Dodge Testamentary Trust

Facts

John F. Dodge, a successful automobile manufacturer, died testate on January 14, 1920. His will, dated April 4, 1918, was admitted to probate in Wayne County and established a residuary trust for his widow and four of his six children. Upon the death of his children—Winifred, Isabella, Frances, and Daniel—the trust directs that their shares be conveyed to their heirs. Dodge’s survivors included his widow, Matilda R. Dodge (Wilson), and six children: John Duval, Winifred, Isabella, Frances, Daniel, and Anna Margaret. The first three were from his marriage to Ivy Dodge, and the latter three were from his marriage to Matilda, who later remarried and adopted two children. Winifred Dodge Gray (Seyburn), the eldest child, passed away in 1980, ending the residuary trust. She had four surviving children from two marriages. Isabella died in 1962 without issue, and John Duval, who was largely disinherited, died in 1942, leaving a daughter. Anna Margaret, born after the will was executed, died intestate in 1924. Daniel died in 1938, survived by his widow and mother, while Frances died in 1971, leaving her husband and three children.