Plott v. Moody
Plott v. Moody
Opinion of the Court
The bill is filed by the widow of Amos Plott, demanding settlement of her husband’s estate_. «The executor seems to be desirous of making a settlement
. In the fifth clause of his will, thé testator gives .to his wife “ all my farming utensils of every description, to-, gether with my steel traps and guns, that are not otherwise disposed of.” And the question is, whether a wagon used On the farm, and blacksmith’s tools used in. the same .way generally, and occasionally in working for neighbors, are embraced in the act ? In looking into-the will, we find these articles are not “otherwise disposed of ” either specifically, or by such general terms as could possibly pass them. There is no' residuary clause; so that if the-articles in question, are not embraced in tha clause under-consideration, there must be an intestacy as 'to them.
A person who undertakes to dispose of his property by •will, is presumed to intend a complete disposition, unless the contrary be manifest. Without, therefore, deciding the force and effect “ ex vi termini,” of the words “farm” ing utensils,” or. the extent of their application in other connections’or cases, we think in this they embrace the wagon and smith’s tools. The words are, at any rate, not of such import as to overrule a manifest intent. And the intent must therefore determine the application. This point seems to have been under consideration in the construction of the will of James P. Doggett, Elliot vs. Posten, 4 Jones’ Eq., 433, where it was. decided that a wagon would pass under the term “ farming -utensils,” nothing appearing to show «.different intent.
- In the sixth clause he gives to his wife “ all my present stock of hogs, or that I may have at the time of my death, together with their increase.” It seems'that amongst-
Having thus decided the rights of the respective par tie* in the matters- of controversy, we suppose they can have no difficulty in settling the estate. -
There.máy be a decree declaring their rights, and, if either party desires it, a decree for an account; costs t# be paid out of the estate.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- SARAH PLOTT v. WILLIAM L. MOODY, of AMOS PLOTT
- Status
- Published