Frye v. Kimball

The third and 'fifteenth sections of the act of the Missouri Legislature, concerning executors and administrators, approved February 21st, 1825, have no retrospectivo operation, and do not, of themselves, without some action of the court, have the effect to revoke the letters of an administratrix, who had married before the passage of the act.

Appeal from St. Louis Circuit Court. This was ejectment, in tbe St. Louis Circuit Court, against Kimball, tenant of tbe Lindells, for a piece of ground lying in tbe city of St. Louis. It was tried at tbe November term, 1847, and there was a verdict and judgment in favor of tbe-defendant. On tbe lOtb of August, 1824, letters of administration were issued by Silas Bent, clerk of tbe St. Louis County Court, to Elizabeth Hinderlong, on the estate of Jacob Frye, alias Hinderlong, late of said county, wbicb were duly recorded on the same day-, she having given bond, with J. Spalding and Frederick Dent as securities, in due form, in the sum of §5000, for the faithful administration of the said estate. On the 29th of December, 1824, appraisers were sworn, and made an inventory and appraisement of the property of Jacob Hinderlong, alias Jacob Frye, which were filed on the 24th of March, 1826. The appraisement amounted to §778 25. Previous to March 24th, 1826, sale was made of the inventoried •articles, amounting to §507 50$. After the letters were issued, and somewhere about January 1st, 1825, said Elizabeth Hinderlong intermarried with one John Vogle. On the 24th of March, 1826, a settlement was made with the Probate Court, under the style of John Vogle and Elizabeth, his wife, administrator and administratrix of Jacob Hin-derlong, alias Jacob Frye, deceased, when the court ascertained that the administrators had received, on account of the estate, §716 12$, and had expended §843 58$, leaving a balance against the estate of §127 45$. On the 26th of September, 1826, John Vogle and his wife .'Elizabeth, administrators of Jacob Frye, alias Hinderlong, made another settlement, wherein the entry is, that they have received, since the last settlement, §56 30|, and have disbursed since the last settlement, and including the balance thereof, §207 46$, leaving a balance in favor of said administrators, .against said estate, of §152 15$ ; and on the 16th of August, 1828, the court discharged them from any process, unless on application of some one interested. On the 25th of March, 1826, a petition, which was sworn to, was presented to the Probate Court, by John .Vogle and Elizabeth, his wife, administrator and administratrix of Jacob Hinderlong, alias Jacob Frye, for an order for the sale, of so much real estate as would pay and satisfy the remaining debts, alleging that the assets that had come to their hands, amounted to the sum of §716 12$, and that the debts proved and allowed against the estate, by tbe Court of Probate, amounted, as per schedule, to the sum of $1847 30, and that there was no personal property remaining, nor any debts available. A list of the debts allowed and of the real estate accompanied the petition, consisting of two pieces only, one of which was half of the brick house, and the other was the land in question, consisting of about five arpens, then lying just west of the city of St. Louis. An order of publication was made, returnable to the third Monday of June. At the June term, 1826, an order, reciting publication proved, &c., and that there were no moneys or personal effects for the payment of debts, was made for the sale of the half of a brick house, one of the pieces of property belonging to Frye, at the time of his death. At the September term, 1826, on the 26th of the month, the report of the sale of the half of the brick house was continued. On the 6th of October, 1826, John Yogle and wife, administrators, &c., report the sale of the half of said brick house to Frederick Dent, for $700, which was confirmed. Afterwards, at the December term, 1826, to-wit, on the 4th of January, 1827, said John Vogle and wife, administrators as aforesaid, filed their petition, sworn to, setting forth that the sale of the half of the brick house did not bring enough, with the personal effects, to pay the debts of the deceased, and praying for an order for the sale of the other piece of real estate, to-wit, a house and six arpens of land in the vicinity of St. Louis, being the same that Jacob Frye died possessed of, and part of the land owned by Jeremiah Conner. Thereupon, an order is made by the court, for publication of notice to all interested in said application, and that it will be granted, unless cause can be shown to the contrary, at the next term, &c., and a sale be ordered of said land, describing it as above. On the 19th of March, 1827, the court take up the petition, and state that the publication of the notice has been made according to law, and that there are no assets o-r personal