Case Name: Tillie Lesser, as Executrix and Trustee, Plaintiff, v. Caroline Lesser et al., Defendants
Court: New York Superior Court
Jurisdiction: New York
Decision Date: 1895-01
Citations: 11 Misc. 223
Docket Number: 
Parties: Tillie Lesser, as Executrix and Trustee, Plaintiff, v. Caroline Lesser et al., Defendants.
Judges: 
Reporter: New York Miscellaneous Reports
Volume: 11
Pages: 223–224

Head Matter:
Tillie Lesser, as Executrix and Trustee, Plaintiff, v. Caroline Lesser et al., Defendants.
(New York Superior Court —Equity Term,
January, 1895.)
Where the intention of the testator to give a power of sale clearly appears, inapt and- inartistic language used by him in his attempt to do so should be construed liberally in furtherance of such intention.
Where the will is silent as to the person who is to execute the power of sale, the power is implied in the executor.
Actioh for the construction of a will.
John L. Brower, for plaintiff.
E. Jacobs, for infant defendants.

Opinion:
McAdam, J.
There is sufficient in the will to authorize the -court to give it a judicial' construction. The axiomatic rule is that effect must be given to each and every part of a will .and to the testator's intention, which, when' ascertained, must control. That the testator intended his executrix might-sell the realty is evidenced by these words: " I hereby consent to the partition, upon the consent of my executrix, Tillie Siegel, .and sale of any and all realty in which I may have any hereditary "interest; said interest being acquired from Leopold •Siegel."
Whatever realty the testator died possessed of was hereditary, and acquired from Leopold Siegel, as in said will named. So that the will was intended to operate upon the property referred to in the complaint. The testator had endeavored to .sell the property just prior, to his death. It was for sale, at that time. Before and at the time of drawing his will he .expressed it as his intention to have incorporated therein a power authorizing a sale of the property. The language used in the will may be inartistic and inapt, but it is to be construed equitably and liberally in furtherance of the intention. Dorland v. Dorland, 2 Barb. 80 ; Salomon v. Lawrence, 52 N. Y. Super. Ct. 154; Stimson v. Vroman, 99 N. Y. 74; Weeks v. Weeks, 16 Abb. N. C. 143; Sugd. Powers (3d Am. ed.), marg. p. 476, and notes. Precatory words impose a binding duty where the testator has pointed out with sufficient clear-1 ness and certainty both the subject-matter and object of the trust. 2 Redf. Wills (2d ed.), 411. The desire of the testator has1 the force of a command when expressing his object. Riker v. Leo, 115 N. Y. 93. Liberally construed with reference to furthering the'testator's intention, the law of energy of construction holds that the will contains a discretionary power of sale which may be executed by the executrix at such time and in such manner as she may determine. True, the will is silent as to the person who is to sell the lands; but in such case the power is implied in the executrix. Ger. Beal Estate (3d ed.), 443. Under the sixth clause of the wilL Caroline Lpsser and Selma Lesser, the infant defendants, take an estate in fee in the premises, subject to the execution of said power of sale, and subject to a trust to continue during their .minority, the trust, in the event of the execution of the power, being applicable to the proceeds of sale: only, and ceasing as to each of said infants on her marrying of becoming of full age. Decree in accordance with these views.
Decree accordingly.