Matter Jeannette E. Wigand v. State

From a judgment of the Circuit Court of the City of St. Louis affirming the action of the Director of Public Health and Welfare which removed Jeannette Wigand from the old age assistance rolls, Mrs. Wigand has appealed. We affirm the judgment of the lower court. Mrs. Wigand, a widow, was 78 years old and a resident of St. Louis, Missouri. She and her husband had owned and operated a small store. But after he became ill, they sold the store and had spent the money gained from the sale for medical and living expenses during the seven years of his illness. After her husband died, July 24, 1963, she cashed a United States Savings bond which they had saved and bought two $500.00 time certificates of deposit at American National Bank. These certificates were placed by Mrs. Wigand in her name and the name of her deceased husband's sister, Matilda Mae Sorrells. In form, they were issued: Jeannette Wigand ""or"" Matilda Mae Sorrells. Both certificates were kept in a safe deposit box rented to Murrel E. Sorrells and his wife, Matilda, with no right of access by Mrs. Wigand. When asked as to her intentions concerning the placing of Mrs. Sorrell's name on the certificates, Mrs. Wigand said this was done so that if either one died the survivor would become the owner. According to Mrs. Wigand, one certificate was intended to be the property of Mr. and Mrs. Sorrells to repay them for money advanced even though it was placed in the names of Mrs. Wigand and Mrs. Sorrells. Interest from both certificates was paid to Mrs. Wigand.