Lessee of Doughty v. Browne
Lessee of Doughty v. Browne
Opinion of the Court
The court desired the counsel for the Brownes to begin.
Accordingly Messrs. Wells and Dickerson contended, that there were no express words in the will to vest the devisee with an estate in fee simple, nor did she take it by necessary implication. The clause under which Louisa took, was strangely inconsistent; the first part of it includes both real and personal estate, but in the close of the sentence, it is narrowed down to “ plate, monies, goods and chattels, debts, dues and demands.” Under such ambiguous words, the heirs at law of Samuel Browne, *shall not be stripped of this prop- p-jgQ erty, nor shall the same go out of the family of the hus- *- band, without the clearest intention. This intention is to be collected from the whole of the will, so as to leave no doubt in the mind. Particular cases serve rather to obscure and confound, than to illuminate questions of this kind. 3 Burr. 1541.
The words “ as to all my worldly estate,” in the beginning of a will, unconnected with any particular devise, shew an intention to dispose of the whole estate, but will not carry an estate that is clearly omitted. 1 Dali. 226: Where a will began with “ for those worldly goods and estates, wherewith it has “ pleased God to bless me, I give and demise to A., her heirs “gnd assigns forever, all my lands at B., and I give and be-
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CASES IN THE SUPREME COURT [Mar., [Doughty’s Lessee v. Browne et e contra.]
The court stopped Mr. Milnor, who was prepared to answer the cases cited, and to cite his law authorities. They said it ivas impossible to doubt the intention of the testator, on the face of the will. He has used strong introductory words, which fully *i8il ev*nce *^s intention of disposing of all his property. He i has given all the rest of his estate, both real and personal, after payment of his debts and funeral expen ces, and a legacy of iol. to his nephew, unto Louisa Browne his wife. The only difficulty on the will, seems to be, the discovery of any legal or rational grounds, why she should not take an estate in fee simple in the premises.
Judgment for Doughty and Groves in both suits.
The following cases were cited by Mr. Milnor on the trial. 2 Bac. 53, Divise, C. Murray v. Wise and wife. 2 Vern. 564. Prec. Cha. 264. 1 Eq. Ab. 177, pl. 15. Countess of Bridgwater v. Duke of Boulton, 1 Salk. 236. 6 Mod. 106. 1 Equ. Ab. 177, pl. 17. Carter v. Horner, 4 Mod. 89. 1 Show. 348. 1 Equ. Ab. 177, pl. 16. Reeves v. Winnington, 3 Mod. 45. 2 Show. 249. 2 Equ. Ab. 299. pl. 4. Ibbetson v. Beckwith, Talb. Cas. 157, 160. 2 Equ. Ab. 302, pl. 23. Tanner v. Morse, Talb. Cas. 284. 3 Wms. 295. Scott v. Alberry, Com. 337, 340. 2 Equ. Ab. 301,
The book adds, “ but never, where real estate is mentioned; for then the per- “ sonal things mentioned, shall be considered only an enumeration of those specific “ things.”
Reference
- Full Case Name
- Lessee of Daniel Doughty and Daniel Groves against Nathaniel Browne and Liberty Browne Lessee of Nathaniel Browne and Liberty Browne against Daniel Doughty and Daniel Groves
- Status
- Published