Shepherd v. Sovereign Camp

Tessie M. Shepherd, the plaintiff below, brought this action against the Sovereign Camp of the Woodmen of the World, a fraternal benefit association, incorporated under the laws of Nebraska and licensed to do business in Virginia, alleging that she was entitled, as the designated beneficiary, to the proceeds of a certificate of insurance issued by the association on the life of John Bright. Under the terms of the certificate the proceeds were payable on the death of the insured to “Tessie M. Shepherd, adopted daughter.”

The trial court struck out the plaintiff’s evidence on the ground that…