Case Name: ETHEL BUFFALOE and R. CARLTON STUART, Executors of the Estate of DAVID THOMAS BARNES, Deceased, v. ZELDA BARNES, ROSSIE MAE BARNES, MRS. NANCY BARNES STUART, ETHEL BUFFALOE, MRS. RUTH BUFFALOE WILSON, KATIE BUFFALOE and NORMAN B. BUFFALOE
Court: Supreme Court of North Carolina
Jurisdiction: North Carolina
Decision Date: 1946-05-08
Citations: 226 N.C. 313
Docket Number: 
Parties: ETHEL BUFFALOE and R. CARLTON STUART, Executors of the Estate of DAVID THOMAS BARNES, Deceased, v. ZELDA BARNES, ROSSIE MAE BARNES, MRS. NANCY BARNES STUART, ETHEL BUFFALOE, MRS. RUTH BUFFALOE WILSON, KATIE BUFFALOE and NORMAN B. BUFFALOE.
Judges: Seawell, J., concurs in dissent.
Reporter: North Carolina Reports
Volume: 226
Pages: 313–325

Head Matter:
ETHEL BUFFALOE and R. CARLTON STUART, Executors of the Estate of DAVID THOMAS BARNES, Deceased, v. ZELDA BARNES, ROSSIE MAE BARNES, MRS. NANCY BARNES STUART, ETHEL BUFFALOE, MRS. RUTH BUFFALOE WILSON, KATIE BUFFALOE and NORMAN B. BUFFALOE.
(Filed 8 May, 1946.)
1. Gifts § 1—
In order to constitute a gift inter vivos there must be an intent to presently pass title, and this intention must be consummated by delivery, actual or constructive, with consequent loss by the donor of dominion over the property given.
2. Same—
Ordinarily, when the purchaser of shares of stock has the certificate issued in the name of another, and so registered on the books of the corporation, though retaining possession of the certificate, the transaction constitutes a gift inter vivos consummated by constructive delivery, but such transaction does not operate as a gift inter vivos when the name of such other is inserted for the convenience of the purchaser, donative intent is not established, or where the donor has not divested himself of right and title to the stock and of- all dominion and control over it.
3. Partition § la—
The right to partition, G-. S., 46-42, applies to joint tenants as well as to tenants in common, and the owner of stock as joint tenant has the right at any time to have his interest therein segregated by partition.
4. Gifts § 1—
The fact that the purchaser of stock has the certificate issued in the name of himself and another with words purporting to create a joint tenancy with right of survivorship, does not conclusively establish dona-tive intent which is essential to a valid gift inter vivos, but such intent must be determined by consideration of all the attendant facts and circumstances.
5. Same: Executors anci Administrators § 9 — Act of uncle in having stock certificate issued in name of himself and niece held not to show as matter of law, upon facts agreed, donative intent and delivery.
facts agreed disclosed the following: Testator paid for certain stock with his own funds and had the certificates issued to- himself and niece “as joint tenants with right of survivorship, and not as tenants in common.” Testator received a dividend on the stock and had the certificates in his exclusive possession at the time of his death. Held: The testator had the right at any time to segregate his interest therein by partition, and he thus retained control over the shares of stock, at least as to one-half, interest therein, and the facts agreed are insufficient to support, as a conclusion of law, that a present gift was intended at the time of the issuance of the certificates, and therefore the facts agreed are insufficient to uphold, upon the ground of a gift inter vivos, the trial court’s conclusion that the niece was the sole owner of the stock.
6. WfflTl 3: Gifts § 4: Trusts § 3a—
The facts agreed disclosed that testator paid for certain stock with his own funds and had the certificates issued to himself and niece as joint tenants with right of survivorship, but had the stock in his exclusive possession at the time of his death. Held: The transaction does not constitute a testamentary disposition of the stock, nor a gift causa mortis, nor create a 'trust.
7. Same: Brokers § 3—
'Testator purchased certain stock through a broker and directed the broker to have the certificate issued in the name of himself and niece with right of survivorship, but died before the stock was issued by the transfer agent. Held: The agency of the broker was revoked by the death of his principal, and the transaction not having been consummated, the executor is entitled to the stock as against the niece.
