4 Ohio 327 | Ohio | 1829
Opinion of the court, by
The object of the bill is to establish the right of the wife, Maria Bigelow, to the use and possession of a farm of one hundred and sixty acres of land, lying in Hamilton county, by virtue of the will of William Barr, Sen., deceased, for and during her natural life; and to enjoin further proceeding at law upon a judgment in forcible detainer obtained against the tenants of complainants. The clause in the will relied upon reads thus: “ And in case my said son, John M. Barr, should die, leaving a legitimate child or children, then also in trust for Maria Barr, wife of the said John M. Barr, in case she survive him, during her natural life, for the purpose of maintaining herself and the child or children, and educating the said children ; but nevertheless to permit and suffer the said Maria Barr, wife of the said John M. Barr, to hold, use, occupy, and enjoy the said farm, and to receive and take the rents and profits thereof during her natural life.” The said John M. Barr, former husband of complainant, Maria, died August, 1820, leaving said Maria and a daughter, the legitimate issue of both ;
The afflicted widow did not know, or imgaine she was parting with an estate for her life, producing an income, if properly managed, of two or three hundred dollars a year, and likely to increase in value. It was not the understanding of the parties, as we learn from defendants’ answer; but their understanding was, that she was entitled only to the annuity and the composition thereof, on her marriage. It was that they were making some efforts to secure and pay to her, but have failed almost, if not altogether to do that, even according to his own showing. If the life estate had been distinctly the subject matter of the agreement, it could not be set up in this instance, without overstepping the statute of frauds. Such part performance is the foot and ground of the agreement (supposing it to have been for the life estate) as would take it out of the operation of the statute, is not stated and evidenced by proof. And besides now, after so long delay, and the rise of property, it would be unreasonable to enforce any such agreement. The evidence is not favorable to this defense; so far from showing that Mrs. Bigelow considered or understood she was parting with the estate in controversy, it strongly countenances the contrary belief. Her conversations given in evidence, were about her rights under the will, not about any agreement she had made to part with any of them. So far as the depositions
Decree for complainants.