Court Opinion

ID: 9809225
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-31 21:04:38.648016+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T12:25:33.696311
License: Public Domain

ClajkK, J.,
concurring:. I concur in the' conclusion that the judgment appealed from, which committed the custody of the children to the grandparents, was erroneous. The testator appointed H. Gf. Connor and his brother, E. F. Young, “guardians of the persons and estates” of his children, There is neither allegation, proof, nor even suggestion that they are unfit for, or have been derelict in the performance of that trust, and I see no warrant of law to discharge them from any part of it. The will instructed them to place the children with Mrs. Setzer. If such sub-agent proved unfit, they would not relieve the guardians of the trust as to the persons of the children, unless the guardians were shown to have connived at or been responsible in some way for the shortcomings of their agent. The will does not give the custody of the children to Mrs. Setzer, but to the guardians, with instructions to place them with her. In view of this fact and the findings of His Honor, that while with Mrs, Setzer the children “were not properly clothed, and their persons were allowed to remain unclean,” and that she is “unable to give the infants proper personal attention,” I cannot concur in the order that the children should be returned to the custody of Mrs. Setzer. I am of opinion that the order of the *158court below giving the custody to the grandparents should be set aside, and the children should be returned to the custody of PI. G. Connor and E. F. Young, whom the will creates “guardians of the persons and estates of the said children.” Whether or not the said guardians shall continue to observe the directions of the will, to entrust the care of the children to Mrs. Setzer, is a matter resting in the sound discretion of the guardians, subject to the supervision ol the court under proper application. There can be no doubt that they, knowing the facts and circumstances thoroughly, will place the children with her or some one else, according as their best interests will require, and for sufficient reason, which will be satisfactory to a court of chancery.