Case Name: Peter D. Wynne v. W. W. Wynne et als.
Court: Tennessee Supreme Court
Jurisdiction: Tennessee
Decision Date: 1872-04
Citations: 9 Heisk. 308
Docket Number: 
Parties: Peter D. Wynne v. W. W. Wynne et als.
Judges: 
Reporter: Tennessee Reports
Volume: 56
Pages: 308–309

Head Matter:
Peter D. Wynne v. W. W. Wynne et als.
Statement. It appears of record that Peter D. Wynne was a citizen of Louisiana and desired to sell the land, described in the instrument, which is in Shelby county, Tennessee. Because a general impression obtained that he had only a life interest in the land, he was unable to realize its full value. Thereupon he filed a bill, making his children parties defendant, and asking that the deed be construed and the cloud removed from his title.
Testament. Construction.. The phrase, “ lawful issues of his body,” implies bodily heirs, and, under Sec. 2007 of the Code, creates a fee.
Cases cited: 1 Head, 563; 1 Col., 144.
EROM SHELBY.
. Appeal from the decree of the 1st Chancery Court October Term, 1871. R. J. Morgan, Ch.
T. P. Chambers, G. W. Wincehster, For Appellant.
Smith & Jefferson,..For Appellee.

Opinion:
McFarland, J.,
delivered the opinion of the Court.
The question in this case is as to the proper construction of the following words in a paper executed as a deed, but which is evidently of a testamentary 'character, to-wit.: "For the natural love and affection I entertain for my son, Peter D. Wynne, I do, at my death, lend to him, and' the lawful issues of his body, a tract of land, etc." The Chancellor held that Peter D. Wynne and his children are tenants in common of the land. We think this is erroneous. The words "lawful issues of his body," and "bodily heirs," mean the same thing, and the words at common law, would have created an estate tail or conditional fee, which, by the act of 1784, Code, 2007, is converted into an absolute fee. See Middleton v. Smith and wife, 1 Col., 144, by the Code, See. 2006, the word heirs, or other words of inheritance, is not necessary to convey an estate in fee. See also Owens v. Hancock, 1 Head, 563. We are of opinion that Peter D. Wynne takes the absolute title.
Decree reversed;