McMurphy v. Boyles

Hiram C. McMurphy died, testate, on the 13th of October, 1867, leaving a widow, but no children or descendants of children. He left a considerable personal estate, and provided in his will that the income of one-half of it should he paid to his wife during her life, and, at her death, this half should be distributed among his collateral kindred. The other half he bequeathed to various persons. His wife duly renounced the will, and claims the entire personal estate. The probate court decided she was only entitled to one-third, and from that judgment the widow appealed. The question presented…