Case Name: United States v. Overton
Court: United States Circuit Court of the District of Columbia
Jurisdiction: United States
Decision Date: 1812-06
Citations: 2 Cranch 42
Docket Number: 
Parties: United States v. Overton.
Judges: (Thruston, J., contra,)
Reporter: Reports of cases argued and determined in the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia (District of Columbia - reported by Mackey)
Volume: 2
Pages: 42–42

Head Matter:
United States v. Overton.
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.
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. Small-wood indorsed on the original 'license which had been granted to him in his lifetime.

Opinion:
The Court
(Thruston, J., 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 600 lbs. of tobacco, under the Act of Assembly of Maryland.