Bowlin v. Furman

Will — Devise.—A will made in 1824, and properly attested, provided as follows: “I do nominate and appoint for my sole and only heir of all the goods, chattels, rights and credits, and effects, which I shall be possessed of at the time of my death, I do bequeath the whole unto my adopted child Sophia,” &e., “to inherit and enjoy all and singular the said goods, chattels, rights, credits and effects which I shall be possessed of at the time of my death.” Held, that real estate did not pass by the will.

Appeal from Si. Louis Land Court. Ejectment for lot in Carondelet common fields. Plaintiff claimed title under an assignment to Carondelet schools. Defendant claimed that the title passed to one Jacquez Mayette, by virtue of possession prior to December, 1803 ; and among other evidence of title read a certified copy of the will of Joshua Palin. “ In the name of God, Amen: I, the undersigned and sealed, Joshua Palin, being of sound mind and disposing memory, knowing that death is certain, I do therefore make and ordain my last will and testament, in the form following, to-wit: First, I do ordain all my just debts to be paid; second, I do nominate and appoint for my sole and only heir, of all the goods, chattels,' rights, and credits, and effects, which I shall be possessed of at the time of my death, I do bequeath the whole unto my adopted child, Sophia, the daughter of Pikeolo, of the Winnebago tribe, to inherit and enjoy all and singular the said goods, chattels, rights, credits and effects which I shall be possessed of at the time of my death. I do nominate and appoint my trusty friend,-, executor of this my last will and testament, hereby revoking and annulling all and every other will and testament which I might have made prior to this present. In testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal, at St. Louis, this - day of July, A. D. 1824. Joshua Palin, [seal.]” The above will was attested by two witnesses, and admitted to probate in the County Court of St. Louis county, on the 4th day of May, 1835. To the reading of said will the plaintiff objected, on the ground that the will was not operative to convey any real estate; but the court admitted it, and the plaintiff at the time excepted. Prom the legatee defendant derived his title.