Opinion ID: 1744526
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Bovard v. Bovard

Text: Turning to the proof that convinces us the Bovard claim is without merit, perhaps the most dramatic segment of the record involves a trial between Spencer Bovard and his uncle, James Bovard, decided by the Supreme Court of Missouri in 1944. [2] The facts of that case provide a revealing profile of Spencer Bovard, which seriously undermines his credibility and renders his entire claim suspect. From that record it is shown that Spencer Bovard set out on a carefully conceived plan, pursued over a considerable period of time, to defraud an infirm and nearly destitute uncle of his share of the John H. Bovard estate, valued in excess of $10,000. James Bovard, who was elderly, virtually deaf and trusting of Spencer Bovard, signed several sheets of blank paper at Spencer Bovard's request, on the latter's representation that he was trying out some new paper in connection with a printing business. The papers were later filled in as a deed of trust, an assignment, a receipt for $4,000 and two promissory notes, each for $2,000. When James Bovard sued to set aside the fraudulent instruments Spencer Bovard's explanation was that he had lent his uncle $4,000 as a down payment on a hotel James Bovard was purchasing. He claimed he later cancelled the debt when James Bovard transferred his interest in the John Bovard estate to him. James Bovard testified that he had never considered purchasing a hotel and never intended to sign any documents to Spencer Bovard. The trial court and the Missouri Supreme Court, noting that James Bovard had never earned more than $100 per month working at odd jobs, for W.P.A. and the like, termed Spencer Bovard's testimony preposterous, unbelievable, and fantastic. With no dissenting view the Missouri Supreme Court upheld the voiding of the documents as fraudulent.