Ingle v. W.O.W.

It is conceded that defendant is a fraternal benefit society and that its benefit certificate on the life of Emery Ingle in favor of plaintiff, his wife, was in full force and effect at the time of insured's death. The defendant refused to pay the policy and its defense of this suit is based on the ground that the manner and cause of the insured's death rendered the policy void under the clause following: "If the member holding this certificate . . . shall die . . . from the direct result of drinking intoxicating liquors, . . . or by his own hand or act, whether sane or insane . . . or in…