Miller v. . ScottMiller v. . Scott
- Reporters:
- , ,
- Before:
- Hoee
Tbе title offered is dependent on tbe proper construction of tbe last will and testament of D. A. Miller, deceased, and tbe terms of tbe will and tbe facts considеred pertinent are set forth in tbe case agreed as follows:
“1. That on 11 Novеmber, 1913, D. A. Miller of Iredell County, North Carolina, died leaving a last will and testament, which was duly рrobated and is recorded in tbe office of tbe clerk of tbe Superior Cоurt of Iredell County in Will Book No. 7, page 506, a copy of which will is as follows:
“ Tn tbe name of God, Amen.
“ ‘Knowing full well tbe shortness of life and tbe certainty of deаth, I, therefore, make tbe following disposition of what few worldly goods I have: I, D. A. Miller, this day, being of sound mind, and in excellent good health, and after I have been put away in a decent manner, funeral expenses and all debts paid, if any, do .bequeаth to my beloved wife, Caroline Wood Miller all my personalty and realty consisting of money, notes, bonds, bouses and lots in and out of tbe city of Statesville, one-half interest in tobacco business, all machinery and personal property whatsoever it be, to have and to bold and to use as she may see proper tbe balance of her life, and should there be any left at her death, I would prefer it to go to a charitable institution, say Invalid’s fund, or otherwise some institution my wife would designate or prefer.
“ ‘With my hand and seal, this 27 December, 1898.
‘D. A. Milleb. [seal.]
“ ‘27 December, 1898.
“ ‘Witness:
“ ‘P. S. — Furthermore, what life insurance I have is for the express use оf my wife to have and to hold for her benefit.
‘D. A. Milleb/
“2. That said will was a holograph will written by the tеstator himself, and was proved as such, there being no witness. That said D. A. Miller was not a man accustomed to drawing such instruments, or familiar with legal technicalities. That said will wаs executed 15 years before testator’s death and 12 years prior to his illness. Thаt plaintiff was duly appointed administratrix with will annexed, and has made settlement of аll debts except certain amounts due her for money advanced personally to pay the debts.
“3. That Mrs. Caroline Wood Miller is the same person referrеd to in the will. That at the time of the testator’s death in November, 1913, *558 she and be lived togеther at Statesville, North Carolina, and that the said D. A. Miller had no lineal heirs, his father and mother wefe dead, and he had no children, no brothers nor sisters, no child of a dеceased brother or sister, bnt his nearest relative was a first cousin who resided outside of Iredell County. That testator was paralyzed about three years priоr to his death, and for three years next preceding his death was an invalid, confined to his home and required constant care and attention both day and night. That during this period Caroline Wood Miller, his wife, not only nursed him and looked after his physical welfare, but’ necessarily was entrusted with the management of his business affairs, and during said period she advanced her own individual money to meet expenses, and borrowed mоney in her own name to carry testator’s debts. That as a result of her constant watchfulness and care of her sick husband, Mrs. Miller suffered a near physical breakdown after his death. That plaintiff has for a number of years found it necessary to work in order to supplement the income from the property left by her husband to such аn extent that she may have a comfortable support, and is now engaged in educational work.”
Upon these facts, the case, in our opinion, comes clearly within the decision of this Court in Herring v. Williams, 158 N. C., 1, to the effect that under the will of her husband, plаintiff takes only a life estate in the property, and is not, therefore, in a position to convey a valid title to defendant. In the case referred to the proper rule of interpretation is stated as follows: “Giving effect to the intent of the testator from the language employed by him in the will: Held, a devise and bequest to A. of real and personal property To have and to hold during her natural life,’ аnd at her death The said property, or so much thereof as may be in her possession at the time of her death, is to go to B., her heirs and assigns forever,’ gave A. only a life estate in the lands, with remainder to B. in fee.”
On the facts presented, we regard the case as decisive, and in deference thereto the judgment must be reversed.
Reversed.