8. Executors and Administrators § 15k—
In the absence of a contrary testamentary provision, Federal Estate taxes should be paid out of the general funds of the estate and not charged against the individual beneficiaries.
9. Executors and Administrators § 15m: Wills § 46—
Tbe cost of repairs to real property which are ordered by testator or by his authorized agent, and which are completed prior to his death, are chargeable against the executors; but other repairs made after testator’s death when title had vested in the devisees, in the absence of a finding or evidence that they had been contracted for by testator or someone authorized by him, are chargeable against the devisees.
Barkthill, J., dissenting in part.
Sea well, J., concurs in dissent.
Appeal by defendants Euth Buffaloe Wilson, Katie Buffaloe and Norman B. Buffaloe from Grady, Emergency Judge, at September Term, 1945, of Wake. Modified and affirmed.
This was an action by tbe executors of tbe will of David T. Barnes, deceased, under tbe Declaratory Judgment Act, for advice and direction in tbe administration of tbe estate. Tbe devisees and legatees are made parties defendant. All are of full age.
Tbe cause was submitted to tbe court for decision of certain questions of law based upon an agreed statement of facts. Tbe admitted facts pertinent to tbe inquiry were substantially these :
David T. Barnes died 23 August, 1944, leaving a last will and testament wherein be named tbe plaintiffs executors, and made numerous devises and bequests to bis nieces and a nephew of bis real and personal property. Tbe residuary legatees were tbe appellants, Eutb Buffaloe Wilson, Katie Buffaloe, Norman B. Buffaloe, and tbe plaintiff Ethel Buffaloe. Advice of tbe court was sought as to five specific matters, as follows: *
1. On 14 June, 1944, tbe testator with bis own funds purchased 10 shares of tbe preferred stock of tbe Carolina Power & Light Go. for $8,261 and bad tbe stock certificates issued to “David T. Barnes and Eossie Mae Barnes as joint tenants with right of survivorship, and not as tenants in common.” Tbe certificates were delivered to tbe testator and by him placed in bis safety deposit box. A dividend paid on tbe stock was received by tbe testator. Eossie Mae Barnes now claims these shares of stock free of any claim of tbe executors.
2. On 16 August, 1944, tbe testator authorized a broker to purchase for him 15 additional shares of tbe preferred stock of Carolina Power & Light Co. and issued bis check in payment therefor $1,'7'7'7.50 with instructions that tbe certificate be issued in name of “David T. Barnes and Eossie Mae Barnes as joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in common.” Tbe broker purchased tbe shares 18 August, and later mailed tbe old certificate to tbe Wachovia Bank & Trust Co., the transfer agent, for" issuance of new certificate as instructed. Tbe old certificate reached the transfer agent 23 August, at which time it was ascertained that David T. Barnes was dead, and the transfer agent notified the broker the certificate could not be issued as directed. Subsequently the broker, who had delivered the old certificate to the transfer agent, instructed the transfer agent to issue the new certificate to Bossie Mae Barnes, which was done. Bossie Mae Barnes refuses to surrender the 15 shares of stock, claiming them as her own.
3. The third question presented was whether the devise of a certain store house and lot carried with it the adjoining lot which was originally included in the deed to the testator. It was held that the lot was included in the devise, and no exception having been noted, this item may be eliminated from further consideration.
4. The fourth question was whether the amount of the Federal Estate tax of $604 should be paid by the executors out of general funds of the estate, or charged against the individual beneficiaries. The North Carolina inheritance tax was admittedly chargeable against the individual beneficiaries.
5. Bepairs upon real property of testator which passed under his will to named devisees were undertaken as follows:
(a) To house on Bloodworth Street ordered 16 August, 1944, materials furnished 21 August, $136.20, other materials furnished 31 August and 1 September, $29.68. "Work started 28 August, completed 1 September; cost of labor $142.60.
(b) Painting house on Bloodworth Street, ordered 19 August, 1944, work started 28 August, completed 1 September — cost $195.00.
