{ "id": 8608381, "name": "G. R. FEEGUSON v. DOLLIE FEEGUSON", "name_abbreviation": "Feeguson v. Feeguson", "decision_date": "1945-09-19", "docket_number": "", "first_page": "375", "last_page": "379", "citations": [ { "type": "official", "cite": "225 N.C. 375" } ], "court": { "name_abbreviation": "N.C.", "id": 9292, "name": "Supreme Court of North Carolina" }, "jurisdiction": { "id": 5, "name_long": "North Carolina", "name": "N.C." }, "cites_to": [ { "cite": "47 S. E., 128", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "135 N. C., 10", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8657981 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/135/0010-01" ] }, { "cite": "19 N. C., 479", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 11276292 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/19/0479-01" ] }, { "cite": "122 Atl., 371", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "A.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "95 N. J. Eq., 145", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.J. Eq.", "case_ids": [ 23019 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nj-eq/95/0145-01" ] }, { "cite": "89 N. C., 447", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8683360 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/89/0447-01" ] }, { "cite": "50 S. E., 597", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "138 N. C., 115", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 11268839 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/138/0115-01" ] }, { "cite": "69 S. E., 135", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "153 N. C., 225", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 11271997 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/153/0225-01" ] }, { "cite": "81 S. E., 132", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "165 N. C., 184", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8658262 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/165/0184-01" ] }, { "cite": "62 N. C., 8", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 2091739 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/62/0008-01" ] }, { "cite": "43 S. E., 550", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "132 N. C., 115", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8657775 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/132/0115-01" ] }, { "cite": "105 S. E., 5", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "180 N. 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C., 111", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8650087 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/100/0111-01" ] }, { "cite": "122 S. E., 22", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "187 N. C., 505", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8654244 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/187/0505-01" ] }, { "cite": "183 S. E., 353", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "209 N. C., 183", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 2221511 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/209/0183-01" ] }, { "cite": "166 S. E., 889", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "203 N. C., 709", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8619112 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/203/0709-01" ] }, { "cite": "44 N. 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C., 48", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8657665 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/124/0048-01" ] }, { "cite": "29 S. E., 97", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "122 N. C., 119", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8657402 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/122/0119-01" ] }, { "cite": "83 S. E., 250", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "167 N. C., 310", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 11272357 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/167/0310-01" ] }, { "cite": "88 N. C., 605", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8683405 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/88/0605-01" ] }, { "cite": "223 N. 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C., 164", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "opinion_index": 0 } ], "analysis": { "cardinality": 715, "char_count": 12737, "ocr_confidence": 0.489, "pagerank": { "raw": 3.30870675460512e-07, "percentile": 0.8723257610771902 }, "sha256": "864d909baabf7cc6712f2d782818a5744c03976511f07cf7daeccc8475881cf8", "simhash": "1:4741ccba5c9c2064", "word_count": 2320 }, "last_updated": "2023-07-14T21:52:44.450219+00:00", "provenance": { "date_added": "2019-08-29", "source": "Harvard", "batch": "2018" }, "casebody": { "judges": [], "parties": [ "G. R. FEEGUSON v. DOLLIE FEEGUSON." ], "opinions": [ { "text": "Stacy, C. J.