Vogel v. Melish

Hilmond O. Vogel sought a declaratory judgment as to his rights under a 1954 stockholder’s agreement between himself and Frank Roster, now deceased. The circuit court of Cook County ruled that the stockholder’s agreement terminated upon the death of Frank Roster; the latter’s widow and executrix, Anna Roster Melish, appealed to the Appellate Court. The Appellate Court affirmed and we granted leave to appeal to this court.

In the early part of 1954 there were outstanding 1150 shares in the Vogel Tool and Die Corporation. Hilmond O. Vogel owned 455 shares and Frank Roster owned a like amount.…