Case Name: UNITED STATES v. OVERTON
Court: United States Circuit Court of the District of Columbia
Jurisdiction: United States
Decision Date: 1812-06
Citations: 27 F. Cas. 392
Docket Number: 
Parties: UNITED STATES v. OVERTON.
Judges: 
Reporter: Federal Cases
Volume: 27
Pages: 392–393

Head Matter:
Case No. 15,979.
UNITED STATES v. OVERTON.
[2 Cranch, C. C. 42.]
Circuit Court, District of Columbia.
June Term, 1812.
Intoxicating Liqdohs—License.
The widow and administratrix of a deceased tavern-keeper cannot sell spirituous liquors under her husband’s license; nor can she transfer it to another.
[Cited in State v. Lydick, 11 Neb. 373, 9 N. W. 560.]
Indictment for selling liquor as an ordinary-keeper, without license.
The defendant justified under a written authority from Mrs. Smallwood, the widow and administratrix of Walter B. Smallwood, indorsed on the original license which had been granted to him in his lifetime.

Opinion:
THE COURT
ÍTHRUSTON, Circuit Judge, contra,) said that Mrs. Smallwood had no authority to sell under her husband's license after his death. It is a personal trust. The recognizance given by the husband cannot be forfeited after his death by any misconduct of his widow.
The jury found the defendant guilty, and the court rendered judgment for the fine of COO lbs. of tobacco, under the act of assembly of Maryland.