\nIt is conceded that both parties claim title to the land in question under Gaither B. Ferguson; the plaintiff by descent and assignment; the defendant by deed and devise. Prior ownership of the land, therefore, by Gaither B. Ferguson may be taken as a \u201cfixed fact\u201d so far as the present action is concerned. Newlin v. Osborne, 47 N. C., 164; Stewart v. Cary, 220 N. C., 214, 17 S. E. (2d), 29, 144 A. L. R., 1287.\nThe trial court was of opinion that the deed of 3 August, 1937, from Gaither B. Ferguson to Dollie Ferguson appeared on its face to be a deed of gift, Reeves v. Miller, 209 N. C., 362, 183 S. E., 294, and held it to be void because not registered within two years after its making as required by G. S., .47-26. This ruling is not challenged by either party. It accords with the plaintiff\u2019s view, and the defendant is not appealing. See Winstead v. Woolard, 223 N. C., 814, 28 S. E. (2d), 507.\nThe question then arose and the case was made to turn on whether Gaither B. Ferguson devised the land to his wife under the following clause in his will.'\n\u201cSecond: I will, devise and bequeath to my beloved wife all my personal property, horses, cattle, sheep, hogs, and all farming tools of all kinds, engines, automobiles, wagons and all moneys, notes, mortgages, in fact, everything that I possess.\u201d\nIt is the contention of the plaintiff that only personal property passed under this provision; that the operation of the words \u201ceverything that I possess\u201d is restrained by the language with which they are associated, and that the testator died intestate as to his land. Brawley v. Collins, 88 N. C., 605; McCallum v. McCallum, 167 N. C., 310, 83 S. E., 250; Capehart v. Burrus, 122 N. C., 119, 29 S. E., 97; S. c. (on rehearing), 124 N. C., 48, 32 S. E., 378; Alexander v. Alexander, 41 N. C., 229. The trial court held otherwise, and the appeal presents for review the correctness of this ruling.\nIn searching for the intent of the testator, as expressed in the language used by him, we start with the presumption that one who makes a will is of disposing mind and memory and does not intend to die intestate as to any part of his property. Holland v. Smith, 224 N. C., 255, 29 S. E. (2d), 888; Gordon v. Ehringhaus, 190 N. C., 147, 129 S. E., 187; Case v. Biberstein, 207 N. C., 514, 177 S. E., 802; Foust v. Ireland, 46 N. C., 184. \u201cThere is always a presumption that a testator did not intend to die partially testate and partially intestate.\u201d McCullen v. Daughtry, 190 N. C., 215, 129 S. E., 611. Testacy presupposes no intestacy. Reeves v. Reeves, 16 N. C., 386. \u201cThe rule, ut res magis valeat quam pereat, comes in aid of the general presumption, that one who makes a will intends to dispose of all of his property.\u201d Boyd v. Latham, 44 N. C., 365.\nEven where a will is reasonably susceptible\u2019 of two constructions, the one favorable to complete testacy, the other consistent with partial intestacy, in application of the presumption, the former construction will be adopted and the latter rejected. Holmes v. York, 203 N. C., 709, 166 S. E., 889; Morris v. Waggoner, 209 N. C., 183, 183 S. E., 353. This does not mean, however, that one must choose between a will or no will. A testator may elect to dispose of part of his property by will, and leave the remainder for disposition as in case of intestacy. Kidder v. Bailey, 187 N. C., 505, 122 S. E., 22; McCallum v. McCallum, supra; Galloway v. Carter, 100 N. C., 111, 5 S. E., 4. The intention of the testator is the paramount consideration in the construction of his will. Heyer v. Bulluck, 210 N. C., 321, 186 S. E., 356. All rules of construction, therefore, are in aid of discovering the testator\u2019s intent, and effectuating it, unless it be contrary to some rule of law or at variance with public policy. Jolley v. Humphries, 204 N. C., 672, 167 S. E., 417; Ellington v. Trust Co., 196 N. C., 755, 147 S. E., 286.