77 Ind. 83 | Ind. | 1881
This record presents a single question. That -question is as to the effect of an antenuptial contract entered into between the appellant and the appellee’s intestate. 'That agreement, omitting signatures and formal parts, is as follows : “Alfides of agreement entered into by and between David Shaffer, of the first part, and Elizabeth Cobb, of the second part: Whereas a marriage is intended to be had and solemnized between the said David Shaffer and Elizabeth
It is contended by appellant’s counsel, that this agreement does not bar her right, as the widow of appellee’s intestate, to the five hundred dollars allowed by statute. We-think otherwise. The instrument js awkwardly drawn and incorrectly worded, but there is enough in it to clearly show that the purpose of the parties, in executing it. was to make-full provision for appellant in the event of her becoming the widow of the man whom she expected to marry. There can be no doubt that the man intended to limit and define the-interest which the woman, whom he expected to make his-wife, should take in his property, should she survive him ; nor- can there be any doubt that the woman accepted the-provision so made for her. The right of the woman to retain absolute ownership and control of her separate property,, the provision that she should take one-half of all her hus
The court below gave the proper construction to the contract, and as this was, and is, the only question in the case, rthe judgment should be affirmed.
Judgment affirmed.