Nicoll v. Todd

Citations

• 70 Ill. 295

Syllabus

<p>1. Doweb—in what estate. To entitle a widow to dower, her husband, at some time during the coverture, must have been seized of either a legal or equitable estate in land. If an equitable title, it must have been such that, in case of his death, it would have descended to his heirs at law as real estate, instead of going to his personal representatives as a chattel interest or chose in action.</p> <p>2. Where, before a conveyance to a husband, another person acquires an equitable title to land by purchase and part payment of the purchase money, and takes possession, makes improvements and finally completes his payments, and receives a deed before the prior deed is recorded, the widow of the prior grantee will not be entitled to dower in the land.</p>