Steffey v. Steffey ex rel. Steffey

Bowie, C, J., delivered the opinion of this Court: In form, the bill filed by the complainants (the appellees) En this case, was an application to the Circuit Court of Carroll county, as a Court of Equity, for the sale of certain real estate, the proceeds to be invested for the benefit of a minor heir,, one of the complainants. In effect, however, it is a bill for the specific performance of a supposed contract of sale, made by the appellants with Michael Steffey, (the father of one of the appellees,) through whom, and by which contract, she claimed the whole proceeds of the land, subject to the widow’s dower. The lands were held by Michael Steffey and Mary Crumrine, the children and heirs ¹² ■qf Eve Steffey, deceased, in undivided moieties, in fee. On tbe 3rd of May 1854, tbe supposed contract was entered into -in these: words : ■ “ Agreed, on the 3rd of May 1854, between Michael Steffey, of Carroll county, State of Maryland, of the one part, and William Crumrine, of the said county and State, of the other part: William Crumrine has bargained and sold unto Michael Steffey all his rights, claims and interest for three hundred dollars, and did receive on it two hundred dollars, and the said William Crumrine is to give the said Michael ■Steffey a good right and title, and the said Michael Steffey is to pay, half yearly, twenty dollars, until the hundred dollars is paid.

Given under our hands and seals, this 3rd ■day of March 1854, it being all his and her rights, titles and claims of Eve Steffey, wife of John Steffey. Being the seal property of sixty-seven acres and a half. As witness ■our hands and seals, this 3rd of May 1854. William Crumrine, (Seal.) Mart.

Crumrine, (Seal.) Signed, sealed and delivered in