77 N.J. Eq. 453 | New York Court of Chancery | 1910
It seems entirely clear that by the second paragraph of his will testator bequeathed to his wife all of his personal property except his stock in. Stuart & Peterson Company; and by the third paragraph of his will bequeathed, in trust, his stock in that company.
The bequest of “my household goods, cash on hand or in bank, life insurance and all other personal property of ever]1, description,” is a specific legacy so far as the household goods, cash
I do not think that this court should assume to adjudicate the title to the bonds, in the absence of some special reason therefor. The controversy as to whether these bonds formed a part of the estate of testator at the time of his death in no way enters into the construction of the will and is a matter which should be determined by the orphans court, unless some circumstance arises by reason of which that court is embarrassed in disposing of the question.
The property which must first be utilized by-the executors in the payment of debts, is the personal property other than that already referred to as included in the specific legacies. If such property be found insufficient then the specific legacies will abate proportionately. Harris v. White, 5 N. J. Law (2 South.) 422; Executor of Shreve v. Shreve, 10 N. J. Eq. (2 Stock.) 386; S. C., 17 N. J. Eq. (2 C. E. Gr.) 487.
I think the cross-bill should be dismissed, without costs; and also without prejudice to a new bill, should it be found necessary for defendant to hereafter assert in this court rights touching the bonds in controversy.
I will advise a decree in conformity to the views herein expressed.