Supreme Court of Iowa, 1934

Whitlock v. Norris

Whitlock v. Norris
Supreme Court of Iowa · Decided October 23, 1934 · Evans, Mitchell, Kindig, Albert, Donegan
250 N.W. 734; 218 Iowa 1066 (North Western Reporter)

Whitlock v. Norris

Opinion of the Court

Evans,'J.

In view of our conclusion that the judgment must be reversed and remanded for another trial, we refrain from discussing the evidence. We think that the evidence introduced made a case for the jury. The contract, being oral, lacked formality. But the fair inference might be drawn from the conversation that the drilling records had substantial value for the defendant when he became owner of the land. He himself was a prospector and engaged in the development of mines and became so engaged upon the *1068 Hardin land. We do not think it can be said conclusively that defendant promised a mere gratuity as distinguished from a consideration.

The judgment below is accordingly reversed and the cause remanded to the district court.- — Reversed and remanded.

Mitchell, C. J., and Kindig, Albert, and Donegan, JJ., concur.

Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.