Board of Councilmen v. David
Board of Councilmen v. David
Opinion of the Court
Opinion by
It may be assumed that the plat of 1848 was made matter of record upon motion of E. K. Jantes, and that this was done with
It is evident, however, that ño one understood that the lot was to be sold for either of the purposes indicated, or, indeed, for any kindred purpose. If it had been formally accepted by the town it would necessarily have been devoted to some general public use, such as that of a park or pleasure ground, or as the site of town buildings or for some use in which all the people were interested. It is evident, therefore, that those who purchased lots from David or James have no peculiar interest in the alleged dedication, and that they hold no rights of property therein not common to every one else residing in the town.
It is necessary, therefore, in order to make out title in the municipality, to show an acceptance by it of the proffered dedication. There is no proof tending to show an acceptance prior to about 1859 or i860. Long before that time (in 1855), David had clearly manifested his withdrawal of the proposal to dedicate the lot to the town. He did this by publishing the lithographic map, upon which this square was subdivided into building lots. It is true he declined to sell off these lots, but appellant shows by her own witness that he so refused because he expected ultimately to dedicate the lot to the use of the county of Union, in case the county seat should be removed to Uniontown. Upon the whole case, we are of opinion that there is no sufficient evidence of an acceptance by the town of the proffered dedication prior to 1855, when the proposal was withdrawn. But if this was a matter of doubt, we would nevertheless affirm the judgment. The petition does not aver possession in the town, and the proof shows beyond peradventure that appellees held actual adverse possession of the lot when this suit was instituted.
The judgment dismissing the petition must be affirmed.
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.