Mary Ann Campbell, Appellant v. Charles L. Beaumont, Respondent

Summary

The New York Court of Appeals reversed the General and Special Terms, holding that the testator’s clause granting his widow "all my property ... to be enjoyed by her for her sole use and benefit" conveys a fee‑simple absolute interest, not a life estate, and that the subsequent provision for the son is void. The decision rests on a plain‑meaning construction of the will language.