Estate of Biddle
Supreme Court of Pennsylvania
Appeal from the Orphans’ Court of Philadelphia. This was an appeal, by Anne E. Biddle, from the decree of the Orphans’ Court, confirming the report of an auditor making distribution of the balance in the hands of Henry J. Williams and George W. Biddle, Esquires, executors of Mary Biddle, deceased.
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Appeal from the Orphans’ Court of Philadelphia. This was an appeal, by Anne E. Biddle, from the decree of the Orphans’ Court, confirming the report of an auditor making distribution of the balance in the hands of Henry J. Williams and George W. Biddle, Esquires, executors of Mary Biddle, deceased. Mrs. Biddle died on the 16th September, 1854, having made her last will and testament, in writing, in January, 1854, of -which the following is a copy:— “January, 1854. “ I give to my daughter, Anne E. Biddle, everything of which I die possessed. “ In the event of my daughter’s death without…
1Opinion of the Court
The opinion of the court was delivered by
Lowrie, J.
-We find nothing in this case that seems to us suffi-
cient to support the interpretation that would reduce Mrs. Biddle’s devise and bequest to her daughter below an absolute estate. The will is very naturally drawn, without following any artificial form, and is entitled to a natural interpretation. The first clause plainly gives the daughter an absolute estate. Now what is there to reduce it? Yery naturally the testator’s next thought is to make other dispositions “ in the event of her daughter’s death without children.” But death when ?…
2Cited by10 opinions
- In re Estate of JacksonSupreme Court of Pennsylvania · 1897
- Mitchell v. Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago Ry.Supreme Court of Pennsylvania · 1895
- Morrison v. Truby, Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas, Armstrong County1891
- Jones v. WebbCourt of Chancery of Delaware · 1877
- Richards v. BentzSupreme Court of Pennsylvania · 1905
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