Estate of Jeffreys

This is an appeal by William M. Abbott from a decree of distribution, and the only question involved is as to the proper construction of the will of Albert Jeffreys, deceased.

The will is holographic and is as follows:—

The appellant contends that under the clause “To William M. Abbott I give all my books and papers” there passed to him fourteen certain bank-books, and in consequence the moneys on deposit represented by such books. The court below ordered distribution of a large number of books, consisting mostly of law-books, a promissory note, and a certificate for one hundred and forty-three shares of stock to appellant ; one thousand dollars to Rev. Connolly; and the residue of the estate, consisting of an interest in four parcels of land, one typewriter, and $1,661.97, to Eugenie M. Roberts, described in the will as Eugenie M. St. Paul, but since married to Roberts.

The money—to wit, the $2,661.97—thus distributed was what was left of the deposits represented by the bank-books. At the death of the testator the fourteen bank-books represented deposits in various banks to the credit of testator, aggregating upwards of eighty-seven hundred dollars. If the contention of…