Case ID: ri-dec_9/html/0011-02.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "CARPENTER, J.", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

Laura Golden, Appellant vs. Mrs. Daniel Smith, Appellee
    P. A. No. 2306.
    July 9, 1932.
   CARPENTER, J.

This is an appeal from a decree of the Probate Court of the City of Newport allowing and admitting to probate an instrument purporting to be the last will and testament of Margaret Johnson, of the City of Newport. The appeal was tried before a jury and the jury returned a verdict that the instrument was not the last will and testament of said Margaret Johnson. The matter is now before this Court on motion for a new trial.

It appeared from the evidence that Margaret Johnson was an old lady living in the City of Newport, that she had no relatives, and that she had lived for a long time with and worked for one Mrs. Daniel Smith. It also appeared that she had other friends, including the appellant, Laura Golden. In making the will in question, she apparently chose to leave her property to her friend, Mrs. Daniel Smith, and by will dated October 29, 1929, she executed an instrument purporting to be her will, giving all of her property to Mrs. Smith. The evidence disclosed that she went to the office of John A. Murphy, an attorney of the City of Newport, and, alone with him. told him what she wanted to do; that he drew the- will in question and witnessed the same. Mr. Murphy testified that Margaret Johnson knew what she was doing and knew all about her property, and fully realized the purport of the matter that she had in hand. The will was also witnessed by Mr. Murphy’s secretary. Miss Mary Y. Murphy. Both witnesses testified that at the time of the execution of the will Margaret Johnson was of sound and disposing mind and memory. Dr. Sullivan, a prominent physician of the City of Newport, the only doctor who attended Margaret Johnson, testified that he believed she was of sound mind at the time of the making of the will.

Attorney for appellant: Robert M. Franklin, Esq.

Attorney for appellee: John A. Murphy, Esq.

In regard to the testimony that Margaret Johnson was not of sound and disposing mind and memory, this Court was not satisfied that the witnesses were to be relied upon in the matter. Therefore, the Court is of the opinion that justice has not been done in this case and the motion for a new trial is granted.