Moseley v. Goodman
Tennessee Supreme Court
195 S.W. 590 (1917)
- Written by Sean Carroll, JD
Facts
E.J. Halley operated a tobacco shop at which he sold cigars made by R.L. Moseley. F.S. Trimble (Mr. Trimble) was the salesman who sold the Moseley cigars to Halley. Halley became friendly with Mr. Trimble and his wife, Lillian Trimble, over several years. Halley came to calling Mr. Trimble “Moseley” due to the cigars he sold and called Mrs. Trimble “Mrs. Moseley.” Late in his life, Halley became sick and began staying at an apartment managed by Mrs. Trimble. Mrs. Trimble and her housekeeper, Anna Lang, took care of Halley for a few months before he died. Halley’s will, executed two days before his death, left $20,000 for “Mrs. Moseley” and $20,000 for “Mrs. Moseley’s housekeeper.” Evidence indicated that Halley held Mrs. Trimble and Lang in very high regard. Lenoir Moseley (plaintiff), the wife of R.L. Moseley, claimed that she was the Mrs. Moseley referenced in Halley’s will. Lenoir Moseley acknowledged in testimony that Halley did not know her. The chancery court ruled in favor of Mrs. Trimble, finding that she was the Mrs. Moseley referenced in the will. The court of civil appeals affirmed. Lenoir Moseley appealed.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Neil, C.J.)
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