Harvey v. Rackliffe

This case is before us on report from the Supreme Court of Probate for the County of Knox. It is an appeal by the administratrix of the estate of Etta E. Covel from a decree of the Judge of Probate of that county, which determined that the sum of $888.75, representing the proceeds in her hands as such administratrix from the cashing of certain United States War Bonds, belonged not to her but to the administratrix of the estate of William A. Griffin. The United States of America, because of the importance to it of the issue involved, has filed a brief as amicus curiae. The facts are not in dispute. William A. Griffin purchased with his own money United States War Bonds having a maturity value of $1,125. In accordance with United States Treasury Department Regulations Circular No. 530, the applicable provisions of which are Sections 315.1, 315.2, 315.4(c), 315.8, 315.34, 315.35, 315.36, and 315.37, these bonds were registered in the so-called beneficiary form in the name of William A. Griffin payable on death to Etta E. Covel. The essential part of the statute authorizing their issuance reads as follows: