Pearse v. Killian
Pearse v. Killian
Opinion of the Court
— We think we must lay out of view the proceedings on the petition to authorize the sale of the house and lot, to which the infant complainant was not a party.* But independently of that, the defendant by his answer admits a contract, made with her
The questions are, whether the complainants could make a good title by their own act, if the infant complainant were of age, and whether the court will, in this case, aid the disability of infancy. As to the first, I think that a good title could be made, if the infant were of age. There is no doubt but that, by the deed of John Pearse, Sarah P. Pearse took a fee simple conditional. This estate has been repeatedly recognized in our decisions. The limitation over to Samuel Pearse, as was agreed in argument, and has been several times decided, was void for remoteness. But there was in the donor, after the death of S. P. Pearse, a right or possibility of reverter, which he transmitted to his heirs. The complainant, Pearse, is his heir. It was argued that the donor left also a widow, who took, in the quality of heir, along with him, and being dead, that her heirs stand in her place. But there is no doubt about the rule, that where an estate of freehold is given, with a remainder or reversion to the right heirs of the donor, he will take, as heir, who answers that description at the termination of the particular estate. Samuel Pearse now answers the description of heir of his father, and would have the right to the estate, if the fee simple conditional were now to determine. And having that right, though he could neither convey nor devise it, I think he may release it to the tenant of fee conditional, so as to make her estate an absolute fee simple. The subject is considered in the case of Adams vs. Chaplin, 1 Hill Ch. 272, and I think the authorities there referred to sustain the position. I refer to that case for the general reasoning. In the quotation from Preston, on estates, 440,441, he seems to regard it as familiar law. “On these instances, and indeed, on all limitations which can be ranked under this class, it is observable that the reversion, or remainder expectant, on these estates, or the posibility of reverter, must remain in some person, and that a release from that person will give to this estate the quality of a simple and absolute fee.” So it is said by Lord Hardwicke, in Wright vs. Wright„ 411,
On this point, it may be proper- to offer some remarks- and directions. The report of the commissioner, on the1 petition for sale, we do not consider, and the matter must be again referred to him. It is always with great reluctance that the court directs the sale of an infant’s land or other permanent estate and its conversion into a money fund, which is-so insecure a provision. It should never
There seems no reason to doubt that the use was executed in the cestui que trust, and that the petitioner did not even sustain the character of trustee.
Concurring Opinion
We concur.
Black, for the motion, cited 1 P. W. 166; 2Bro. 570; 12 East: 4 Kent. Com. 276 — 7,227; 2 Mc. Ch. 324 — 68 ; 3 Ves. 234.
Desaussure, contra ; 1. The infant is not bound by the proceedings on petition.
• 2. The court will not, under the circumstances, cut off ■Sarah's heirs, if it can. 3 Even she, if of age and with ■issue, might not be able to bar the issue. 4 The limitation to Samuel Pearse is two remote; and if Sarah should die, without having had issue, the lands would revert to John’s heirs.
1. To convert an estate the cesíui que trust must be made a party: 3 J. C. R. 367 ; Mitf. 164 ; 2 Atk. 515; 1 Ves. Jr. 29; 12 Id. 58; Rule; 4 Mad. R. 186; Farrow v. Osborne, 1 Russ. & M. 742; 5. Price, 821; 6 Mad. R. 241; 1 Ball & B. 182; 3 Ves. 76; 1 Lit & L. 386 — 396.
2 The court will not make such an election for the infant, nor change her tenure into a different fund, upon different conditions. In Redfern & Deloh, refused to assist In barring remainder. Why cut off heirs; one by limitation
4. Too remote, but at all events the issue of Sarah take as purchasers 2 M. C. Ch. 88; 1 Bail Eq. 299; Riley Eq. 247, 260.
3. If a case might arise in which she is not, the court will not. If she were married and had issue, her husband would not join her.
4: Again — Sedgwick, v. 2 Ves. 57, Sheffield, 3 Id. 529. 16. Id, 274. 17 Id. 8.
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.