WACHOVIA BANK AND TRUST COMPANY v. Wolfe

91 S.E.2d 246, 243 N.C. 469, 1956 N.C. LEXIS 378

• Court: Supreme Court of North Carolina
• Decided: February 3, 1956
• Docket: 532
• Status: Published

Opinion

Bobbitt, J.

Did the testatrix use the words “personal property” to ■denote everything she owned except real property? Defendant Wolfe says, “Yes.” Defendant Red Cross says, “No,” contending that when used in the clause, “I leave my furniture, household effects and personal property,” the “personal property” in mind was ejusdem generis, that is, tangible articles of household and personal use.

The court, based solely on the will itself and the admissions, construed the will and entered judgment in-favor of defendant Red Cross.

The controversy concerns the assets, noted above, now in the hands of the executor. Admittedly, one of the defendants is entitled thereto. Each contends that there is no uncertainty as to the proper interpretation of the will, but the plain meaning thereof as asserted by each is exactly opposite to that asserted by the other. To resolve its dilemma, the executor invokes the advice and instructions of the court, an appropriate course when in such plight.

The situation is this: The assets of the estate and the beneficiaries thereof are identified. The testatrix was a widow, without lineal descendants, and defendant Wolfe is her sister. These facts, nothing else, are established by admissions in the pleadings or by stipulation.

For the reasons stated below, we refrain from construing the will upon the record now before us.

The authority and responsibility to interpret or construe a will rest solely on the court. Its objective is to ascertain the intent of the testator, as expressed in the will, when he made it. Trust Co. v. Green, 239 N.C. 612, 80 S.E. 2d 771; Trust Co. v. Waddell, 237 N.C. 342, 75 S.E. 2d 151.

Barnhill, J., now C. J., in Trust Co. v. Waddell, supra, says: “In ascertaining the intent of the testator, the will is to be considered in the light of the conditions and circumstances existing at the time the will loas made. Scales v. Barringer, 192 N.C. 94, 133 S.E. 410; Heyer v. Bulluck, 210 N.C. 321, 186 S.E. 356; Cannon v. Cannon, 225 N.C. 611, 36 S.E. 2d 17; In re Will of Johnson, 233 N.C. 570, 65 S.E. 2d 12.

“. the court should place itself as nearly as practicable in the position of the testator ... at the time of the execution of the will.' In re Will of Johnson, supra.”

Clark, C. J., in Patterson v. McCormick, 181 N.C. 311, 107 S.E. 12, in a sentence frequently quoted, puts it this way: “The will must be construed, ‘taking it by its four corners’ and according to the intent of the testator as we conceive it to be upon the face thereof and according to the circumstances attendant.”

Generally, “the circumstances attendant” when the will was made refers to the relationships between the testator and the beneficiaries named in the will, and the condition, nature and extent of his property. Hubbard v. Wiggins, 240 N.C. 197, 81 S.E. 2d 630; Heyer v. Bulluck, supra; Herring v. Williams, 153 N.C. 231, 69 S.E. 140; Woods v. Woods, 55 N.C. 420.

It is frequently said, as in Heyer v. Bulluck, supra, that “the attendant circumstances” are to be considered “where the language is ambiguous, or of doubtful meaning.” In such case, the court undertakes “to put itself in the testator’s armchair.” In so doing, as well expressed by Torrance, C. J., in Thompson v. Betts, 74 Conn. 579, 51 Atl. 566, 92 Am. St. Rep. 235: “In short, the court may, by evidence of extrinsic facts, other than direct evidence of the intention of the testator, put itself as near as may be ‘in the condition of the testator in respect to his property and the situation of his family,’ for the purpose of rightly understanding the meaning of the words of his will.”

The admission of evidence of “the circumstances attendant” to enlighten the court in its task of ascertaining the intent of the testator, as expressed in the will, is quite different from the admission of extrinsic evidence to supply, contradict, enlarge or vary the words of the will.

We advert to the well established rule in relation to the admissibility of extrinsic evidence to explain a latent as distinguished from a patent ambiguity in a writing, be it deed or will. As to deeds, see Self Help Corp. v. Brinkley, 215 N.C. 615, 2 S.E. 2d 889. As to wills, consideration of the opinion of Pearson, J., later C. J., in Institute v. Norwood, 45 N.C. 65, is appropriate.

As pointed out by Pearson, J., later C. J.: A patent ambiguity presents a question of construction; and “the only purpose of construction is to find out what the instrument means, and that must depend upon what the instrument says.” A latent ambiguity presents a question of identity — “a fitting of the description to the person or thing, which can only be done by evidence outside or dehors the instrument; . . .” Reference is made to the illustrations given. Suffice it to say that, in illustrating what is meant by a patent ambiguity, the instances cited relate to bequests or devises held void because the description of property or of beneficiary was so vague that nothing appeared therein that could be identified by fitting extrinsic evidence to the words used in such description. Thus, where “&c” appeared in the will, this was held a patent ambiguity. Taylor v. Maris, 90 N.C. 619, 624.

