Case ID: scl_6/html/0112-01.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "Brevard, J.", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

Columbia, November' Term, 1812'.
    Mary Ann Ramsay vs. Abraham Dozier.
    Goodwin, for the Motion,
    
    Creswell, Contra.
    
    The stat-«ite.°flim-itations funs a-Sower.
    Nott, J. The question is, whether the statute of limitations will bar dower. The words of our act are “ If any person to whom any right or title to lands. tenements or hereditaments shall descend or come, do not prosecute the same within five years-after such right or title averred, then he, she or they, shall be forever barred to recover the same.” These words embrace a right to dower as well as any other right to lands or hereditaments. Mrs. Ramsay’s right accrued at her husband’s death, and the statute then began to run.
    It is argued that she is a joint tenant with the defendant ; but this is not correct: to constitute a joint tenancy there must be an unity of interest, title, time and possession; all of which are wanting here. In the case of Davidson vs. Roach, decided in this court, it was determined that a widow could not enter on the land, until her dower was assigned: but this could not be, if she is to be considered a joint tenants
   Brevard, J.

- It is true, dower is favored in law, and the act of limitations being in restraint of the common law, is to be construed strictly: but it is equally true that the act of limitations, in this state, plainly and certainly limits the right of action to recover the possession of lands,' to five years after the time when the right of the party accrued, descended or came; and declares that all claim to lands' shall be by action or suit at law, in the court of common pleas.

In the case of Elizabeth Lide vs. Edward Reynolds, decided in Columbia in 1802, it was determined, that the statute of limitations máy be a bar to dower. The late judge Wilds, then at the bar, was retained for one of the parties, and took considerable pains to investigate the subject; the result of his researches, was a settled opinion, that the plea was certainly good. Except Elowden 373, the English authorities are all in support of the position. 2 Co. 93. 10 Co. 49. 99. 3 Inst, 216. Sol 265, See particularly Dyer, 224 a. Dampert and uxor vs. Wright. Dyer refers to Mil. 4. Men 8. and says, such bar was pleaded, and held for a good piea* In Connecticut, however, it seems it has been otherwise adjudged. X Swift’s Sys. 256.

Colcock and Bay, Js. concurred.

Smith, J. dissented.