effects to pay the debts, and thereupon, order the said administrator and administratrix, on tbe first Monday of May then next, at the court house door, in the city of St. Louis, to proceed to sell, at public auction, for cash, during the sitting of the Circuit or Probate Court, the said land described as aboye, first haying the same appraised, and notice published four weeks in a newspaper, and advertisements put up in ten public places, twenty days before sale. On the 8th of May, 1827, the said John and Elizabeth, administrator and administratrix of Jacob Frye, alias Hinder-long, deceased, file their report, which the County Court then approve, the jurisdiction of the Court of Probate having, in the mean time, been transferred to the County Court; which report set forth that the house and lot mentioned in the order of sale were exposed to sale, to the highest bidder, during the sitting of the Circuit Court, on the first Monday, being the seventh day of May, the sale having been duly advertised, according to the direction of the order, and the appraisement having been made ; and that Jesse Lindell was the highest bidder for the same, at the sum of $1040, and that they are ready to make a deed as soon as the report should be approved. The appraisement is returned with the report, as having been made on the fifth day of May, 1827, at §1000, together with the affidavit of the appraisers. The record does not state that this report was verified by affidavit. Immediately after the approval of the said report, the deed was made by John Yogle and Elizabeth, his wife, dated May 8th, 1827, to Jesse G. Lindell and Peter Lindell, which deed recited the order of sale, appraisement, advertisement of sale, sale to the Lindells, and report and ratification thereof, and purported to convey all the right and estate of Jacob Frye, alias Hinderlong, at the time of his death. This deed was acknowledged by John Yogle and wife, as administrator and administratrix of Jacob Frye, alias Hinder-long, deceased, in the County Court of St. Louis county, on the ninth of May, 1827, and was recorded on the twenty-second day of the same month ; but the certificate of acknowledgment does not state that they were personally known, &c. On the 15th of February, 1828, under the title of “ John Vogle, administrator, and Elizabeth Yogle, administratrix of Erye, alias Hinderlong, report of sale,” is the following entry, viz : “ It is ordered by the court that the entry made in book B, page 812, of November 8th, 1827, of the minutes of the court, be expunged, and the following entry made in lieu thereof,” and then follows an order, purporting to confirm the same report and make it valid forever, which order is a long and formal entry. It appeared that Jacob Erye, alias Hinderlong, owned the property and lived on it, at the time of his death; that the plaintiffs are his children, and were under age, at the time of his death. The plaintiffs asked an instruction, that if Jacob Erye was seized at his death and the plaintiffs were his heirs at law, they were entitled to recover, which was refused. One was given for the defendant, to the effect that the record from the Court of Probate and the deed to the Lindells were sufficient to pass the title. The sole question is, whether the administration sale and the deed to the Lindells was void. The third and fifteenth sections of the act of 1825, concerning executors and administrators, expressly prohibit a married woman from acting as executrix or administratrix, after the law should take effect. The administration sale was, therefore, void. The legislature had power to pass this act. Its power to suspend an administration, to change, alter or modify laws for the distribution or settlement of the estates of decedents, cannot be questioned. This law was not ex post facto, because it does not apply to criminal proceedings. It is not retrospective, because it does not affect tbe validity of past transactions. It does not impair tbe obligation of contracts, because there is no contract to be impaired. 22 Pick. 430 ; 6 Pick. 501. Tbe meaning of tbe term u contract,” as used in tbe Constitution of tbe United States, is well defined in tbe case of Dartmouth College v. Woodward, 1 N. H. 111. John and Elizabeth Yogle, being prohibited by law from acting in tbe administration of this estate, could not, with tbe aid of any decree or order of a Probate Court, confer a valid title. 6 Wheat. 119. T Wend. 148. That tbe sale took place under tbe sanction of a court, will not prevent its validity from being inquired into, collaterally, in this suit. There is a distinction to be observed between tbe erroneous decree of a court which has jurisdiction, and tbe decree of a court which has no jurisdiction. 1 Peters, 340. 3 Howard, 762. 9 Cow. 227. 19 J. R. 39. 1 Hill, 130. 3 Howard, 762. Tbe ground of tbe jurisdiction of an inferior tribunal, must appear on tbe face of tbe proceedings. Walker v. Turner, 9 Wheat. 