10 Neb. 115 | Neb. | 1880
This is an action of replevin. It appears from the bill of exceptions that in October, 1877, one J. D. Syas resided with his family on his homestead in Eill
It is clearly shown by the record that the defendant in error is a resident of this state, the head of a family, and at the time the property in question was levied upon was actually engaged in the business of agriculture, and that these horses were the only ones she possessed. Under these circumstances they were exempt.
. Section 530 of the code provides that “ no property hereafter mentioned shall be liable to attachment, execution, or sale, on any final process issued from any court in this state, against any person being a resident of this state and the head of a family.” And it is also provided that “ if the debtor be at the time actually engaged in the business of agriculture, in addition to the above enumerated articles, one yoke of oxen, or a pair of horses in lieu thereof.” [Gen. Stat., 618.]
In the case of Darby v. Weyrich, 8 Neb., 174, it was held that the property which is exempt by law for the •owner’s debts is not susceptible of a fraudulent alienation.
As was said in Bowker v. Collins, 4 Neb., 496, the homestead law being remedial in its character, should receive a liberal construction consistent with justice for the purpose of preserving a home for the unfortunate. And the same rule applies to the exemption of chattels. The law is for the benefit of the family of the debtor, and its benefits may be claimed by the actual head of such family then residing in'the state, although the husband may have absconded.
The property in question not being subject to levy and sale upon execution, the judgment of the court below is affirmed.
Judgment affirmed.