\nIn addition to this presumption against partial intestacy, there is nothing in item two of the testator\u2019s will to restrict or to limit the property passing thereunder to personal property or to property of a like nature with that designated. Case v. Biberstein, supra; Wilce v. Wilce, 7 Bing., 664; Anno. 128 A. L. R., 822. The rule of ejusdem generis is not generally applied to the residuary clause in a will or to what amounts to a residuary clause, for to do so would usually result in a partial intestacy, and as stated above, the presumption of law is against such intention. Gordon v. Ehringhaus, supra; Faison v. Middleton, 171 N. C., 170, 88 S. E., 141; Anno. Cas. 1917-E 72; In re Champion, 45 N. C., 246; Anno. 128 A. L. R., 825. \u201cThe law does not favor a condition of intestacy, and we should be slow to adopt a construction leading to such result.\u201d Crouse v. Barham, 174 N. C., 460, 93 S. E., 979. See, also, Allen v. Cameron, 181 N. C., 120; Powell v. Woodcock, 149 N. C., 235, 62 S. E., 1071; Harper v. Harper, 148 N. C., 453, 62 S. E., 553; Austin v. Austin, 160 N. C., 367, 76 S. E., 272.\nIt may be noted that the testator uses the word \u201cdevise\u201d which usually signifies a gift of real property by will, though it may be extended to embrace personal property where so intended by the testator. McCorkle v. Sherrill, 41 N. C., 173. In the instant case, the testator also uses the word \u201cbequeath,\u201d which aptly applies to a gift of personal property by will. Then, as if to make assurance doubly sure, he concludes with the words, \u201cin fact, everything that I possess.\u201d This language is broad enough to cover both realty and personalty. Hollowell v. Manly, 179 N. C., 262, 102 S. E., 386; Chamberlain v. Owings, 30 Md., 447.\nThe terms employed by a testator to dispose of his property are to be given their well-known legal or technical meaning, unless it appear from the will itself that they were used in some other permissible sense. Whit ley v. Arenson, 219 N. C., 121, 12 S. E. (2d), 906; Goode v. Hearne, 180 N. C., 475, 105 S. E., 5; May v. Lewis, 132 N. C., 115, 43 S. E., 550; Grandy v. Sawyer, 62 N. C., 8. So, here, if we ascribe to tbe words used by tbe testator tbeir usual signification, tbey seem quite sufficient to pass tbe land as well as tbe personal property. Pate v. Lumber Co., 165 N. C., 184, 81 S. E., 132; Jones v. Myatt, 153 N. C., 225, 69 S. E., 135; Foil v. Newsome, 138 N. C., 115, 50 S. E., 597; Page v. Foust, 89 N. C., 447.\nTbe Chancery Court of New Jersey in Tzeses v. Tenez Const. Co., 95 N. J. Eq., 145, 122 Atl., 371, held that tbe words \u201call I have in clothes, money, jewelry, in fact all I have\u201d were sufficient to carry tbe testator\u2019s real estate. See I Page on Wills (2d Ed.), sec. 834.\nIn Harrell v. Hoskins, 19 N. C., 479, Gaston, J., speaking for tbe Court, said: \u201cTbe words \u2018all my property,\u2019 unless tbey are explained by other words in tbe will to have a different meaning, embrace every subject of property and every interest therein which belonged to tbe testator.\u201d \u201cEverything that I possess\u201d would seem to be tbe full equivalent of \u201call my property.\u201d\nTbe plaintiff concedes that tbe dispositive and descriptive words in item two of tbe will, unless restricted by tbe context or by tbe circumstances surrounding tbe testator at the time, are sufficient to pass tbe land. Tbe testator executed a deed of gift to bis wife for tbe land on tbe same day that be made bis will. Tbe parties draw opposite conclusions from this circumstance. . Tbe plaintiff says tbe testator owned no land at tbe time of tbe execution of bis will, and hence be could not have bad tbe land in mind. Tbe defendant says tbe clear intent of her bus-band was to give her tbe property, if not by bis deed, then by bis will. Tbe all-inclusive expression \u201ceverything that I possess\u201d would embrace all of testator\u2019s property, however acquired. Tbe will speaks as of tbe date of the death of tbe testator, and any property acquired after its making, by reversion or otherwise, would be subject to its terms. G. S., 31-41; Faison v. Middleton, supra; Brown v. Hamilton, 135 N. C., 10, 47 S. E., 128; In re Champion, 45 N. C., 246.\nWe conclude that tbe trial court properly construed tbe will as sufficient to pass tbe real estate. This defeats tbe plaintiff\u2019s action.\nAffirmed.", "type": "majority", "author": "Stacy, C. J." } ], "attorneys": [ "Smathers & Meelcms for plaintiff, appellant.", "Morgan & Ward for defendant, appellee." ], "corrections": "", "head_matter": "G. R. FEEGUSON v. DOLLIE FEEGUSON.\n(Filed 19 September, 1945.)\n1. Ejectment \u00a7 9b\u2014\nWhere both parties to an action for recovery of land claim title from a common source, prior ownership of the land may be taken as a \u201cfixed fact\u201d so far as the action is concerned.