85 Wis. 313 | Wis. | 1893
The controlling question presented is whether the words of the will create a precatory trust, so that, notwithstanding the absolute devise of a fee to the widow in the first part of the will, she must be held to take only a life estate, coupled with a trust as to the remainder in favor of the children. The subject of precatory trusts was very fully investigated by this court in Knox v. Knox, 59 Wis. 172. It was there said by the late Mr. Justice Taylor that the two important questions to be considered in such a case are: “ First, has the testator, in his expressed request, clearly pointed out the persons whom he desired should be the recipients of his bounty, and has he clearly defined the part of the estate which he desired they should receive? And, second, does the language used by him clearly show that he intended it to be obligatory upon his wife, to whom he had devised all his property in fee, and not merely advisory? ” Accepting these questions as the tests to be applied in deciding whether a precatory trust is
It is objected that the judgment does not in terms construe the will. The findings construe the will, and the judgment dismisses the complaint on the merits. This is sufficient
By the Court.— Judgment affirmed.