(c) Concrete sidewalk and driveway to house on Bloo,dworth Street, ordered 21 August, 1944, started 28 August, 1944, completed 31 August, cost $138.50.
(d) Concrete sidewalk and driveway to lot on Harrington and Jones Streets, ordered 18 August, started 21 August, completed 22 August, cost $164.00.
(e) Bepairs to house on Lane Street, ordered 21 August, completed 23 August, cost $6.50.
Total cost of repairs $812.48.
Upon the facts so agreed, the court was of opinion, and so adjudged :
1. That the 70 shares of preferred stock referred to were the sole property of Bossie Mae Barnes.
2. That the 15 shares of preferred stock were the sole property of Bossie Mae Barnes.
3. That the devise of the house and lot referred to in the third question included the entire lot originally conveyed to the testator. No exception was noted to this ruling.
4. Tbat the Federal Estate tax be paid by the executors out of the funds of the estate.
5. That all the repairs upon property of testator be paid by executors out of the general funds.
It was admitted that if the court’s rulings prevailed there would be no residuum but a deficit in the estate. The appellants, the residuary legatees, excepted to the rulings of the court as to (1) the 70 shares of stock, (2) the 15 shares of stock, (3) the Federal Estate tax, and (4) the charges for repairs.
From the judgment rendered defendants, Ruth Buffaloe Wilson, Katie Buffaloe and Norman B. Buffaloe, appealed.
J. L. Emanuel and W. Garey ParJeer for Executors of Estate of David T. Barnes.
Brassfield ■& Maupin for Rossie Mae Barnes, appellee.
T. Lacy Williams for Ruth Buffaloe Wilson, Katie Buffaloe and Norman B. Buffaloe, appellants.

Opinion:
DeviN, J.
The judgment appealed from was rendered upon an agreed statement of facts in an action for advice and direction in the administration of the estate of David T. Barnes under his will. The appellants, who are the residuary legatees named in the will, assign error in the judgment in four particulars, which will be considered in order.
1. The trial judge was of opinion and so adjudged upon the facts agreed that upon the death of David T. Barnes the defendant Rossie Mae Barnes became the sole owner of 70 shares of preferred stock in the Carolina Power & Light Co., the certificates representing these shares having been issued in the names of "David T. Barnes and Rossie Mae Barnes as joint tenants with right of survivorship, and not as tenants in common."
It was admitted the testator paid for the shares from his own funds and had the certificates in his exclusive possession at the time of his death. No other fact appears in addition to the admission that the certificates were issued in accordance with the expressed instructions of the testator. There was no consideration from Rossie Mae Barnes; nor agreement between the parties in relation to the stock. A dividend on the shares of stock was received by the testator.
Rossie Mae Barnes bases her claim to the 70 shares of stock on the ground that the transfer of these shares trnder the circumstances constituted a gift inter vivos, and that upon the death of David T. Barnes in accord with the stipulation appearing on the face of the certificate she became sole owner by survivorship. The appeal presents the question whether the facts agreed are sufficient to establish her ownership of these shares .consequent upon a valid gift inter vivos.