Merrimon, J., later C. J., in McDaniel v. King, 90 N.C. 597, 602, says: “If a will is sufficiently distinct and plain in its meaning as to enable the court to say that a particular person is to take, and that a particular thing passes, that is sufficient; and it must be construed upon its face without resorting to extraneous methods of explanation to give it point. Any other rule would place it practically within the power of interested persons to make a testator’s will, so as to meet the convenience and wishes of those who might claim to take under it.” For additional citations, see Reynolds v. Trust Co., 201 N.C. 267, 277-278, 159 S.E. 416.

Ordinarily, the word “estate,” unless restricted by the context, embraces a testator’s entire property, real and personal. Harrell v. Hoskins, 19 N.C. 479; Hunter v. Husted, 45 N.C. 141; Foil v. Newsome, 138 N.C. 115, 50 S.E. 597; 57 Am. Jur., Wills sec. 1337. Yet in its primary, technical sense it may refer only to the degree, quantity, nature and extent of a person’s interest in land. Bond v. Hilton, 51 N.C. 180.

Our decisions fully justify the statement of Rodman, J., in Wilson v. Charlotte, 74 N.C. 748, viz.: “The word ‘property’ is not such a technical one that if properly used it has everywhere the same precise and definite meaning. Its meaning varies according to the subject treated of and according to the context.” This is equally true in respect of the words, “personal property.” Annotations: “What passes under term ‘personal property’ in will.” 137 A.L.R. 212; 162 A.L.R. 1134. “Every expression, to be correctly understood, ought to be considered with a view to the circumstances of its use.” Stacy, C. J., in Heyer v. Bulluck, supra.

The definition of “personal property” in G.S. 12-3 (6) embraces “choses in action and evidence of debt, including all things capable of ownership, not descendable to heir at law.” This definition is expressly applicable to the construction of statutes. Even so, it is not applicable in that connection if “such construction would be inconsistent with the manifest intent of the General Assembly, or repugnant to the context of the same statute.”

In the will before us, there is no latent ambiguity. There is no question of identifying a beneficiary or a particular property by fitting the person or thing to the description. There is no suggestion that any provision of the will is void for vagueness of description either of beneficiary or of property.

The controversy turns on the sense in which the testatrix used the words “personal property.” The ambiguity appears on the face of the will. The court must ascertain and declare the intent of the testatrix. The will, in its entirety, and the facts constituting “the circumstances attendant” when made, are to be considered. We hold, therefore, that the court was in error in refusing to consider evidence tending to show “the circumstances attendant.” What bearing, if any, they will have in interpreting the sense in which the testatrix used the words, “personal property,” is not presently before us. This must be determined, in the first instance, by the trial court.

Appellee contends that the “excluded evidence,” when considered in the light most favorable to defendant Wolfe, supports the construction of the will made by the court. The court below did not consider such evidence. Nor do we consider it.

Barnhill, J., now C. J., in Woodard v. Clark, 234 N.C. 215, 66 S.E. 2d 888, in words apposite here, says:

“Why doesn’t this Court perform this judicial function.and be done with it? Simply because this Court possesses no original jurisdiction in such matters. Its duty is to review the decisions of the Superior Courts of the State. The court below must exercise its original jurisdiction. If the parties are not then satisfied with the judgment entered they may bring the cause back for review.”

Nor is it appropriate for us to attempt to mark out what portions of the “excluded evidence” would be competent for consideration by the court below, should the same evidence be offered at the next hearing. Grandy v. Walker, 234 N.C. 734, 68 S.E. 2d 807.

It appears that the court’s denial of defendant Wolfe’s motion for leave to amend her answer so as to allege additional facts was made under the misapprehension of law that facts tending to show “the circumstances attendant” were not competent for consideration. Hence, this ruling is set aside and leave is granted defendant Wolfe to renew said motion, if so advised. Morris v. Wilkins, 241 N.C. 507, 85 S.E. 2d 892. Perhaps it is well to note the distinction between facts embraced with “the circumstances attendant” and contentions as to the construction of the will.

One further matter requires consideration. The court below ruled, and rightly so, that the question posed was for the court, without a jury. In the absence of stipulation, “the circumstances attendant” are to be established by findings of fact by the court.

As stated by Clark, C. J., in Cecil v. Cecil, 173 N.C. 410, 92 S.E. 158, referring to a similar situation: “These are not issues of fact, but incidental questions of fact, properly found by the judge in construing the will, which is a matter of law for the court.” Further on in the opinion, we find these words: “The extraneous evidence was properly ‘admitted for placing the court at testator’s point of view when he made the will and thereby aiding in the right interpretation of the will.’ Wooten v. Hobbs, 170 N.C. 214.”

