In re the Probate of the Will of Bonner

Merritt Bonner died on October 2,1963 and, a short time thereafter, a 1959 will which had been cut in two was found among his papers. It was contained in an envelope (bearing the legend “Last Will and Testament of Merritt Bonner ”) also cut in two, and it seems clear that both will and envelope had been severed at the same time. The separate pieces were enclosed in a larger envelope which, though not produced, bore—-according to the legatee-executrix who found it—the words, “ My Will ”, in the decedent’s handwriting. The executors named in the instrument offered it for probate. Their petition…