541. As to jurisdiction of Probate Courts, see 14 Mass. 222. 4 N. H. 65. 1 Hill, 13Ó. 2 Vermont, Washburn’s Dig. 647. 1 Howard, (Miss.) 439. 6 ib. 114, 234. 9 S. &M. 505. 3 J. J. Marsh. 105. 10 Peters, 161. 6 Iredell’s Rep. 27. 3 Stewart & Porter, 355. 5 Monroe, 42. 8 Cranch, 9. 4 Day, 137. 12 Mass. 503. Barber v. Bush, 7 Mass. 510. On tbe application for tbe second order, under which tbe sale was made, there was no account or statement of tbe then condition of tbe estate. 1 Hill, 130. 12 Serg. & Raw. 171. No affidavit was annexed or filed with tbe report of sale, and tbe report did not contain tbe requisite pointed out by statute. No copy of tbe advertisement accompanied tbe report. More land was sold than sufficient to pay tbe debts, and tbe sale was, therefore, void. 15 Pick. 23. 4 N. II. 166. No guardians were appointed for tbe plaintiffs, wbo were minors. Tbe deed was not duly acknowledged, as required by tbe statute. The appointment is not set out in tbe deed. cites 4 Mass. E. 854. 7 Mo. 874. 4 Humph. 79. Williams on Executors, yol. 1, p. 266. Eoper on Husband and Wife. 30 Law Lib. side page 188. Toller on Executors, 6th Lond. ed., p. 91. 11 Serg. & Eaw. 441. 17 Serg. & Eaw. 392. Bartlett v. King, 12 Mass. 563. 2 Peters, 492. 1 Hill, 139. 20 Wend. 245. 15 Do. 449. 5 Dana, 585. 5 Humph. 96. 4 Yerger, 218. 6 Do. 522. 10 Do. 237. 7 Mo. 426. 6 Cow. 224. 12 Mo. 63. 12 Ohio, 271. 6 Smed. & Mar. 259. 7 Do. 449. 7 Sbep. 400. 15 Pick. 31. 4 N. H. 167. 8 Met. 363. 20 Wend. 241. 1 App. 150. I. Tbe marriage of Elizabeth Hinderlong was after tbe grant of letters to her, and before the act on administration, contained in Eev. Code of 1825, took effect. Her letters were not revoked by tbe third and fifteenth sections of that act, nor by tbe marriage. 1 Williams on Executors, 267. 2 Do. 632, 633. Com. Dig. Administrator, D. 1 yol. 469, 487. That at common law, married women could administer, cites Eoper on Husband and Wife, 187, (30 Law Lib. 119, 120.) 7 Mass. 510, directly on tbe point. At any rate, tbe act on “laws,” Eey. Code of 1825, p. 500, sec. 13, preserved tbe letters and authority, even if tbe case were embraced in tbe words of tbe administration act. Tbe constitution forbids tbe construction contended for, as it would make tbe act retrospective and operative to avoid vested rights. That tbe letters continued in force, notwithstanding tbe marriage, in such cases, was tbe cotemporaneous construction of tbe act, and should be so held now. 15 Ohio, 703. H. Tbe sale is not invalid by reason of tbe nonproduction of an account and list, &e., filed witb tbe petition on wbieb tbe order of sale was made, nor for any other alleged irregularities before tbe deed, sucb as want of affidavit, &c. 10 Peters’ Rep. 473 . 2 Howard, 319. 2 Peters, 157. 11 Serg. & Raw. 422, 425-6, &c., 429, 431. 11 Mass. Rep. 227, (refers to and is supported by 7 Mass. 292.) 5 Ham. (Obio,) 294-500. 3 Obio Rep. 272-553. 4 Dana, 429. 2 Vermont, 253. Rev. Code, 1825, p. 106, sec. 40, describes tbe mode of application, and says, that on filing tbe petition and tbe account of bis administration, tbe order shall be made, &c. Page 110, section 46, shows that it is not necessary to go over tbe whole matter de novo, where tbe first sale does not raise tbe money. Tbe first petition was accompanied witb a list of lands and of demands allowed; and alleges that there was no personalty, incorporating, by reference, tbe settlement with tbe court that bad been made tbe day-before, (24th March, 1826,) and is sworn to ; and tbe sale having been made of same property, and not bringing enough, tbe second order was merely a continuation of tbe proceeding, and needed no new petition, though one in fact was presented, and a new notice given, &e., before tbe order to sell tbe property in question was made. See Code of 1825, p. 110. 2 Vermont, 253, Langdon v. Strong, et at. Tbe court decide, among other things, that an administration sale was not void, because tbe appraisal was made after tbe date of tbe deed, though tbe law requires it to be made before. 2 Green’s Cby. Rep. 147, 156, 165. 1 Wash. Rep. 317, Administrators of Tryon v. Tryon, that tbe Probate Court, though of a limited jurisdiction, is entitled to same presumptions in its favor as other courts. 6 Porter, 219, Wyman, et at., v. Campbell, to same effect. 6 Porter, 262. 15 Obio Rep. 689. This was a case where tbe same doctrine was laid down as in 2d of Howard’s Rep., viz : that sale by administrator is a proceeding in rem, that if there be jurisdiction, tbe title passes, &c. On filing tbe sworn petition, witb tbe list of lands and of debts and account of administration incorporated by reference, jurisdiction attached. 8 New Jersey Rep. 78, as to what confers jurisdiction, and that Probate Court is not of limited jurisdiction in such sense as a justice of the peace, &c. HI. The deed is not invalid because Peter Lindell is a grantee in it. Shep. Touch. 