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37 Barb. 430

Patchen v. Devin

New York Supreme Court

Decided May 5, 1862

New York Supreme Court · decided 1862-05-05

THIS was an appeal from the decision of the surrogate of the city and county of Hew York, upon an application for letters of administration upon the estate of Henry 0. Patchen, deceased, by Maria F. Devin, testamentary guardian of a brother of said Patchen. The citation was - addressed to “ Mary G. Melvin, otherwise called Sparks or Patchen, claiming to be the widow of Henry 0.

Decided 1862-05-05

¶1By the Court,

Ingraham, P. J.

¶2In this case the evidence on the part of the appellant was amply sufficient to show a marriage; and although that evidence was somewhat impeached, still we are not satisfied that there was sufficient to overcome the testimony.

¶3A reversal of the surrogate’s decree will give the parties the opportunity to submit the case to á jury, where we think such a question should be decided. Where there is a clear preponderance of testimony, such a course is not necessary ; but when we doubt as to the facts submitted for the purpose of contradicting the evidence of the claimant, and more especially when there is offspring from the marriage, recognized by the deceased as his, we think we shall best promote the ends of justice by ordering this case to be tried by a jury.

¶4Decree of surrogate reversed, and a trial ordered at the circuit.

¶5Ingraham, Leonard and Rosekrans, Justices.]

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