98 Wis. 193 | Wis. | 1898
For tbe purposes of this appeal we shall assume that the will of George Hall, deceased, only gave to his widow, Sarah, a life estate in his property, whether real or personal, and that, subject to such life estate and a bequest mentioned, he thereby gave the remainder of his estate, both real and personal, to his nephew, the petitioner and plaintiff herein. That will was admitted to probate March 6, 1883. Such probate of the will was “ conclusive as to its due execution.” E. S. sec. 2291. The statute provides that after the payment of the debts, funeral charges, and all expenses, and certain allowances, “ the county court shall, by an order or judgment, assign the residue of the estate, if any, to such other persons as are ly laxo entitled to the same. In such order or judgment, the court shall name the persons and the part to which each shall be entitled. Such persons shall have the right to recover their respective shares from the executor or administrator, or from any person having the same.” E. S. sec. 3940. “ The statute gives the county court, on final settlement of the estate, ample authority to assign the residue to such persons as are by law entitled to the same. . . . The statute manifestly intends that the order of assignment shall operate to transfer the legal title of the personal property to the persons therein named. It has in law really the same effect as an order of distribution.” Ford v. Smith, 60 Wis. 225. In fact, it seems to be the way especially provided by statute for a legatee or heir at law to acquire title to personal property. The legal title to such property, upon the death of the owner, goes to the executor or administrator. “ In any case,” said Eyajst, O. J:, “ when title to personalty comes to legatee or distributee, it comes from the executor or administrator, not from the testator or ancestor.” Estate of Kirkendall, 43 Wis. 179; Murphy v. Hanrahan, 50 Wis. 490; Marshall v. Pinkham, 52 Wis. 513; Melms v. Pfister, 59 Wis. 192; Miller v. Tracy, 86 Wis. 333.
By the Oou/ri.— The order of the circuit court is affirmed.