in express words. It may be implied from conduct. These considerations apply in whatever form of action or proceeding emancipation is for determination. Lufkin v. Harvey, 131 Minn. 238, 154 N. W. 1097, L. R. A. 1916B, 1111, Ann. Oas. 1917D, 583; Caskey v. Peterson, 220 Wis. 690, 263 N. W. 658; Dunks v. Grey (C. C.) 3 F. 862, cited by respondent city. The case of Inhabitants of Lowell v. Inhabitants of Newport, 66 Me. 78, relied on by both parties, is a proceeding like the present under statutes similar to ours, except that five years’ residence in a city or town is there required to gain a settlement for poor relief. The principles or rules of law to be followed in determining the fact issue of emancipation are clearly stated. The latest application of that case by the supreme court of Maine is Inhabitants of Trenton v. City of Brewer, 134 Me. 295, 186 A. 612. In that case the father
“If the pauper settlement of the father changes during the child’s minority, that of the child likewise changes, by operation of law, and regardless of the consent or-desire of the parties. Upon emancipation, the child takes his father’s pauper settlement, and retains it until he himself acquires a new one.
“Emancipation may take place in one of several ways, during the minority of the child.
“Marriage of a minor son, with the consent, and not contrary to the direction of his parents, works complete emancipation.
“Emancipation is never presumed, but must always be proved. It may be implied from circumstances, or inferred from the conduct of the parties.”
These two Maine cases quite fully and satisfactorily discuss the subject of emancipation as applicable to settlement for poor relief of a minor.
If Bennie was emancipated while his mother had her settlement for poor relief in Plymouth town, that town became his settlement also, and the facts above cited as to his life show that he has never acquired any new settlement. But we think there is no evidence requiring a finding that Bennie was emancipated before his mother acquired a settlement in Orono. Bennie was a witness, but his testimony presents nothing upon which any inference of emancipation could be based. Appellant relies on the testimony of the mother. It would appear therefrom that Bennie was the oldest child. There were younger children. While residing in Plymouth town, the mother, Theresa Horton, was receiving a mother’s pension. When a child reached 16 years of age, the pension was decreased because of that fact. So Bennie was permitted to work for farmers in Plymouth for his room and board. After the mother moved to Orono, he visited her and occasionally stayed for “a day or so.” To the question, “He never made his home with you in Orono?” the answer was “No, just a few days to visit.” She also testified that since Bennie was 17 he took care of him
It may be conceded that the court could have found that Bennie was emancipated while his mother’s settlement for poor relief was in Plymouth, but the court did not so find, and in our opinion the preponderance of the evidence is in favor of the finding that he was not emancipated until his majority.
Order affirmed.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- IN RE SETTLEMENT OF BENNIE HORTON. CITY OF MINNEAPOLIS v. TOWN OF ORONO AND ANOTHER. TOWNSHIP OF PLYMOUTH
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