Explanation for the Owner Giving a Quitclaim Deed to the Tenant

In Bennett v. Hodge, 374 Ill. 326, 330, 29 N.E.2d 524, 527 (1940), numerous relatives claimed ownership to a farm through Semer Colman, who died without children. Jesse Colman, a nephew, grew up in Semer's home, with Semer and his wife, Alice. Jesse eventually became the sole tenant of the farm. He discussed with Alice a plan where she would not pay taxes on the farm, and he would buy the farm at a tax sale. Before Jesse received a tax deed, he took a quitclaim deed from Alice, which resulted in him owning 41/80 of the title, 40/80 from Alice and 1/80 that he inherited from Semer. The court noted evidence that Alice had expressed the intention that Jesse should have the farm. Bennett, 374 Ill. at 333, 29 N.E.2d at 528. In Bennett, accordingly, an explanation existed for the owner giving a quitclaim deed to the tenant. This case affords no explanation for the owner giving a 15-year lease to the tenant.