41 N.Y.S. 874 | N.Y. App. Div. | 1896
On March 21, 1891, Thomas Gallagher died seized in fee simple of the premises known as No. 79 Oakland street, in the city of Brooklyn. By his will, duly proved, Gallagher devised to the plaintiff his house and lot “ No. 97 Oakland street, Brooklyn.” Gallagher, neither at the time of his death nor at any other time, owned any other real estate than said plot No. 79 Oakland street. The plaintiff entered into a contract with the defendant for the sale of the premises 79 Oakland street. The defendant refuses to carry out the contract, on the ground that the plaintiff has not a good title to the premises agreed to he sold. The sole question presented on this submission is whether under the devise of the testator’s house and lot No. 97 Oakland street, the house and lot No. 79 Oakland street passed.
The general rule applicable to errors of the kind that has occurred in this will is falsa demonstrate non nocet. As to this rule it is said by Mr, Jarman that it “meansthat where the description is made up of more than one part, and one part is true, but the other false, there, if the part which is true describe the subject with sufficient
The rule stated by Hr. Jarman plainly controls the disposition of this case. Eliminating the word and figures “No. 97,” there is a sufficient designation and description of the premises devised as the testator’s house and lot on Oakland street in the city of Brooklyn. There can be no doubt that the testator intended to devise the only piece of real estate he owned on that street or elseAvhere. The error that has crept into the street number is easily explained. There has been a mere transposition of figures, and 97 has been written instead of 79. This error can cast no doubt on the testator’s intent.
There should be judgment for the plaintiff on submitted case, but, under the terms of the stipulation, Avithout costs.
All concurred.
Judgment for plaintiff on submitted case, without costs.