To constitute a gift there must be an intention to give, and the intention must be consummated by a delivery of, and loss of dominion over, the property given, on the part of the donor. Jones v. Fullbright, 197 N. C., 274, 148 S. E., 229; Nannie v. Pollard, 205 N. C., 362, 171 S. E., 341. To complete a gift inter vivos there must be first the intention to-give and then the delivery "as it is the inflexible rule that there can be no gift either inter vivos or causa mortis without the intention to give and the delivery." Newman v. Bost, 122 N. C., 524, 29 S. E., 848; Bynum v. Bank, 221 N. C., 101, 19 S. E. (2d), 121. "In order to a valid gift of personal property inter vivos there must be an actual or constructive delivery with present-intent to pass the title." Parker v. Mott, 181 N. C., 435, 107 S. E., 500. Donative intent is an essential element. 24 A. J., 738, 770. To constitute delivery of shares of stock as the consummation of a valid gift inter vivos the donor must divest himself of all right and title to the stock and of all dominion over it. Phillips v. Plastridge, 107 Vt., 267; 99 A. L. R., 1074; Payne v. Tobacco Trading Corp., 179 Va., 156, 18 S. E. (2d), 281; Pomerantz v. Pomerantz, 19 A. (2d), 713 (Md.). There must be an intention to make a present gift accompanied by a delivery of the thing given or the means of obtaining it. Payne v. Tobacco Trading Corp., supra; Pomerantz v. Pomerantz, supra. It cannot be made to take effect in the future. Askew v. Matthews, 175 N. C., 187, 95 S. E., 163. The transaction must show a completely executed transfer to the donee of the present right of property and the possession. Thomas v. Houston, 181 N. C., 91, 106 S. E., 466. Doubts must be resolved against the gift. Figuers v. Sherrell, 178 S. W. (2d), 629. In Grissom v. Sternberger, 10 F. (2d), 764, the certificates, with proper assignment, were delivered to the donee.
The general rule is that where the owner or purchaser of shares of stock has the certificate therefor issued in the name of another, and so registered on the books of the corporation, though retaining possession of the certificate, nothing else appearing, the transaction is regarded as a gift completed by constructive delivery. Simonton v. Dwyer, 167 Or., 50; 99 A. L. R., 1080, and cases cited. Rut the rule is otherwise where the name of another is inserted in the certificate for the owner's convenience, Getchel v. Bank, 94 Me., 452; 24 A. J., 771; or where the donor has not divested himself of right and title to the stock and of all dominion and control over it, Phillips v. Plastridge, supra; Payne v. Tobacco Trading Corp., supra; Schoenheit v. Lucas, 44 F. (2d), 476 (484); Decker v. Fowler, 199 Wash., 549; or where donative intent is not established. Southern Industrial Institute v. Marsh, 15 F. (2d), 347; Trenton Savings Fund Society v. Byrnes, 110 N. J. Eq., 617; Hudgens v. Tilman, 227 Ala., 672; Jones v. Jones, 201 S. W., 557; Frazier v. Okl. Gas & E. Co., 178 Okl., 512; Hart v. Hart, 272 Ky., 488; Figuers v. Sherrell, supra, 152 A. L. R., 429.
From an examination of the facts agreed in the case at bar, upon which alone the judgment was based, it would not seem to follow as a necessary conclusion of law that a present gift was intended. The interest in the stock which might accrue to Eossie Mae Barnes depended upon a contingency. The donor retained possession of the certificates, the evidence of title, and received the dividends. Though the certificates were in the names of both as joint tenants, the testator had the right at any time to segregate his interest therein by partition. G. S., 46-42. This statute applies to joint tenants as well as tenants in common. The right of control over the shares of stock at least as to one-half interest therein was retained by the testator.
Somewhat similar questions relating to gifts inter vivos of shares of stock were considered by this Court in Jones v. Waldroup, 217 N. C., 178, 7 S. E. (2d), 366. In that case Waldroup had the certificate for shares of stock in Blue Eidge Building and Loan Association issued in name of "E. M. and H. L. Waldroup (his wife), either or survivor," and delivered the certificate to his wife. After Waldroup's death his administrator brought suit for these and other shares of stock. The trial court's peremptory instructions to the jury in favor of the husband's administrator were held for error and a new trial was awarded. It was said by Justice Seawell, writing the opinion for the Court, that while survivor-ship as a legal incident to a joint tenancy was abolished by statute (G. S., 41-2), that did not prevent persons from making agreements as to personalty such as to make the future rights of the parties depend upon the fact of survivorship, citing Taylor v. Smith, 116 N. C., 531, 21 S. E., 202. It was said that the position of the wife was stronger because Waldroup had required the issue of new certificates of stock to himself and wife and had them so registered on the books of the corporation "under circumstances which might be evidence of a gift inter vivos, creating an estate for the common enjoyment of himself and wife, with right of survivorship upon the death of one of them." In the case at bar, however, we have neither the verdict of a jury nor other definite determination of permissible inferences of fact which would compel a conclusion in accord with the appellee's contention. Rewis v. Ins. Co., post, 325.
