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12 Ohio C.C. 645

Kline v. Marsh

Ohio Circuit Courts

Decided July 15, 1894

Ohio Circuit Courts · decided 1894-07-15

This was an action to construe the will and codicils thereto of William E. Marsh, who died in August, 1879. The will was dated May 20, 1863, and there were appended five codicils of dates from 1865 to 1877.

Decided 1894-07-15

Swing, J.

¶1We are of the opinion that the matter in controversy here falls within the rule in the case of Richey v. Johnson, 30 Ohio St., 288. By the will of Marsh,as to the Galt House property, there was no vesting of the real estate in the Marsh children; but the gift was of personalty, and to the heirs living at the time distribution of the proceeds could be made, to-wit: August, 1895.

¶2We have gone over twice the briefs of counsel in this case, and have given them such careful consideration as we are capable of. We do not think it necessary in deciding the case to review the authorities cited. All cases and all *646authorities recognize the fact that the main and controlling rule is that the intention of the testator when ascertained is to prevail; and further, that generally the construction placed on one will very seldom furnishes much aid in the construction of another. You can get general rules, but when you want to get the real meaning of a will, the words used taken in connection with the surrounding circumstances must furnish the most reliable means of getting at the true meaning.

James JE. Robinson, for Plaintiff.Bateman & Harper, contra.

¶3Our reading of the will indicates to us that the testator intended to place this particular property in the hands of his executor to lease it, to mortgage it, or sell it under the various contingencies provided for, and after sale the net proceeds to be divided equally between his children, or^to their heirs in case of their death before such sale. It is a gift of personalty, and to those living at that time; or in case of death before such sale, their heirs, if living, and those who take the bequests.

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