Smithwick v. Bank of Corning

Battle, J. On the 27th day of January, 1901, J. J. Smith-wick departed this life, intestate, leaving C. A. Smithwick, his widow, and W. R. Smithwick his only heir. At the time of his .death he was the owner of considerable real estate, and two thousand dollars in cash and notes, and about forty head of cattle. After his death the widow and heir by a written contract divided the estate of the deceased between themselves. In the division some money was set apart to the widow. She deposited it in a bank to her credit. She often referred to it as W. R. Smithwick’s money, but never relinquished control over it, and always controlled it, collecting interest on it. Mrs. Smithwick died on the 16th day of July, 1908, leaving a last will and testament. She left nothing to W. R. Smith-wick. G. B. Oliver became administrator of her estate. W. R. Smithwick brought a suit against the bank, claiming the money deposited in the bank as held in trust for him. Oliver, as administrator, was made a defendant. . The court, after hearing the evidence, dismissed the complaint for want of equity; and plaintiff appealed. The money received by the widow in the division of the estate of her husband was her absolute property. Her frequent declarations that it was the appellant’s money did not convert it into a trust fund. They manifested an intention to give the same to appellant at some time. But they were not based on any consideration, and were not binding on her. Intention without acts is of no effect. Decree affirmed.