Scobey v. Gano
Scobey v. Gano
Opinion of the Court
In support of Scobey’s claim that he was legally appointed, his counsel rely on the fact that Amanda, mother of Eliza Kinney, was, at the time of her appoint
Clearly, as it seems to us, the facts show that Amanda’s appointment was within the prohibition of this statute, however it may be construed; but the question remains, whether such appointment can be regarded as void in a collateral proceeding. We fully recognize the rule stated in the well-considered case of Shroyer v. Richmond, 16 Ohio St. 455, as to the character of the jurisdiction of the probate courts and the verity which is imported by their records; but this does not conflict with another well established general rule, that the jurisdiction of a court is a matter into which inquiry may be made even in collateral proceedings, where the record contains no finding of facts expressly showing jurisdiction. Maxsom v. Sawyer, 12 Ohio, 195; Moore v. Starks, 1 Ohio St. 369; Buchanan v. Roy, 2 Ohio St. 252; Fowler v. Whiteman, 2 Ohio St. 270; Callen v. Ellison, 13 Ohio St. 446; Pennywit v. Foot, 27 Ohio St. 615; Spier v. Gorll, 33 Ohio St. 236; and see Thompson v. Whitman, 18 Wall. 457, as to cases where the record shows jurisdiction. But here there is no express finding as to the qualifications of Amanda, and the fact that she was administratrix of an estate in which Eliza Kinney was interested, was probably unknown to the Probate Court of Hamilton county.
We come, then, to the consideration of the question whether the Probate Court of Butler county could lawfully appoint Seobey guardian, no order having been made setting aside or rescinding the appointment of Amanda,
It is said, however, on behalf of Gano, the surety, that he was discharged by the final settlement in the Probate Court of Butler county, made November 21, 1872; and that he can not be affected by a Gbange in that settlement made without his knowledge. But the position can not be maintained. The correction of the account was made while Eliza Kinney was still a minor, and there was the consent of the administrator, who filed the account, and the present guardian. Moreover, it does not appear that Gano knew that any such settlement had been made, much less that he changed his condition in any way in consequence of or since such settlement. Goodin v. The State,
Judgment of the district court reversed and that of the court of common pleas affirmed.
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.