In re Jacobson , 19 N.Y. St. Rep. 262 ( 1887 )

The Surrogate.

I am satisfied, by the testimony submitted in this proceeding, that the paper propounded for probate as the will of Dorothea Jacobson was signed by her in the presence of the subscribing witnesses; that those witnesses severally appended their names to such paper at her request, and that, in their presence, she declared it to be her will. It is, however, contended that probate should be denied because the signature of the testatrix is not at “ the end” of the instrument, as required by law.

Upon examination of the alleged will, it appears that the signatures of the witnesses are below the signature of the decedent, and that, underneath them all; appear the words: “ William Wolff to be executor. Witness Dr. Harris, Mrs. Abrahamson and Mr. Goldberg.” When this was written, or by whom it was written, the testimony does not clearly disclose. There is no appointment of an executor in the body of the instrument, and if in fact the words above quoted were inserted before execution, they must be considered as a part of a pretended testamentary paper, which is invalid for the reason insisted upon by the contestant’s counsel. If, on the other hand, the words in question were not upon the paper at the time it was signed and published, its validity has not been destroyed by their subsequent insertion.

Further evidence may be offered in this regard, before the final determination of this controversy.