Supreme Court of North Carolina, 1940

In Re Leonard

In Re Leonard
Supreme Court of North Carolina · Decided December 20, 1940 · ScheNCK
12 S.E.2d 222; 218 N.C. 738; 1940 N.C. LEXIS 82 (South Eastern Reporter, Second Series)

In Re Leonard

Opinion of the Court

ScheNCK, J.

Tbe sole question presented on tbis appeal is: “Does tbe will of tbe late Florence Siceloff Leonard name an executrix?” We are constrained to answer in tbe negative.

Tbe only mention made of Mrs. J. Tbomas Leonard is in tbe second page of tbe holograph will labeled “All I have is tbis.” Tbe mention of tbe name of the petitioner, we think, is made simply to designate or locate certain property of tbe testatrix which tbe petitioner bad in charge or in her possession. We do not see in these words any commitment of tbe execution of her will to Mrs. J. Tbomas Leonard or any designation of her as tbe person whom tbe testatrix desired to administer her estate. An executor is “One to whom another man commits by bis last will tbe execution of tbat will and testament.” 2 Bl. Comm., 503.

While it is our duty to interpret tbe will from its four corners, and to carry out tbe intent of tbe testatrix as gathered therefrom, we are not permitted to write into tbe will tbat which the testatrix failed so to do.

Tbe judgment of tbe Superior Court is

Reversed.

Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.