In Re Strittmater

140 N.J. Eq. 94, 53 A.2d 205 (1947)

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Nature of the Case

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Facts

Strittmater left her estate to the National Women's Party. Her cousins, with whom she had very little to do contested the will. Evidence from Dr. Sarah D Smalley, Strittmater's personal physician, showed that Strittmater suffered from paranoia of the Bleuler type of split personality and that Strittmater had suffered from this schizophrenia all her adult life. Strittmater's lifelong physician, Dr. Sarah Smalley, testified to the court that Strittmater suffered from paranoia and a split personality. There was no contrary medical testimony, although the court noted that the factual evidence supported a split personality. In her public dealings, she was often 'entirely reasonable and normal' and demonstrated a healthy, loving relationship with her parents. Yet in some later notes, she described her mother as a 'Moronic she-devil' and her father as an 'unintelligent savage.' Her occasionally reasonable disposition would often be overcome by violent outbursts, including the killing of a pet kitten, explosive tantrums with 'vile language,' and destruction of household furniture (including a clock). Her secret scribblings espoused an 'insane hatred of men' that manifested in a desire that all baby boys be 'put to death at birth.' Evidence showed that Strittmater made angry comments about her deceased parents, voiced intense hatred for men, and showed intense support of the women's movement. Her relations with bankers and lawyers were entirely normal. The orphans court admitted the will to probate. The cousins appealed that decision.