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2 Edw. Ch. 571

Gaines v. Winthrop

New York Court of Chancery

Decided December 9, 1835

New York Court of Chancery · decided 1835-12-09

Bill for a specific performance of the sale of lots of ground. Egerton Leigh Winthrop was seized of the property; and while he was ill, his brother, as his agent, signed an agreement for the sale of the lots to the complainant, Marquis D. L. Gaines. Prior to this time, Egerton Leigh Winthrop had made his will. He afterwards died. The question was, as to where the complainant was to look for title ?

Cited by 2 later decisions — most recently July 1970

2 state decisions

Good law ✅— No negative treatment on recordhow we know

Decided 1835-12-09

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The Vice-Chancellor:

¶1The contract for sale is sufficiently proved ; and enough was done to render it binding upon the testator, and the complainant is entitled to a specific performance of the same.

¶2But the question is : where shall he look for title—who is to execute the proper conveyance ? The rule is that a contract to sell is a revocation in equity pro tanto of a prior will. Still, as to the legal estate, the will remains in force ; *572the title passes to the devisee and he will be considered a trustee for the purchaser and compelled to convey in fulfilment of the contract: 1 Preston on Abs. 67 ; 3 ib. 260 ; 1 Sugden on Vendors, 183. (9 ed.) The devisees in this case are the persons to execute a deed to the complainant.

¶3Decree accordingly.

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