11 Vt. 283 | Vt. | 1839
The opinion of the court was delivered by
It is fully settled that a court of equity can aid a creditor to enforce a judgment of a court of law. When there is a legal claim established, by a judgment, and the courts of law are unable to afford an adequate relief, from a defect in their process or powers, a court of chancery may assist the creditor to reach the property of the debtor, which cannot be taken on an execution. Several cases of this kind aré enumerated in the opinion delivered in the case of Hadden v. Spader, 5 Johns. Ch. R. 280, and 20 Johnson’s R. 554.— There may be a difficulty in ascertaining what remedy should be afforded in the case of a corporation, and in applying the remedy so as not to do injustice to individual interests, but still, if individuals have not done all which they mght or could do to fulfil their legal and moral duties, the consequences are their own. In this case, it is ascertained by the judgment of the supreme court, that the defendants were indebted to the estate, of which the oratrix is administratrix, and they are under a legal and moral obligation to pay the debt, if they are able. They have had the means in their hands to satisfy a part, if not the whole, of the claim of the
As there does not appear to be any means, by which the oratrix can obtain satisfaction by the ordinary process of law, the inquiry is whether there is any property or funds, by which this court can decree a satisfaction of the execution.
It appears that at an early, day, and when Mr. Bigelow was settled, a fund was raised to provide for his support. This fund consisted of notes and obligations against different individuals, and the moneys collected have been, from time to time, loaned out. The manner in which the fund was obtained is not particularly set forth. Probably it was designed that the annual interest alone should be appropriated for the support of their minister. It does hot appear, however, that it has been so considered, nor do we know that there was any limitation as to what part of the money given should be applied for this purpose,or that the contributors thereto annexed any'terms or conditions to their contributions. All the individual members,who have answered, consent to the appoint
We are of opinion that the oratrix has a just claim to have all the fund existing at the death of the intestate, or so much thereof as is necessary for the purpose, appropriated to the paymentof the demand or judgment in her favor,as administratrix. And the individual members of the society, at that time, who might or could control the same, are responsible that it should be so applied. The decree of the court will therefore be, that a receiver be appointed to receive and collect whatever may remain of the fund and apply the same, or so much thereof as may he necessary for that purpose, to the payment of the judgment whidi the oratrix has obtained; that it be referred to a master to ascertain the situation of