Case ID: ohio-law-abs_4/html/0307-02.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

No. 392
    ALGIRE v. SPARLING, Admr.
    No. 19675.
    Supreme Court
    On motion to certify.
    Dock. March 9, 1926.
    297. CONTRACTS — Where a written contract is entered into between two persons, providing that one shall live with and work for the other during the remainder of her life, and as a part of the compensation therefor receive all the personal property owned by the one who receives the services, at her death, if the contract is fully performed on her part, does the employee become the equitable owner of the property immediately upon the death of the employer?
    Attorneys — John E. Betts, Findlay and G. O. Farquharson, Cleveland, for Alta Algire; W. H. Kinder, Findlay, for Sparling.
   B. D. Sparling, as administrator of the estate of Sarah M. Algire, deceased, brought this action in replevin originally in the Hancock Common Pleas against Alta Algire.

It appears that a written contract was entered into between Alta and Sarah Algire wherein Alta agreed to care for Sarah in her old age in consideration of Sarah’s promise that Alta should have all her personal property at the time of her death. Just prior to her death Sarah delivered to Alta her personalty to care for during her illness, from which she never recovered.

It is for the possession of this property that the administrator brought this action in replevin.

The trial court directed a verdict for Spar-ling, which was sustained by the Court of Appeals on the ground that Alta Algire was holding the property for decedent.

Alta Algire in the Supreme Court claims:

1. That the court erred in holding that an equitable defense can not be shown under a general denial in an action for replevin.

2. That it was error to direct a verdict on the opening statement of counsel.

3. That the contract between the parties was not executory after the death of Sarah Algire.

4. That the legal title of the administrator was not superior to the equitable title of Alta Algire.