Robertson v. Mowell

Robinson, J., delivered the opinion of the Court. The testatrix devised to her brother, Joseph W. Mowell for life the farm on which she lived, known as “Ellen-ham;” and should he desire to move upon the farm, she directed her trustee to give him the stock, implements, &c., necessary to carry on the farm, the same to be selected by him. The testatrix died 28th February, 1881, and her brother Joseph, died 5th December following. It is doubtful, to say the least, whether her brother ever intended to move upon the farm. To some of the witnesses he at various times said, that nothing could induce him to live on the place — that he would die in two weeks of the blues and horrors ; while to others he expressed an intention of moving upon it, so soon as he could make the necessary and proper arrangements. He never did, however, move upon it, nor did he take possession of it, nor did he make any selection of the stock, implements, &c., necessary to carry on the farm. Both the farm and the personal property on it, including the stock, &c., were, upon the death of the testatrix, claimed by her husband, ■and the stock and implements, &c., were, pending the litigation, placed in the possession of Henderson, an employe of Joseph Mowell. Now, although the language of the will is, “if my brother Joseph should desire to move upon my farm; my trustee is to give to him all the stock, implements, &c., necessary to carry on the farm,” it is clear the testatrix meant to give him the stock, &c., provided he did in fact move upon it, because in that event he would need them to cultivate it — otherwise she directed the stock, &c., to be sold by her trustee, and the proceeds of sale to be held subject to the trust declared in the will. Inasmuch then as her brother did not move on the farm, and did not make a selection of the stock and implements, [568] &c., we are of opinion that said property constitutes part-of the trust estate of the testatrix. (Decided 18th February, 1887.) The decree below will be reversed and the cause remanded. Decree reversed, and cause remanded.