\n2. Deeds \u00a7\u00a7 6, 8\u2014\nA deed of gift is absolutely void, when not registered within two years after its making. G. S., 47-26.\n3. Wills \u00a7 32\u2014\nThere is always a presumption that one who makes a will is of disposing mind and memory, does not intend to die intestate as to any part of his property, and does intend to dispose of all of his property.\n4. Same\u2014\nThe presumption against intestacy does not mean that one must choose between a will or no will. A testator may elect to dispose of part of his property by will, and leave the remainder for disposition as in case of intestacy.\n5. Wills \u00a7\u00a7 3, 31\u2014\nThe intention of the testator is the paramount consideration in the construction of his will. All rules of construction are in aid of discovering the testator\u2019s intent and effectuating it, unless it be contrary to some rule of law or at variance with public policy.\n6. Wills \u00a7\u00a7 31, 34\u2014\nWhere testator devised and bequeathed to his wife \u201call my personal property, horses, cattle, sheep, hogs, and all farming tools of all kinds, engines, automobiles, wagons and all money, notes, mortgages, in fact everything that I possess,\u201d there is nothing to restrict or to limit the property passing' thereunder to personal property or to property of like nature with that designated, and these words dispose of all of testator\u2019s property, including realty.\n7. Wills \u00a7 38\u2014\nThe rule of ejusdem, generis is not generally applied to the residuary clause in a will or to what amounts to a residuary clause.\n8. Wills \u00a7 34\u2014\nThe word \u201cdevise,\u201d which usually signifies a gift of real property by will, may extend to embrace personal property where so intended by the testator; while \u201cbequeath\u201d aptly applies to a gift of personal property by will.\n9. Same\u2014\nThe terms employed by a testator to dispose of his property are to be given their well known legal or technical meaning, unless it appears from the will itself that they were used in some other permissible sense.\n10. Same\u2014\nA will speaks as of tlie date of the death of the testator and any property acquired after its making, by reversion or otherwise, would be subject to its terms. G-. S., 31-41.\nAppeal by plaintiff from Pless, J., at January Term, 1945, of Haywood.\nCivil action to remove cloud upon title.\nPlaintiff alleges that on 15 May, 1905, bis father, by deed of gift, conveyed to plaintiff\u2019s brother., Gaither B. Ferguson, a 300-acre tract of land in Haywood County; that the latter sold 40 acres of it during his lifetime, and died intestate as to the remainder on 24 November, 1941; that the deceased left him surviving no lineal descendants, and that the plaintiff is a collateral heir of his brother and has acquired by assignment the interest of all the other collateral heirs and is entitled to the immediate possession of the land. Additionally, the plaintiff alleges that on 3 August, 1937, Gaither B. Ferguson executed and delivered to his wife, Dollie Ferguson, a deed of gift purporting to convey to her the 260 acres or the remainder of the 300-acre tract, but that the same was not registered until after the death of the donor, and that this deed, while void, constitutes a cloud on plaintiff\u2019s title; wherefore he asks that it be so declared and removed as a cloud agreeably to the provisions of G. S., 41-10.\nThe defendant admitted the relationship of the parties as alleged in the complaint, but claimed title to the land under the deed from her husband, dated 3 August, 1937, which recites a \u201cconsideration of $10.00 to him paid by Dollie Ferguson\u201d; and further that if this deed be void, as alleged by the plaintiff, which is denied, the defendant claims sole ownership of the land and the right to continue in possession thereof under the second item in the will of her deceased husband.\nThe trial court held the deed of 3 August, 1937, from Gaither B. Ferguson to Dollie Ferguson to be a deed of gift and therefore void as it was not registered within two years after its making. It was further held, however, that title to the land vested in the defendant under her husband\u2019s will, and judgment of nonsuit was thereupon entered at the close of all the evidence.\nFrom this ruling, the plaintiff appeals, assigning errors.\nSmathers & Meelcms for plaintiff, appellant.\nMorgan & Ward for defendant, appellee." }, "file_name": "0375-01", "first_page_order": 423, "last_page_order": 427 }