In Gwinn v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue, 287 U. S., 222, referring to a joint tenancy in property in a tax case, the Court said: "Although the property here involved was held under a joint tenancy with the right of survivorship created by the 1915 transfer, the rights of the possible survivor were not then irrevocably fixed since under the state law the joint estate might have been terminated through voluntary conveyance by either party, through proceedings for partition, or by an involuntary alienation under an execution." The decisions in Ervin v. Conn and Bank v. Frederickson, 225 N. C., 267, relating to provisions for payment of U. S. Bonds, were controlled by the pertinent Acts of Congress under the Federal Constitution.
This subject was discussed in a recent case decided by the Supreme Court of Oregon, Manning v. U. S. National Bank of Portland, 148 P. (2d), 255. In that case it appeared that Edward D. Hendricks endorsed on old certificates an assignment of 100 shares of stock "to Edward D.. Hendricks and Margaret M. Hendricks," and instructed the issue of a new certificate in the names of "Edward D. Hendricks and Margaret M. Hendricks, and upon the death of either, the survivor of either." The-new certificate, issued as instructed, was read over and delivered to Mr. and Mrs. Hendricks, and both signed the receipt therefor. The certificate was handed to Mr. Hendricks and he and his wife left the bank, he saying, "I will put this away." After the death of Mr. Hendricks the title of Mrs. Hendricks to the shares of stock was upheld as a gift inter vivos. The Court said: "There is uncontradicted oral evidence tending to indicate that the stock was transferred with donative intent, but we consider the written instruments decisive on that issue. . . . The execution of the joint receipt constitutes evidence of delivery to and acceptance by both." The distinction between the facts in that case and in our ease is apparent.
In Matthew v. Moncrief, 135 F. (2d), 645, involving a joint savings account, the gift was upheld upon the ground that there was an agreement contractual in form signed by donor and donee at the inception of the deposit.
The donative intent, which is uniformly held to be one of the necessary elements to constitute a valid gift inter vivos, is not conclusively established by the use of words in the face of a certificate of stock purporting to create a joint tenancy with right of survivorship. To determine the requisite intent to make a present gift of a joint interest requires consideration of all the facts attendant upon the creation of the purported interest. Ball v. Forbes, 314 Mass., 200. This view is in accord with decisions from other jurisdictions.
In Southern Industrial Institute v. Marsh, 15 F. (2d), 347, it appeared that Marsh, the owner of certain shares of stock, directed that the certificate therefor be issued to the plaintiff Institute but returned to him, expressing the wish to make the delivery in person and to retain right to dividends. It was held that the transfer on the books of the corporation was only prima facie evidence of delivery and that it was still within his power to have the stock transferred back to himself without consent of the Institute, and that under the evidence there was no intention unconditionally to surrender the stock.
In Trenton Savings Fund Society v. Byrnes, 110 N. J. Eq., 617, it was said: "The elements necessary to constitute a completed gift inter vivos are three; intent, delivery and acceptance." There the facts disclosed that a deposit was made in the bank in the name of depositor or her niece, with signature card reciting the money belonged "to us as joint tenants," with survivorship. It was held, upon the death of the original depositor, that the account did not pass to the niece as a gift, since the evidence did not show a donative intent in praesenti at time of the deposit. To the same effect is the decision in Ball v. Forbes, 314 Mass., 200.
In Besson v. Stevens, 94 N. J. Eq., 549 (568), it was held that an alleged gift inter vivos failed on account of absence of sufficient evidence of donative intent.
In Hudgens v. Tillman, 227 Ala., 672, where Hudgens had 60 shares of stock reissued in the name of his daughter and retained possession of the certificate, it was held the mere transfer of the stock on the books of the corporation was ineffectual to perfect the gift inter partes in the absence of proof of donative intent and constructive delivery.
