McMillan v. Wacker

Gill, J. — Plaintiff McMillan brought this suit for and in behalf of his minor wards, Ered A. and Henry Waeker. The action is replevin, originating before a justice of the peace, and is to recover the possession of certain household goods which it is alleged belonged to these children. On a trial in the circuit court, where the cause was taken by appeal, there was a judgment for plaintiff, and defendant appealed. In July, 1886, Louise Waeker, the mother of the above named minors, died intestate, leaving as her [222] own separate property the household goods in question,' and these two children as her only heirs at law. Her husband, Henry Waeker, was thereafter married to defendant, Anna Waeker, and then he died, leaving the goods in question in the possession of said Anna. So far as known, Louise Waeker owed nothing at her death. There was no administration on the estate of said Louise Waeker, nor any order made by the probate court dispensing with, administration as authorized by the statute. On the facts of this case the judgment was for the wrong party and must be reversed. On the death of a party the personal property passes to the administrator, and he alone has a right to the possession thereof, unless indeed the probate court shall, by order, dispense with any administration, as provided for by section 2 of the administration statute. It is only “after making such order such widow or minor children shall be authorized to collect, sue- for and retain the property belonging to such estate.” R. S. 1889, see, 2. The probate court is the only tribunal having original jurisdiction to determine the question as to whether or not an administration is necessary. However harshly this may in some cases operate, we are compelled to follow the law as we find it. See in point: Griswold v. Mattix, 21 Mo. App. 262; Smith v. Denny, 37 Mo. 20. Judgment reversed and cause remanded. All concur.