123 Mich. 673 | Mich. | 1900
This is a bill filed by complainant to establish a homestead in 10 acres of land. In 1887 or 1888 defendant James B. Gardner held 20 acres of land on contract. He entered into an oral agreem.ent with his son .Charles Gardner, the complainant’s husband, to sell him 10 acres of this 20 at the price of $337.50, to be paid at the convenience of Charles Gardner. Charles and the complainant occupied the 10 acres as their homestead under this parol contract of purchase until August 1, 1891, when a written contract was signed by James B. Gardner to take the place of the verbal one. In this contract, receipt
We have no doubt that the homestead right attached to this property. Lamb v. Hinman, 46 Mich. 113 (8 N. W. 709). The question of whether there was an intention to abandon the homestead was one of fact, and this the circuit judge determined in favor of complainant. We are satisfied that he reached the correct conclusion. Kaeding v. Joachimsthal, 98 Mich. 78 (56 N. W. 1101). The fact that complainant’s husband had deserted her does not bar complainant’s rights. Rogers v. Day, 115 Mich. 664 (74 N. W. 190, 69 Am. St. Rep. 593). Nor could the surrender or conveyance by the husband have that effect. Id.
It is claimed that the defendant Holmes is entitled to protection as an innocent purchaser. We think the evidence justifies the inference that he had notice of such facts as put him on inquiry as to the complainant’s rights.
The decree will be affirmed.