Incidentally, the trial judge, in his discretion, may submit questions of fact to a jury for determination. In re Housing Authority, 235 N.C. 463, 70 S.E. 2d 500; G.S. 1-172.

Appellant relies upon Trust Co. v. School for Boys, 229 N.C. 738, 51 S.E. 2d 477; Trust Co. v. Board of National Missions, 226 N.C. 546, 39 S.E. 2d 621; and Raines v. Osborne, 184 N.C. 603, 114 S.E. 846.

In Trust Co. v. School for Boys, supra, the controversy was over a provision in a will making a bequest of $10,000.00 to the “Plumtree School at Plumtree, N. C.” A private school, Plumtree School for Boys, Inc., and the Board of Education of Avery County, each of which operated a school at Plumtree, N. C., were the rival claimants. Extrinsic evidence was admitted to determine which of these two was the object of the bounty of the testatrix. Jury trial was waived. Upon the court’s findings of fact, it was held that the testatrix meant the Plumtree School for Boys, Inc. The facts here fit the rule, stated above, under which extrinsic evidence is admissible to fit the person, the beneficiary, to the description, that is, to explain a latent ambiguity.

In Trust Co. v. Board of National Missions, supra, issues were submitted to and answered by a jury. The controversy turned upon whether the “Asheville Normal and Associated Schools, of Asheville, N. C.,” had-.ceased to exist as a public educational institution, so that a bequest to it passed over to a named contingent beneficiary. The main controversy, and the evidence bearing thereon, concerned what transpired subsequent to the death of the testator. True, as appears in the record, the first five issues answered by the jury identified four named schools as comprising the Asheville Normal and Associated Schools, of Asheville, N. C., owned and operated by a named church board, at the time the testator executed his will and when he died. This falls in the category of identification, that is, fitting the beneficiary to the description in the will.

Examination of the original record and briefs discloses that Raines v. Osborne, supra, was tried by Bryson, J., at September (Fall) Term, 1922, of Polk Superior Court. The action was brought by six plaintiffs. Each contended that he (or she) was entitled to a bequest made by the testatrix “to any household servant or any other household employee.” Evidence was offered to identify each plaintiff as a beneficiary by showing the character of the services each performed. Judgment of nonsuit was entered as to five plaintiffs, the court ruling that the evidence was insufficient to bring any of them within the intent of the testatrix. Their appeal, brought forward separately, was considered in Raines v. Osborne, 184 N.C. 599, 114 S.E. 849, where the judgment of nonsuit was affirmed. The motion for judgment of nonsuit was overruled as to the plaintiff H. E. Constant. The jury, under a charge free from error, answered the issue in his favor. The defendant’s appeal from the judgment in favor of this plaintiff, brought forward separately, was considered in Raines v. Osborne, 184 N.C. 603, 114 S.E. 846, where the decision.was, “no error.” (The reference to “appeal by defendant from Lane, J.,” is erroneous.)

In Raines v. Osborne, supra, we have a case of the admission of extrinsic evidence to identify a beneficiary as a member of a class described in the will. Attention is called to what is said by Walker, J., in opinion on plaintiff’s appeal, to the effect that testimony as to declarations of a testator as to his intentions is incompetent.

Generally, these conclusions emerge from the decided cases:

1. In case of a latent defect, extrinsic evidence is admissible to identify a described property or beneficiary. This occurs when the description, while definite in some respects, has meaning only when specific property or a specific beneficiary is identified (fitted to the description) by evidence dehors the will. In such case, the court construes the will but the jury, under appropriate instructions, passes upon the issue (s) of fact.

2. A patent ambiguity occurs when the description of property or persons is so vague that nothing appears therein that can be identified (fitted to the description) by evidence dehors the will. In such case the devise or bequest is void. Too, a patent ambiguity occurs when doubt arises from conflicting provisions or provisions alleged to be repugnant. Field v. Eaton, 16 N.C. 283; Richardson v. Cheek, 212 N.C. 510, 193 S.E. 705.

In short, when the doubt arises otherwise than from a latent ambiguity, it is for the court to declare the testator’s intent as expressed in the will, in accordance with established rules of construction. In such case, extrinsic evidence, as understood in relation to a latent ambiguity, that is, to explain the testator’s intention, is incompetent.

These conclusions would seem to be in accord with the weight of authority in other jurisdictions. Annotation: “Admissibility of extrinsic evidence to aid interpretation of will.” 94 A.L.R. 26, and supplemental decisions.

However, in resolving doubt, other than in relation to a latent ambiguity, as to the testator’s intention, the court, as indicated above, does take into consideration “the circumstances attendant” when the will was made, that is, facts such as indicated above; and, in the absence of stipulation, the court makes its findings, upon the evidence offered, as to any “incidental questions of fact” relating to such circumstances.

The judgment is vacated and the cause remanded for further hearing, at which the court will construe the will according to its terms and in the light of “the circumstances attendant” when made.

Error and remanded.