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19 Ga. 94

Rogers v. Fort

Supreme Court of Georgia

Decided September 15, 1855

Supreme Court of Georgia · decided 1855-09-15

In Equity, in Eloyd Superior Court. Decision on demurrer, by Judge Tripps. This was a bill filed by the heirs and legatees of Zachariah B. Hargrcves, setting forth, that in 1839, said Hargroves had sold to Job Rogers a large estate in Cass County, for the sum of 36.000 dollars. The sale was consummated, and Rogers took possession of the estate, giving Hargroves four promissory notes for the aggregate sum above stated.

Cited by 1 later decisions — most recently March 1903

1 state decisions

Good law ✅— No negative treatment on recordhow we know

Decided 1855-09-15

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¶1By the Court.

Starnes, J.

¶2delivering the opinion.

¶3We are of opinion that the allegations of this bill do not constitute a charge of legal fraud against Job Rogers, or of *96duress practiced by Mm, in operating on the affections of Ms sister-in-law, Mrs. Hargroves, or the fears of Mr. Spullocfc.

¶4Eor myself, I have experienced some difficulty in agreeing that the charges of this bill clearly enough set forth such acts as make Rogers responsible for a devastavit, by the executors. And as the case goes back, I would suggest that these charges be made more distinct, by amendment, if the facts authorize it. But my brethren are clearly of the opinion, that these allegations show, that by reason of the influences practiced by Rogers on the executor and executrix, they did what they had no right to do; what was not for the best interest of the estate; and therefore, that which they did amounted to a devastavit. It is thought that the charges of the bill show a complicity on the part of Rogers, with the acts of Spullock and Mrs. Hargroves, or a taking advantage of those acts, knowing that they were wrong.

¶5Whenever an executor commits a breach of trust, and another person takes advantage of the devastavit, knowing that the executor is not proceeding according to the terms of the will, such complicity will authorize those interested in the estate to hold the purchaser liable. (McLeod vs. Drummond, 14 Ves. 355 ; Andrews vs. Wrigley, 4 Bro. Ch. R. 125; Keane vs. Roberts, 4 Madd. 357; Ram. on Assets, Ch. 37, §4, pp. 491, 492; Adair vs. Shaw, 1 Sch. & L. 261; 1 Story’s Eq. 580, 581.)

¶6Judgment affirmed.'

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