234-5. If a grant be to A & B, if A cannot take, the whole goes to B. 7 Ham. (Ohio) Rep. 340, Ewing v. Higby. An administrator may convey to the assignee of the purchaser. 1 Dana, 212. 5 Miss. Rep. 314. The same as to sheriffs’ deeds. IV. The sale and deed are valid, even if the administration act of 1825 did operate upon the letters granted to Elizabeth Vogle, while sole. The administration had regularly begun ; she and Vogle, after the marriage, were continually recognized by the Probate Court, on its records, as having full powers as administrators, no revocation having been made. The act of 1825 contemplated, a revocation of letters, in case of marriage, before the letters should be a nullity, as to third persons. The general doctrine, as to officers de facto, is applicable. Suppose the marriage had been secret, and kept Secret for years, would the letters,'and all acts under them, be held void, as soon as the marriage could be proved ? V. The order to sell was the judgment of a court of general jurisdiction, in a case within its jurisdiction ; and the confirmation was likewise the judgment of the same court, upon the act of sale, after it was done ; both of which judgments presuppose every thing done requisite to their validity, and are entirely conclusive, if the jurisdiction had attached. That it had attached is plain. 2 Howard, 319. 15 Ohio, 689. 4 Dana, 429. VI. The application of the rigorous doctrine contended for, to administration sales, made twenty years ago, and upwards, is improper and unwise, and would overthrow nearly all such sales. This consideration, justly influences the action of all courts, and should have great weight here as to early sales. 2 Howard, 319. 5 Ham. 294-500. 15 Ohio Rep. 708. The decisions of sister States, avoiding such sales, for technical irregularities, should have no weight with us. Such sales depend on the peculiar statutes, and the peculiar practice and modes of proceeding, and general policy and spirit of legislation of each State. YH. The deed is not inoperative for the reason that the certificate does not state that the parties were known to the court, because this suit is between original parties to the deed, or rather, between original grantees and heirs of the grantor. Rev. Code, 1825, p. 221, sec. 14, shows the intent of the act to be, to protect usubsequent purchasers and mortgagees.” The plaintiffs here are heirs. The marriage of Mrs. Fry or Hinderlong, did not have the effect to revoke her letters. At common law, the marriage of a femme sole did not avoid her administration. 1 Williams on Executors, 267. 2 ib. 632, 633. The act of 1825 was prospective, operating only on administrations where the femme sole administratrix should marry after it took effect. Such is the meaning of the language employed in sections 3 and 15. The administrator acquires a vested interest in the goods of the intestate, which is property recognized in every tribunal, and this interest can no more be divested, without default and without trial, than can the full property of any owner. Here, the marriage of the administratrix was prior to the taking effect of the act of 1825. 1 Williams on Ex’rs, 411. Over-field v. Bullett, 1 Mo. Rep. 749. Constitution of Mo. Art. 13, sec. 17. Even if the administration had been annulled by the statute, this would not have the effect to invalidate the sale. It is said, that the Probate Court is a mere statutory court, and that its proceedings are only to be sustained, upon proof that all the requirements of the law have been complied with. To this, it may be replied, that such court, although not established by the constitution, is provided for by that instrument. See Art. 5, see. 12. It is established, in pursuance of the command of the constitution, as a court of record, exclusive within its sphere, and with all the powers that are requisite to the exercise of its important jurisdiction. See Code of 1825, p. 270, secs. 6, 16, 17, &c. It had exclusive jurisdiction, in all cases relating to the 1 ‘right of administration,” ££ the granting of letters, and repealing the same.” It had exclusive jurisdiction over the subject of selling lands of intestates, for the payment of their debts. All its original jurisdiction was exercised, subject to the right of the party to appeal to the Circuit Court. The proceeding was a proceeding in rem, to which all the world are parties, and not a proceeding between parties litigant, and the court having acted upon the petition, and made the order for the sale, that order was the judgment of a court of competent power, upon a subject within its jurisdiction, and its proceeding cannot be collaterally questioned. 10 Peters, 473 . 2 Howard, 319. 2 Peters, 157. 11 Serg. & Raw. 425-29-31. 11 Mass. 227. 5 Hammond, 500. 3 Ohio, 553. 4 Dana, 429. 2 Verm. 253. 6 Porter, (Ala.) 219, 262. 3 N. J. Rep. 73. 15 Ohio, 703.