United States v. Stevens

Can the United States enforce a contract executed by an ex-soldier in order to obtain admission into the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, which contract provides that upon the death of the veteran while a member of the Home, all his personal property shall pass to the Home subject to be reclaimed within five years by any legatee or person entitled to receive the property by inheritance?

The district court held the contract valid and enforceable. The Court of Appeals reversed.

The facts disclose that:

Thomas McGovern, a native of Ireland, served in the United States Army from 1877…