Estate of Bruch
Estate of Bruch
Opinion of the Court
It is perfectly clear, and is established by numerous authorities, that the bequest in favor of Elizabeth Hamlin was not upon a condition in restraint of marriage. She was to enjoy the income of $5,000 so long as she remained single and bore the name of Elizabeth Hamlin. When she ceased to be single and to bear the name of Elizabeth Hamlin her right to the income was simply ended. The words of the bequest were merely a limitation of the time of enjoyment. Hotz’s Est., 38 Pa. 422, is precisely in point and rules this question. Many other cases cited in the appellee’s argument are in the same line. The other question as to the vesting of the principal is equally free
Where a trust is unnecessary to protect any interest in re mainder, the estate is executed by the statute in the remainder-man : Bradley’s Appeal, 36 Leg. Int. 38; McAleer’s Appeal, 99 Pa". 139. The latter case in its facts is quite analogous to the present.
Judgment affirmed.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- Estate of W. J. H. Bruch, Appeal of Elizabeth Knecht
- Cited By
- 4 cases
- Status
- Published
- Syllabus
- Wills — Legacies—Restraint upon marriage. A bequest of the income of $5,000 to Elizabeth Hamlin “ so long as she remains single bearing the name of Elizabeth Hamlin, ” is not upon a condition in restraint of marriage, but merely on a limitation as to time; and if the legatee marries, her right to the income ends. Trusts and trustees — Execution of trust — Bequest of interest — Limitation —Remainder. Where a trust is unnecessary to protect any interest in remainder, the estate is executed by the statute in the remainderman. A bequest of the interest of the fund without limitation is a bequest of the fund itself. Testator directed as follows: “I bequeath five thousand dollars to Elizabeth Hamlin, that is the yearly income as long as she remains single bearing the name of Elizebeth Hamlin and after her death to go to the ‘ Sematary ’ fund to keep my ‘ graven ’ in repair.” Held, that upon the marriage of Elizabeth Hamlin, the principal sum of $5,000 vested immediately in the cemetery fund.