In Jones v. Jones, 201 S. W. (Mo.), 557, where a father had certificate of shares of stock issued in the name of his son but retained the certificate, questions of donative intent and delivery were raised and these were decided by the jury in favor of the donee. 'While affirming the result the Court said it was not a sufficient delivery of stock for a party merely to have the stock transferred to the name of transferee, but in addition to this an actual or constructive delivery of the stock to the transferee was necessary to be shown.
In Getchell v. Bank, 94 Me., 452, where the husband had certificate for shares of stock issued in name of his wife, but kept the certificate, drawing the dividends, it was held this was not a gift made effectual by delivery. To the same effect is the holding in Bowles v. Rutroff, 216 Ky., 557.
From an examination of the record in the case at bar we are,of opinion, and so decide, that the facts agreed, upon which the ruling appealed from was predicated, were insufficient to support the conclusion reached by the learned trial judge that Rossie Mae Barnes was the sole, owner ,of the 70 shares of stock and that the executors had no interest therein. Nor can her claim be upheld as an attempted testamentary disposition of this property. Stevenson v. Earl, 65 N. J. Eq., 721. The transaction did not constitute a gift causa mortis, nor create a trust. Manning v. U. S. Bank, 148 P. (2d), 255.
We note that the appellants concede that Rossie Mae Barnes was entitled to one-balf interest in tbe 70 shares of stock, upon tbe view tbat tbe statute (G. S., 41-2) converted tbe joint tenancy into tenancy in common, and tbat by virtue of bis right to partition under G. S., 46-42, tbe testator retained control over tbe property to the extent of bis interest therein.
Tbe action of tbe executors in exchanging these shares of stock for another issue of- preferred stock of tbe Carolina Power & Light Co., as tending to tbe advantage of those who should be adjudged tbe owners of tbe stock, was approved by tbe trial judge. No exception was taken to this ruling.
2. The testator purchased 15 additional shares of stock in tbe Carolina Power & Light Co. through a broker and directed tbe broker to have new certificate issued in tbe same manner and form as the 70 shares herein-before referred to, but died before tbe transaction was completed. Tbe agency of tbe broker was revoked by tbe death of bis principal, and the broker thereafter was without authority to direct the transfer agent to issue the certificate to Rossie Mae Barnes so as to divest the beneficial title of the executors to those shares which had been purchased by the testator. The transaction never reached the stage where the testator was in position to make a gift and the consummation of his expressed desire and the fulfillment of his instructions were prevented by his death. The executors were entitled to have the certificate for the 15 shares delivered to them by Rossie Mae Barnes. 38 C. J. S., 804.
3. The ruling of the trial judge that the Federal Estate tax should be paid out of the general funds of the estate is affirmed. Riggs v. Del Drago, 317 U. S., 95. The general rule, in the absence of contrary testamentary provision, is that the ultimate burden of an estate tax falls on the residuary estate. 142 A. L. R., 1137, and cases cited.
4. Appellants' fourth exception is taken to the ruling of the court below that the cost of installations and repairs to real property devised under the will should be paid by the executors out of the general funds of the estate. This ruling was based on the ground that these repairs had been ordered prior to the death of the testator. In the facts agreed it is stated merely that these repairs were "ordered." But an inspection of the pleadings shows the orders for repairs were alleged to have come from R. Carlton Stuart, now one of the executors, who contended he had been authorized by the decedent. It appears that the construction of sidewalk and driveway to the property at corner of Harrington and Jones Streets, the repairs to roof of house on Lane Street, the furnishing of some materials for repairs to roof of home on Bloodworth Street, at an aggregate cost of $306.70, were all ordered and completed before the death of testator, and may be presumed to have been done with his con sent and for bis benefit. But tbe cost of repairs to real property wbicb bad tben vested in tbe devisees, made after bis death, in tbe absence of a finding or evidence tbat tbe work bad been contracted for by tbe testator or by one authorized by him to do so, would not be chargeable to tbe executors, but to those to whom tbe title to tbe property bad descended. Tbe court's ruling on this point is to this extent modified.
We conclude tbat tbe judgment below as modified in tbe respects and as to tbe particulars herein pointed out should be affirmed, and it is so ordered.
Modified and affirmed.