119 Misc. 42 | N.Y. Sur. Ct. | 1922
Question arises as to the construction of the will in relation to three gifts to William H. Budd in the 7th paragraph of the will and a gift of $500 in the codicil thereto.
As to the gift in the will it is the court’s opinion that the gift passes to William H. Budd. He had attained the age of twenty-five years before the death of decedent and upon its happening he was entitled to the gift. As it happened prior to the death of decedent, it is payable to him by the executors.
As to the gift of $500 in the codicil, the words “ own private use ” are meaningless, and the court holds that William H. Budd is entitled to this gift. As to the gift of $1,000 in the latter part of the codicil, which reads as follows: “If it is possible that my grandson, William H. Budd can keep it for himself, I will and bequeath to him one thousand dollars, but I revoke it if his wife and child can get it.” The first part of the gift has to do with whether he can keep it for himself. That is an impossible condition. No one can tell whether he can keep it for himself. He might very well give it away the next minute after he becomes entitled to it. Therefore, these words are meaningless and without
Decreed accordingly.