Riegel v. Lyerly

The widow’s assertion of absolute ownership calls for answers to these questions: (1) Does the rule in Shelley’s case or a similar rule apply to the disposition of personal property in this State? (2) If so, does the widow, by Item 4 of the Riegel will, acquire absolute ownership in one-third of the residuary estate?

The law in this State, settled by a uniform line of decisions, is that a grant, devise or bequest to A for life, remainder in fee or absolutely to the heirs-at-law of A vests A with an estate in fee simple or absolute unless it is made to appear from other portions of the…